Non-lead shot in M-12?

[Clipper]

I just bought a 12ga M-12 2 3/4" with a 30" mod. choke barrel. What do you recommend for duck? I have heard that steel shot might not be good for the chokes on these older guns. My 20ga M-12 has no warnings about it, but it's one of the newer (1994) limited edition imp. cyl. guns.

 

[Steve C]

Here is an article on shot that should be some help:
http://www.gameandfishmag.com/hunting/guns-shooting/gf_aa116802a/

The recommendation is Bismuth or Tungston-matrix shot for older shotguns. Be aware there are several types of Tungton shot and not all are good for older shotguns not designed for steel shot.

 

[Red Label]

I've got a friend that has shot a ton of steel through his M12 with no problem (he says). I don't think I would though

 

[Dave McCracken]

A loose rule of thumb here is all shotguns made before 1980 should not be used with nontoxic shot other than bismuth w/o the maker's blessing.

I've seen a couple Browning A5, Winchester Model 12 and Remington 870 Full choke barrels with a tiny "Ring" bulge right behind the choke from shooting steel.
Of course, Mod is not as tight but old Model 12s choked Modified shoot good loads close to Full patterns so there's plenty of choke in there.

A ring bulge is more cosmetic than structural but why chance it? You've one of the finest production gun ever made there. Enjoy...