Dumb shotgun questions

RCPractitioner · November 1, 2005, 11:47 PM

This is probably a dumb question but I am not sure where to ask. I am planning on going duck hunting this coming weekend and the only appropriate gun I have is my dove gun, a Smith and Wesson 12 guage auto chanbered in 2 3/4 with a fixed improved cylinder. Here are my dumb questions? Is a 2 3/4 enough gun for ducks (especially with an IC)? And second I know that steel shot is required to be legal but how do I confirm that steel shot is ok to use in my gun? Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

mtnboomer · November 2, 2005, 05:48 AM

If your shotgun doesn't say it is proofed for steel shot - IT AIN'T! You will end up destroying your choke and possibly the end of your barrel. I would suggest going to the local Wally World and picking up a Mossberg 500/Maverick 88 or Remington 870 12-gauge pump. The Modified choke that comes with it will be fine for use with steel shot as steel patterns much tighter than lead.

Clemson · November 2, 2005, 11:22 AM

A 2 3/4 inch I.C. gun is fine for decoyed ducks. Go to a large gun store and buy Bismuth shells. They are high as a cat's back, but they are non-toxic, deadly on ducks, and they won't hurt your gun.

Clemson

Lee Lapin · November 2, 2005, 07:26 PM

I don't know the magazine capacity of your gun, but if it will hold more than two shells you need to find a plug for it to stay legal.

lpl/nc

RCPractitioner · November 3, 2005, 03:26 AM

OK so that I understand correctly: Unless my gun says so stay away from steel shot, however, Bismuth shot will work and is safe to use in my gun? My gun holds 1 in the chamber and 2 in the magazine so it is illegal to use unless I modify it to only hold 1 in the chamber and 1 in the magazine? Thanks for all the input so far.

osirus101 · November 3, 2005, 03:46 AM

If you are unsure about your shotgun being capable of shooting steel shot...i would recomend calling or getting a hold of Smith & Wesson and asking them...they would know..they made it...and as far as 2 3/4 with a ic go it is enough for duck. hope this helps

Osirus101

Dave McC · November 3, 2005, 04:35 AM

RC, 2+1 is legal. Bismuth will work.

Clemson · November 3, 2005, 08:13 AM

No magazine modifications required. Two in the magazine plus one in the chamber is a legal configuration. Just buy some Bismuth shells and fire away!

Clemson

RCPractitioner · November 3, 2005, 11:07 AM

sounds good thanks for all the help guys!

November 1, 2005, 11:47 PM	#1
RCPractitioner Member Join Date: March 12, 2005 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 95	Dumb shotgun questions This is probably a dumb question but I am not sure where to ask. I am planning on going duck hunting this coming weekend and the only appropriate gun I have is my dove gun, a Smith and Wesson 12 guage auto chanbered in 2 3/4 with a fixed improved cylinder. Here are my dumb questions? Is a 2 3/4 enough gun for ducks (especially with an IC)? And second I know that steel shot is required to be legal but how do I confirm that steel shot is ok to use in my gun? Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks! __________________ Don't gouge me bro!

November 2, 2005, 05:48 AM	#2
mtnboomer Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2004 Location: Oklahoma by birth. America by the grace of God. Posts: 635	If your shotgun doesn't say it is proofed for steel shot - IT AIN'T! You will end up destroying your choke and possibly the end of your barrel. I would suggest going to the local Wally World and picking up a Mossberg 500/Maverick 88 or Remington 870 12-gauge pump. The Modified choke that comes with it will be fine for use with steel shot as steel patterns much tighter than lead. __________________ Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati (If all else fails - play dead!) Support the Second Amendment. Join the NRA > http://www.nra.org < Oklahoma State & Big 12 - #1 GO POKES!!!!!

November 2, 2005, 11:22 AM	#3
Clemson Senior Member Join Date: March 9, 2001 Location: Greenwood, SC Posts: 875	A 2 3/4 inch I.C. gun is fine for decoyed ducks. Go to a large gun store and buy Bismuth shells. They are high as a cat's back, but they are non-toxic, deadly on ducks, and they won't hurt your gun. Clemson __________________ NRA Endowment Member, NRA Certified Instructor CWP Holder US Army veteran Gunsmith www.boltandbarrel.com

November 3, 2005, 03:26 AM	#5
RCPractitioner Member Join Date: March 12, 2005 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 95	OK so that I understand correctly: Unless my gun says so stay away from steel shot, however, Bismuth shot will work and is safe to use in my gun? My gun holds 1 in the chamber and 2 in the magazine so it is illegal to use unless I modify it to only hold 1 in the chamber and 1 in the magazine? Thanks for all the input so far. __________________ Don't gouge me bro!

November 3, 2005, 08:13 AM	#8
Clemson Senior Member Join Date: March 9, 2001 Location: Greenwood, SC Posts: 875	No magazine modifications required. Two in the magazine plus one in the chamber is a legal configuration. Just buy some Bismuth shells and fire away! Clemson __________________ NRA Endowment Member, NRA Certified Instructor CWP Holder US Army veteran Gunsmith www.boltandbarrel.com

November 2, 2005, 07:26 PM	#4
Lee Lapin Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2004 Location: SE NC Posts: 1,239	I don't know the magazine capacity of your gun, but if it will hold more than two shells you need to find a plug for it to stay legal. lpl/nc

November 3, 2005, 03:46 AM	#6
osirus101 Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2005 Location: alaska Posts: 183	If you are unsure about your shotgun being capable of shooting steel shot...i would recomend calling or getting a hold of Smith & Wesson and asking them...they would know..they made it...and as far as 2 3/4 with a ic go it is enough for duck. hope this helps Osirus101

November 3, 2005, 04:35 AM	#7
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	RC, 2+1 is legal. Bismuth will work.

November 3, 2005, 11:07 AM	#9
RCPractitioner Member Join Date: March 12, 2005 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 95	sounds good thanks for all the help guys! __________________ Don't gouge me bro!