old shotguns and steel shot questions

I'm not a shotgunner at all and haven't hunted birds in decades and need some of your expertise.

My son just got an offer to go pheasant hunting next weekend and after the excitement wore off I remembered the steel shot and old guns issue. I have two 50's - 70's era shotguns that he'd have to use. Believe me, I 'd love to use this excuse to buy a new Citori or even a new pump, but money is insanely tight right now so we have to make due with what we have.

One gun is a Sears Ted Williams 20g pump with the external adjustable choke which I believe is the same as a Winchester 1200. The other gun is a 50's or 60's vintage 16gauge pump Winnie. that's all I know about it at the mement, I'll check it out closer tonight.
So, if we shoot either, is it dangerous to shoot with steel shot? This is not worth somebody getting hurt.

Also, if I replaced the barrels with new barrels would these guns be good to go from here on out? I'm thinking that's the best bang for the buck if I can find replacement barrels reasonably priced.
Both guns are in at least very good shape, with that Ted Williams probably have less than 50 rounds through it.

Thanks!
Robb

I just googled replacement Win 1200 barrels and definately am stunned. I can buy a new gun for around $100.00 more than a replacement barrel!?! I was guessing new barrels were sub $100.00 or so, not over double that.

This kind of bums me out, but maybe I should sell my shotguns and just buy a new Rem 870...

Robb

You should bring them with you tomorrow and give one to me. :D

I don't want to spread any misinformation here and maybe I am totally wrong... but... If it is just pheasants you are planning on hunting I don't believe you need to use steel shot. I believe steel shot is only required for waterfowl in the state of Colorado.

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Originally Posted by ray1970

I don't want to spread any misinformation here and maybe I am totally wrong... but... If it is just pheasants you are planning on hunting I don't believe you need to use steel shot. I believe steel shot is only required for waterfowl in the state of Colorado.

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This is correct. You don't need steel shot nor would I recommend it. Dig out a box of lead and happy hunting!

I'm probably wrong, but I didn't believe steel shot was a bad thing if only shot a couple times? If you shoot steel every single time, you'd probably want a newer barrel? Right? Wrong?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gnihcraes

I'm probably wrong, but I didn't believe steel shot was a bad thing if only shot a couple times? If you shoot steel every single time, you'd probably want a newer barrel? Right? Wrong?

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Depending on the choke, even one shot can be enough to loosen the rib and/or put a ring in the barrel just before the choke area. With a cylinder choke, there is a fair chance that he could get away with it for a while, or maybe forever. With a modified choke, the chances of not damaging anything go down quite a bit, and with a full choke it would be almost a sure thing. As far as the external adjustable choke is concerned, I seem to recall Polychoke saying that the older ones were NOT steel shot rated. I could be wrong about this.

This only pertains to this gun. Older European guns weren't proofed at high enough pressures for most modern steel loads, so your rib and the end of the barrel are the last thing you would be worried about. The important thing there would be your face.

"Also, if I replaced the barrels with new barrels would these guns be good to go from here on out? I'm thinking that's the best bang for the buck if I can find replacement barrels reasonably priced."

This is true, but financially you would be way better off buying a new gun. If the Winchester is a Model 12, PLEEEZE don't try expirementing with steel shot. That gun is WAY too cool to risk messing it up.

First thing. Save the money. Go buy some pheasant loads that are lead. Steel shot is only necessary for waterfowl.

As for the guns. Do NOT shoot steel shot from them
. They aren't designed for steel shot and the hardness of the barrel. And chamber is not set up for steel shot. A lot of shells using steel shot produce much higher pressures now.

I actually hunt with steel shot 3" shells for pheasant but I have a newer gun and the chokes are steel approved.

Hope your boy has fun and gets some birds!

I am driving now to get some pheasants myself (hopefully)!

Well, I definately should have done more research before posting, for some reason I was just so sure that lead shot had been banned, thanks for setting me straight.

I did some pheasant hunting decades ago with dad and still remember walking those cornfields in the cold and what fun it was, especially when you got to the end of the field! I've tried to do some bird hunting here in CO but knocking on doors just hasn't worked for me. Hopefully we'll gain some insight and some knowledge on the walk in program here and start doing more hunting other than just deer/antelope.

Thanks again for the responses.

Robb