Modify, buy new or handload for goose?

[brewer12345]

So I have never really fooled with waterfowl hunting, but today I bagged a goose with a short range shot with a 20 gauge. I view this as God sending me a goose as it was a freak thing. It does pique my interest, however. What I do not have is a modern 12 gauge suitable for waterfowl. I mostly shoot 20 gauge for trap, dove, small game and pheasant. In the stable for 12 gauge are a SXS and a fancy Skeet gun with 2 3/4" chambers that both predate the use of steel and a late 50s Mossberg 500. I can think of three ways to play this:

- If I buy a modern barrel for the Mossberg, would it be safe to shoot steel BB?

- I suppose I could hand load bismuth shells in a sufficiently large pellet size and use it in any of my 12 gauges.

- Last option is to simply buy a new gun. For a variety of reasons, I would view this as the least attractive option if one of the others will work.

Thoughts?

 

[jmr40]

Geese and steel shot is about the only combo where I think 3" 12 ga shells start to really pay off. There are options for decent pump action shotguns that will take 3" steel shot and come with interchangeable tubes that don't cost all that much more than adding a new barrel to the 500 you have. Especially if you shop around in pawn shops or other sources for used guns. I've paid as little as $125 for a Remington 870 Express. It was in need of some TLC to get surface rust off, but it cleaned up very well and functioned perfectly.

 

[splattergun]

My Mossburg 500 is late 80s I think. I'm a fan of the 500's changeable barrels. I use a security bbl and a muzzleloader bbl in addition to the 26 incher. The changeout is real quick, real easy and you keep your familiarity with the weapon.
If you put a new goose barrel on you old gun, the barrel would handle steel shot just fine. I would have a smith take a close look at the action, though, just to be sure it's in good working order JIC.

I load shells for grouse and small game hunting. Love the tailored loads. I have looked at the bismuth reloading, and just haven't started that yet because of the expense.

Alternately, a good used modern gun would nicely fill that hole in your SG stable.

 

[brewer12345]

I think the Mossy is chambered for 3" shells. So all I need is a new barrel? I had a smith look at the gun last year because I was having extraction issues with low brass shells and he polished the chamber to solve the problem.

I handload shells for 20 gauge, mostly trap, dove and (for one beloved older gun with an extra, extra, extra full choke) spreader small game shells. I have the stuff to load 12 gauge, so very feasible to do so if needed.

 

[rule303]

You should be able to pick up a used Mossberg barrel threaded for Accu-choke tubes for under $100, totally safe with any factory load. A 3" 12ga will cover all but the longest range goose hunting. Your 20 will do the job close in with #1 or 2 steel, but you really can't get enough big steel shot in a 20ga hull for an effective pattern at ranges beyond 25 yards. Bismuth, or one of the designer non-tox loads would be fine in any of your guns, but paying $3-4 per shell gets spendy if you do much shooting.

 

[PapaG]

If the old barrel is 3" there should be no need for a new one. Unless it is full choke which doesn't play well with steel. If it is mod it might work, pattern it and see. I.c. would be best in most cases for steel.
Of course, you shouldn't need a lot of reasons for a new shotgun.

 

[Virginian]

I have to disagree with the choke recommendations for steel. Steel patterns exactly like lead, there are just fewer flyers. I do not have the luxury of always having the birds dropping in at 30 yards. I like Improved Modified. You can always let them get a little further away, but if they aren't coming any closer you have to be able to reach them.