Greetings all from Vermont. I recently found this page and am full of questions, but figured I'd sit back for a while before I posted. As a younger man I hunted grouse (AKA pa'tridges in these parts) & woodcock over Gordon Setters that my ex and I raised. I had not had a bird dog in years until we got an English Setter pup about 2 years ago. I was saying that I might not have enough fuel left in my tank to train another dog, but "Sonny" changed my mind soon after we brought him home. Since getting such a classy dog, I thought was high time to step up my shotgun battery from a few beater pumps and a Savage Stevens 20 ga SxS that I had cut down to 21 inches. I ended up with a 1926 LC Smith ideal grade 20ga that I got from the breeder who is an accumulator of old Parkers. Learned all about 2 1/2 shells and their notable absence from most shops. Recently went to an auction and picked up a V Benelli Gamecock Ultralight 20 and an Ithaca Flues 20. Lots of questions on these, especially the Ithaca. This looks like a great place full of knowledgeable folks. On my way right now to have an excellent gunsmith check out the Ithaca. Looking forward to spending time on this board.

Welcome to the Forum.

You will find many sensible and helpful contributors here.

As to 2 1/2 inch shells, plenty on this side of the pond but you would have to put up with our gun laws (and the impending lead ban!)

RST 2.5-inch 20 gauge


Welcome! RST does sell low pressure shells for short chambered vintage guns, but their inventory is limited and only intermittently available. Today they do list as available 20 gauge 2.5 inch shells, 3/4 ounces and only #9 shot. Their shells sell out pretty quickly and if you want to buy them you need to check the website frequently, or I think they may be willing to notify you of availability if you contact them.
I have been handloading for a couple of short chambered English guns I have (16 and 20 gauge) and find it enjoyable. If you are interested in going the handloading route I would be happy to share what I have learned about it.
Many others on this site are more knowledgeable than I about the guns you have acquired. The LC Smith 20 gauge is certainly a great start.

Yes!! Welcome to the board. You're just in time for the food fight. Seriously....... it sounds like you have a nice collection of guns. These guys are great . I learn a lot from them, too. Enjoy!!

Welcome to the board from a fellow grouse and woodcock hunter. As the season is upon us, enjoy the coming season and post often!
Karl

I think the lc smith has 23/4 chambers and that gun is fairly modern by my sxs standards

The Bernardelli would have 2 3/4”. Chambers

greetings from across the river in nh...

as for your 20 ga flues, they are delightfully light little grouse and woodcock guns...however, the old wood is often quite fragile...so, shoot 3/4 oz loads...and baby it...

regarding lengthening 2 1/2" chambers...most american made guns have enough barrel wall thicknesses in front of the chambers to safely lengthen to 2 3/4"...consult a gunsmith with lots of experience with american made guns...before doing so...

for reference, my gunsmith for over 20 years, used a general guideline that required .090 or better of barrel wall in front of chambers, before considering removing metal...

and then, some here will argue that it is ok to shoot 2 3/4" shells in old guns with short chambers...and that lengthening chambers serves little positive purpose...

in any event, enjoy this coming season in your wonderful green mountains of vermont...

Welcome to the board, from a fellow grouse hunter and antique/vintage gun user. Have a great season!

Yes, there is much to read and enjoy on this board. Happy reading!

Thanks for the welcome and info. I know about the RST shells and have managed to squirrel away a few boxes. On the lookout for more, and hoping the supply thing will loosen up a bit in time like it has with other ammo. I have a few buddies that are serious skeet / clay shooters and reloaders too. I'm lucky enough to have found an excellent gunsmith that is extremely knowledgeable about old doubles , and is located an hour away in Woodstock VT. I also bought my NH license and am planning hunting in the Northwoods of the Granite State with my Setter. And he's, I never lose sight of the fact that I'm blessed to live in such a beautiful place. Thanks, all.

Welcome.

You know, the Italian gun would seem to answer most of the questions you are asking. Just sayin’.

You can run to one of the marts, or, a gun shop, buy some 20 gauge ammunition off the shelf, and hunt grouse the rest of the season.

Good luck this year.

Best,
Ted

L.C. Smith 20 gauges changed to 2 3/4" in the early to mid 1930's and were stamped on the water table 2 3/4" chambers. The 16 gauges were late 1930's to early 1940's. I have a 1939 that still has 2 9/16" chambers.

I agree and the fact is I see myself using that one the majority of the time. But...... I also want to be able to get a little use outof the other two. I've already got a stash of the more common stuff.

Mine is a 1925. Thanks.

From a safety standpoint, before shooting any gun which was made with chambers shorter than 2.75 inches (the LC Smith and maybe the Flues), it is critical to measure the chambers and determine whether they are still their original length. If it has had the chambers lengthened, as has been done to quite a few, you then need to know whether the wall thickness at and immediately beyond the new chamber is adequate to withstand shooting shells of ANY length. If the chambers are still their original length, just shoot 2.5 inch shells.

Welcome. I have a 12 gauge flues that will be celebrating it’s 100th birthday next year. I love that gun...I load 1oz rounds for it and it’s very easy to,shoot. I’m always on the lookout for a 20.