Are there any other die hards out there like myself who still love to use the older shotguns for waterfowling? Attachment 38920
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Are there any other die hards out there like myself who still love to use the older shotguns for waterfowling? Attachment 38920
Sadly no. My old gun doesn't shoot steel. I will still take it trap shooting once and awhile. It still feels better than all my other guns.
We use bismuth. My son reloads it as well.
Okay, I'll chime in... :)
My 36 year old O/U has been my beloved "Go To" gun for anything and everything since I bought it new in 1984.
I am not what you call an avid waterfowler, but since steel shot became the norm I did not hesitate to use 2.75 & 3 inch non-toxic shells in this shotty. After a hunt in 2015/16 the gun developed a problem and I finally took it to the gunsmith last year. He said that I should not be using that gun for duck hunting anymore. Well, I do love that firearm and I do listen to that gunsmith!
Bottom line >>> SAFETY FIRST.
So, I bought another shotgun specifically for waterfowling, which has been safely sitting at home due to lack of time and having no place to go! Geese flying over my house honking right now by the way. Maybe they are mocking me?! :silly:
I shoot my solid ribbed Model 12 Heavy Duck about 25% of the time for waterfowl. It was never in collector shape, so I had it drilled and tapped for thinwalls so I can shoot steel through it. Patterns extremely well with a flush fit Improved Modified.
Can't get enough of those old M12s!
Attachment 38921
-Nick
Can you recommend a gunsmith to install thin wall chokes in older guns?Quote:
Originally Posted by Sprite
Sweet gun!Quote:
Originally Posted by Sprite
I like to take out my Browning auto 5 mag 20 a couple times a year for waterfowl. Knocks-’em down just fine. Also a great fall turkey gun.
I had Lawry,s send my Win. model 12, 3 inch heavy duck gun barrel to Briley,s in Texas and had steel compatible thin wall choke tubes installed.Quote:
Originally Posted by pinepointer
That is my go to waterfowl gun, sometimes I also use my model 12 feather weight using Bismuth Shot .
Sure do like my old Win. model 12,s , they never fail !
Gotta love old pump guns!!
Attachment 38922
Thanks very much. Do you recall length of time until barrel was returned to you, and approximate cost?
I love 16 ga. I own several..sxs, rem 48, Browning Sweet 16[original], Rem 870 Wingmaster. I no longer duck hunt, but I love chasing grouse, woodcock, and bunnies, even deer! All of these guns are at least 50 years old, and run flawlessly. I need to get rid of a bunch, but its like selling your kids!:sad:
Hahaha!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by jim
Call Rick Lawry, he will let you know current price and time it takes, 905 765 3343.Quote:
Originally Posted by pinepointer
I had mine done several years ago, turn about time , and prices most likely have changed, I also had my 10 gauge done by them.
Never used my old guns for waterfowl due to the steel shot but for hare and grouse I used them once and a while when I feel like changing up things
I'm still using my 870 wingmaster that I got 45 yrs ago for my 15th birthday, and it was used when I got it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff Kavanagh
i got an Iver Johnson 12 gauge SxS i'd love to put steel through for ducks but i don't want to completely f*** it up
You can use bismuthQuote:
Originally Posted by ben1983
A family member of mine did it in their shop.Quote:
Originally Posted by pinepointer
Thanks for the lead and good luck this seasonQuote:
Originally Posted by jaycee
On nice days...1949 Model 12 sixteen....1959 Antonio Zoli sixteen sxs.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff Kavanagh
Both shooting my hand loaded bismuth loads.
I love the 16s. I had an absolutely mint Auto 5 Sweet Sixteen with a matted non-ribbed modified barrel that I'm still kicking myself for selling. Never even shot the thing!Quote:
Originally Posted by zoli 16ga.
-Nick
On a side note, anyone know where I can buy bismuth shot for reloading in Ontario?
Bilozir...in alberta. he will ship it.Quote:
Originally Posted by fishhawk
http://www.bilozir.net/index.htm
bought about 36lbs. from them so far. great product. #5's bismuth will work from geese to divers in my experience. pm if you wish.
yikes! A coveted gun for sure.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sprite
Thanks Zoli 16ga, would like to load up some 28ga shells for teal and wood ducks.
Not so old, but pushing 40 yrs old. Remington model 878 in 2 3/4" Semi (modified barrel) never quits..kills duck, geese and grouse. cheap to feed, dead reliable.
The first gun i ever hunted with was an old Ithica 16ga. Super dependable.
fieldtrip, your story is almost the same as mine with the same gun, only I bought mine used 47 years ago.