Old shotgun.

[eighteenninetytwo]

I have my eye on a cape gun - side by side one rifle and one 16 gauge shotgun. This is an antique and the chamber for the 16 gauge is 2.5 inches. I think that most modern shells are 2.75 inches. so firstly I'll have to get it reame dout if I can use it. SECINDLy - does anyone have any experience with antique shotguns in respect of whether they are able to use modern shells from the pressure aspect of things. Is there any huge difference? What would I look out for? Are there any specific type of shotguns or barrels which cannot use modern shells?

[gun toting monkeyboy]

I have my eye on a cape gun - side by side one rifle and one 16 gauge shotgun. This is an antique and the chamber for the 16 gauge is 2.5 inches. I think that most modern shells are 2.75 inches. so firstly I'll have to get it reame dout if I can use it. SECINDLy - does anyone have any experience with antique shotguns in respect of whether they are able to use modern shells from the pressure aspect of things. Is there any huge difference? What would I look out for? Are there any specific type of shotguns or barrels which cannot use modern shells?

NO! NO! NO! NO!!! Don't go f***ing up a perfectly good antique just so you can use modern ammo in it. There are enough damned Bubbas out there. Don't you become one too. Old guns like that are to be treated with respect, not chopped up like some cheap Wallyworld special. You are going to have to learn to reload. Deal with it, or don't get the gun. Antiques shotguns and rifles are not always safe for modern or even smokeless ammunition. You need to find out what it is, and when it was made, and that should give you some idea of what you need to reload it. It isn't that hard to cut down plastic shells to use. And there are new brass shells out there that come in the shorter lengths. Go that route instead of destroying a rare and irreplaceable piece of history.

-Mb

[eighteenninetytwo]

Thank you - Actually that's pretty much what I woudl have said if somone had suggested re chambering a Lee Enfield (my speciality). Brought back to my senses now. The rifle is chambered to .303 british incidentally , hence my interest. Can one get 2.5 Inch 16 gauge cartridges nowadays?

[Fjold]

Don't alter it:

Here:

http://mashburnssafarimilitarygoods.com/shotgunshells.aspx

[professionalcoyotehunter]

I always say upgrade and alter to your needs unless it is worth more in original condition.

[mjsweims]

Gamebore makes 2-1/2" ammunition and is aailable from Ballistic Products. Its a little expensive so if you will be shooting a lot reload.

[chefdude]

that sounds like a wonderful bore gun....show some pictures please and dont alter you shotgun.. it would be like buying an old Rolls Royce and droping a Toyota Prius motor in it....keep in ORIGINAL...no Mods

[Argonaut]

I have drillings and a bockbusch.....and have owned many thrugh the years. If the gun has steel (not Damascus) barrels (they nearly all did) I shoot all of mine. I don't shoot heavy loads but trap or target loads are fine. I would consider having the chamber lengthened to 2 3/4 Inches. It is a very common practice and will not reduce the value of your gun. While in the shop, have the smith look it over for safety. I do not shoot Damascus barrels....they can have flaws internally after the years and even with black powder rounds are scary. Barrels that have poor lockups are not shooters either. I have LC Smiths that were made in 1896.....I love shooting them too.

[Argonaut]

What caliber is the rifle side?

[an actual gun]

Antique shotgun usually throws up a red flag in terms of shooting modern ammo. Above all be sure it's not a damascus steel barrel. I really wouldn't shoot it to be honest, at least not from what you've said so far. Wall-hanger.

[Thefeeder]

Thank you - Actually that's pretty much what I woudl have said if somone had suggested re chambering a Lee Enfield (my speciality). Brought back to my senses now. The rifle is chambered to .303 british incidentally , hence my interest. Can one get 2.5 Inch 16 gauge cartridges nowadays?

Yes, 16ga 2 9/16 are available, maybe in blackpowder also.
I just do'nt remenber which co....do some goolge'n

Also +1 on leaving it alone.

[Argonaut]

I am of the Jay Leno school of collecting, I love to look at them and handle them but they are all about being shot. These are hunting guns. 303 is a Very unusual caliber for a Cape gun. Most of them are German or Austrian made (like the Governor) and they seldom if ever chambered 303 British. They have dozens of calibers that are similar though......The 8X57 Rim is probably a better guess (the same bore diameter in many guns)......The European guns are not as clearly marked as to caliber and cartridge so be careful. Many gun makers had there own proprietary ammunition. If there is a question, get a chamber cast to make sure. It is possible that it was rechambered by someone to shoot the more common 303 but you really need to check for sure. The Rifle caliber is another clue to the strength of the gun....The 303 British was loaded as a smokless round since 1891.