J Stevens 20 Gauge Single Shot

[MetalDoc]

Hey all,
Posted this a few days ago in C&R http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=536380

A friend passed this shotgun on to me, and just wondering if anyone has any additional good information to pass along. I was able to find a replacement stock (fore end was cracked), and the action is currently being stripped to be cleaned and reblued (cold blue), basically a $100, century old, utility gun.

Are these safe to fire provided the action is tight? I have seen a least one posting on another forum basically recommending bird/target shot and no slugs or magnum rounds.

Thanks!

[MetalDoc]

I should also mention that after disassembly the bore is generally clean, with a tight adherent patina. No scaling rust at all. I ran a brush up and down it followed by some bore shine. How clean does the bore need to be before a trip to the range?

[bjl333]

I would say don't shoot anything longer the a 2 3/4" shell in her. The older guns weren't made for a 3" shell. Shooting a 3" shell out of such a light gun would probably hurt too much for me anyways!!

If in doubt have a gunsmith check it out! Also measure the chamber to make sure she ain't a 2 1/2" gun. Remember, a 3" shell would drop in a 2 1/2" chamber gun!!!