100 Year-Old Gun New Shells = ?

Question

I have an old shotgun (not that I would dream of shooting it), but what would happen if I put new shells in and fired it? Just curious...

Answer 1

100 years back puts it into the 'smokeless' era.

If it was proofed for smokeless powder and is in good shape

it should handle modern ammo.

The pressure standards haven't changed.

Answer 2

Depends on condition. If it's only 100 years old, the metallurgy should be fine; smokeless powder was the norm several years before 1908. But have a gunsmith check for wear, headspace etc. if you do decide to fire it.

Of course, you can buy blackpowder shells now if you prefer, but it still should only be fired after it passes a gunsmith's inspection, if there is any doubt as to its condition.

Answer 3

A very good chance of splitting the barrel, even blowing up.  Have it checked by a gunsmith. NEVER shoot magnum, or high velocity ammunition  in an old firearm.The pressures generated by modern ammo is just to hot. I own several old fire arms, and before attempting to shoot any of them, I have a gunsmith check it out first and go by their recommendations.

Answer 4

what kind

it would probably shoot

Answer 5

If I were going to do it, I would first reload some very low pressure shells, tie a string to the trigger, and pull it from around the corner or behind a tree  

Answer 6

Just make sure you consult a competent Gunsmith before attempting to do so.* It could cause personal injury or possibly death if you don't have it checked out. Don't guess or accept anyone else's opinion.*

Answer 7

Dont do it until a qualified gunsmith looks at it..... Some of those old shotguns used whats know as a "Damascus barrel".... You can not put modern shotshells in those because of the higher pressures modern shotshells produce. It could lead to disastrous results.....  Find a guy that knows old guns for a look over......

The Damascus Barrel

Damascus or “Damascus twist” barrels are older shotgun barrels that typically were made before 1900. Iron and steel ribbons were twisted and welded together. Damascus barrels are weaker than modern barrels and are not designed for the high gas pressures created by modern ammunition. Damascus barrels have a distinctive, irregular pattern of short, streak-like marks around the barrel.

If you have a Damascus barrel gun, don’t shoot it. The barrel may burst slightly ahead of the chamber, crippling the shooter’s hand or forearm. If you have an older firearm and are not sure if it has a Damascus barrel, go to a qualified gunsmith to identify its make before shooting it.

Answer 8

Think ruptured pipe

Trip to the ER

And that's if your lucky.

Also that's if it is unsafe to shoot.

I would have 3 smiths inspect it.

If any one or more says no then don't

Answer 9

You need to take it to a qualified gunsmith and have him do a thorough check of the shotgun before you try to fire it. A multitude of bad things could result from trying to fire an unsafe firearm.  

Answer 10

I'm assuming that you are guessing at the approximate age. if older than 100, many of those old shotguns featured damascus barrels designed for low pressure. These ring formed barrels tend to rupture or explode when used with modern shotgun shells. Never shoot any old firearm unless it has been checked, tested and approved by a good gunsmith. Some of these old shotguns don't have much value, but many of them do, with some of them being worth a great deal of money. If you can tell us what brand and model we can probably give you a general value on it. Even if it is one of the lower valued ones, think of the history it has!! even more so if it has been in your family. I'd proudly use it as a wall hanger if nothing else.

shoot safe

Answer 11

I shot mine with no problems

Have it checked by a gunsmith if you don't know how to check for a good solid lock up on break opens shotguns or the rib for looseness on SxS shotguns or how to determine if the barrel is Damascus, which probably isn't.

Also look at the overall condition of the gun

If it still looks fairly new it's probably be a closet queen that was not shot much and should be in as good a condition as any of the shotguns sold today

This is not by any stretch an ancient gun it was made using many of the same techniques and material that is being used today

I don't know why 100 seems to be the golden age that things are considered unsafe, but that is the way it's always been

In the old days that was probably true but not any more

If you are still unsure there's this trick you can do with a saw horse some duct tape and 20 feet of twine

Answer 12

You should have it checked, but chances are, it's fine. In 1908, we were well past the introduction of smokeless propellants, so it isn't as if you have a pretty Damascus barrel in a delicate gun from the 1880's. On the other hand, there were still a lot of guns made for 12 ga./2 1/2" shells, and they can be a pain to get your hands on.