Shooting steel shot in older guns

[STexhunter]

I know this has been discussed a million times, but is it possible to shoot steel shot in shotguns 20 - 30 years old in very good plus condition without damage to the barrel.  I stopped hunting ducks before steel shot came out, now I have a friend that wants to go duck hunting.    Doing some recent research there still seems to be no clear cut answer, on shooting steel shot in older guns.  Some say yes, others say no.  Looking for some advise from you duck hunters out there.

[dukkillr]

You're right, there is no clear answer out there.  I shoot steel out of my old guns sparingly, and only if they are choked Modified or less.  I suspect most of the damaged barrel talk is hype, and after a few cases I've seen no damage in my most used Model 12, but I'm still cautious, just in case.  Steel patterns tighter than lead, and most would probably agree that on old Full choke should be retired for the purposes of steel shells.

What type of gun/choke are you considering?  If it's an old Mossberg or Sears or Higgins you could shoot plutonium through it, what's the worst that could happen?  If you're talking about a pigeon grade A5 with a full choke, I'd get a new gun.

[STexhunter]

I have an older Mossberg with a poly choke on it and this is the gun I thought I would use.  The choke is of course adjustable and I thought I would use it on modified.  Thanks for your reply. 

[gooser]

I had an old mossberg with the poly choke too. Mine was a 20ga. which I shot steel through it for a couple of seasons.I kept the choke adjusted just under modified. I don't recall any problems with it. The gun was made in the early 70's or possibly the late 60's.
 With steel shot wads being thicker than lead wads, I don't think it'll hurt it to shoot steel. Take a few shots and look at your barrel,see if there's any marks or scratches from it.

[SHOOTALL]

if the choke is to tight a ring may show up where the choke starts , if a rib is involved then it may come loose , but the shells today have more protective wads and barrel scuffing is less a problem , they claim !
tungsten matrix is a better shell than steel and less damaging than steel as  are  some others .
I didn't know anything could hurt a Mossberg pump ! a compliment not a cut !

[Doc T]

If it is a true Poly-Choke brand then you can shoot steel out of it safely.  That is according to the company.  I had the same question and contacted them once.  Any of their chokes are steel capable no matter how old they are.

Doc T