Baretta AL-2 and steel shot

[Dennis K.]

I have a very nice AL-2, 12 ga purchased in the early 70's. I plaln to give it to my 12 yr old grandson. He likes to shoot trap and in the fall we hunt birds in So. Dak. and MN. Some of the area we hunt in are limited to steel shot. The gun has a 30 inch full choke barrel.

Do we risk damaging the gun if we shoot steel? I can't afford to buy him another gun and the AL2 in in very nice condition. Replacement barrels do not seem to be available.

When we hunt in steel areas he uses a different borrowed gun. Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks

 

[wleggart]

steel shot

since the gun has a full choke (not recommended for steel shot) why not spring for Remington Heavy Metal $25.00/25 in #4. Excellent patterns and non toxic. The problem is: full choke is damned hard to hit flying birds, a modified or imp/mod is a much better choice. Have a gunsmith cut off and thread for any of the aftermarket choke makers, and your grand son can get a small job to buy all the chokes he will want for that fine shotgun!

 

[chas08]

Another option would be to have choke tubes installed in it by someone like Briley or Carlsons. Then he could shoot any thing through it for a fraction of the cost of a cheap pump.