A couple of Model 11 questions.

[st33lcas3]

Hello everyone,

I recently inherited my grandfathers old Model 11 (Serial #347xxx). It's a beautiful gun. I've cleaned and lubed it pretty well although I didn't give it a complete teardown.

Anyway, I have a couple of questions.

First, the area I'd like to go to shoot requires non-lead shot only. Can this rifle handle steel shot? I've had a couple of people tell me it would and others tell me it can't. I figured people here would know best.

Second, I've noticed when loading factory Remington buckshot shells, the shell sticks at the brass casing. If I drop it in it stops about halfway down the brass. I have some Federal game loads that drop in just fine. Should I be concerned about that? Will it load out of the magazine correctly when I fire it? Will it extract alright? I know I can find this out by going and shooting it, but I'd hate to have a shell get stuck or jam up the gun.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Wulfman]

I would never try to shoot steel shot shells through a gun like that. There are alternatives to steel (like Bismuth). If it was me, I'd look for other places to shoot where lead was allowed. Otherwise, I'd keep it as a sentimental piece in a special place and get a newer gun (if you don't already have one) that will shoot whatever you need to shoot.
I have lots of shotguns I wouldn't dare shoot steel shot through.

With regard to the shells sticking.......make sure those shells aren't 3". Use only 2 3/4" shells in that gun.
I'm not sure what you're going to shoot with "buckshot" loads, but if it were me, I would stick with sizes of "8" up through "4" in upland field or target (lead) non-magnum loads.


Den

[st33lcas3]

I would never try to shoot steel shot shells through a gun like that. There are alternatives to steel (like Bismuth). If it was me, I'd look for other places to shoot where lead was allowed. Otherwise, I'd keep it as a sentimental piece in a special place and get a newer gun (if you don't already have one) that will shoot whatever you need to shoot.
I have lots of shotguns I wouldn't dare shoot steel shot through.

With regard to the shells sticking.......make sure those shells aren't 3". Use only 2 3/4" shells in that gun.
I'm not sure what you're going to shoot with "buckshot" loads, but if it were me, I would stick with sizes of "8" up through "4" in upland field or target (lead) non-magnum loads.


Den

Yeah, I figured that as far as steel shot goes. I priced some Bismuth shells...ouch. I'll find some place to practice with lead and save the bismuth for hunting.

About the sticking shells. They are 2 3/4" shells, no probs there. I think it was just one shell. I checked the other shells in the box. They loaded in with no binding at all. That's a relief. I'd like to take this old girl deer hunting which is why I have 00 buckshot. I have some rifled slugs for that reason too. I'd like to get at least one deer with her before I put her away and turn her into a safe gun, know what I mean.