old shotguns and steel shot questions

[Robb]

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

[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

[Lex_Luthor]

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

[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.

[nontactical]

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.

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

[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?