chamber issue on FIE SS shotgun

[buckshoteer]

I own a 80's era FIE side by side shotgun in 12 gauge. My issue is the loaded shells just fall out loose when I open the action. When I shoot it the shells extract out under a spring load only. Personally I like extractors in all my singles and ss's. I think this particular shotgun had the ejector changed into an extractor before I got it from my passed uncle. Anyways I am rambling on abit, my question and issue is, is it safe to shoot? With the chambers too big as long as it's not burying the spent shotshells down the chamber?

 

[oneounceload]

What makes you think the chambers are too big? - Did you measure them?

Fired hulls tend to expand a little and need the extractors/ejectors to make them come out of the chamber

Does NOT mean the chambers are too loose or anything similar

 

[buckshoteer]

thanks, I guess the reason that I started thinking about the chambers on this shotgun was my other break open shotguns have at least some resistance on the chamber walls with unfired shotshells. All in all it sounds like it is a blessing to have a gun that has this so the shells will go in and out easier even when shells are spent.

 

[Onmilo]

I would be a little concerned if the sides of the shells are splitting when fired in the gun.
If that isn't happening, I wouldn't worry about it.
I would just be sure to the the chamber upright so the live shell doesn't fall out and onto the ground.
If a live shell lands base first on a hard uneven surface it can cause the shell to fire and if you are in the path of the explosion, tragedy can follow.

 

[buckshoteer]

I would be a little concerned if the sides of the shells are splitting when fired in the gun.

Funny you mention this, the spent shotshells are ripped up abit more 1/2 inch or less from the crimping.