Author Topic: Shot question (Read 828 times)

Silverado · « **on:** October 16, 2003, 08:52:31 PM »

I have an older Citori w/ full over modified fixed chokes. Is it true that I cannot shoot steel through these barrels? If so, whick lead substitute can I use? My girlfriend bought me the gun used, and wingshooting is new to me. Thanks for your help guys!

.45 COLT · « **Reply #1 on:** October 17, 2003, 07:10:48 AM »

I've seen a couple of older fixed-choke guns that had barrels ruined by shooting steel shot. First a ring appears in the choke area, then slight bulging and finally a split.

As far as substitutes, I don't know, I use only lead shot.

DC

Frog123 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 19, 2003, 06:29:32 AM »

It's true, although the new generation of steel is better than anything previously offered the manufacture will not endorse or recommend their product for older model guns or tight fixed chokes. Alternative non-toxic loads such a bismuth or tungsten based shot are good substitutes for lead. However, thie biggest draw back is cost, upwards of two dollars a shot in some loads.

Frog

Bob_K · « **Reply #3 on:** October 19, 2003, 12:53:50 PM »

Frog123...

Can Bismuth and Tungston be used in non-steel shot qualified barrels? My impression is that these are very hard as well, although perhaps a bit less hard than steel in the case of bismuth. The steel problem is based on its non-compressability as it passes through a choke restriction. You might be able to get by using just the Mod barrel, but the Full barrel would be high risk. Further, because steel (and Bismuth and Tungston) provide tighter patterns than lead through the same chokes, you probably would not want to use a Full barrel anyway.

Sivlerado...

If the barrels are 30" or more, one might just want to reserve this Citori for Trap shooting. If the barrels are shorter, you may want to have a gunsmith open the chokes to something you could hunt non-waterfowl game with (or leave them as is, depending on what you hunt). You could even open them up to Skeet and Skeet for use in that game. By the way, Browning has a website that can tell you when your shotgun was made:
http://www.browning.com/services/dategun/guns/citori.htm

Frog123 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 19, 2003, 01:07:38 PM »

Bob,

It is my understanding that you can use Bismuth and Tungsten Polymer loads in older non-steel proofed guns. I have an older Ithaca 37 and a Winchester model 12, one with a fixed full and the other with a fixed modified along with a hunting partner who has a 30" A-5 with a full choke. Both of us have put several hundred rounds between us through our guns with no ill effects. Bismuth is hard but has a brittle characteristic to it that causes it to fracture when put under extreme pressure (you can take a bismuth pellet and squeeze it in a pair of pliers and see this for yourself) I have the literature provided to me by the Kent Cartridge Co. concerning their tungsten matrix load. It's a mixture of powdered tungsten and a plastic like polymer matrix that causes it to be softer and more maleable than steel. I know of at least one manufacture who has a Tungsten/Iron load. This is a very hard load with excellent penetration but should only be used in steel shot safe gun choke combinations. I'll post further on this matter just to be safe.

Bob_K · « **Reply #5 on:** October 22, 2003, 06:44:10 AM »

Thanks for the update. I have no experience with either Bismuth or Tungsten Polymer. I use either steel in a 12 ga 3.5 inch, or HeviShot in 3 inch. I don't have a shotgun that is not rated for steel (Trap & Skeet guns excepted), but I may be more adventurous if I see that sweet little SXS at a gun shot.

dakotashooter2 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 31, 2003, 04:43:40 AM »

I also have an older fixed choke Browning. My solution was to have the full choke bored out to modified. This has been working nearly ideal for me as the modified choke works great for upland game when using lead and serves as a full choke when shooting steel. Please note that I do not shoot steel larger than BB (anything larger is worthless anyway) Going on 8 years and no problems so far. As a matter of fact the barrel looks much better now than when I bought it. For my own preference I am considering having one barrel opened to improved (mod for steel). That will make it an ideal gun for me.