Modern loads in older 12ga SxS

[doctorj77]

Looking at buying a Enders Secret Service 12ga for $100. From basic searching I've found it was made under contract for Crescent Arms. While I understand these aren't the highest quality shotguns, I have heard these were rated fairly decent for the period. My question to everyone is, does anyone know if it wouldbe safe to shoot modern smokeless shells in this? Maybe just light field loads and no high brass?

The gentleman I'm looking at buying it from was in the process of restoring it. It's fully functional, with the exception he had the firing pins taken out as he was going to make it a wall hanger. I can get new ones from Numrich for about $11 a piece. He recommended just shooting wax loads only in it. Just curious if anyone else had experience with this particular brand/model and modern ammo. I don't even know if it's Damascus steel or more modern proofed steel.

For the price I'm interested. But trying to figure out of I'm buying a wall hanger, or if I can make it into a shooter

 

[oneounceload]

I would think you would need a gunsmith who KNOWS old doubles to give it a thorough evaluation before firing anything in it, (especially if it might be old enough to have Damascus barrels)
I have friends who shoot pre-1900 guns using light smokeless and even BP in modern hulls and others who wall hangers from the 1930s. Think safety first. If you still want to go ahead before a smith takes a look, start with something low pressure (different than low velocity) and proceed with extreme caution.

Hope it works out well for you - think safety first

 

[Fred Fuller]

If in doubt, it's a wall hanger.