old .410 guage bolt action shotgun

[supafrk432]

I found an old .410 guage smoothbore boltaction shotgun in an old car on my property it is made by sears and roebuck and looks old if i had to guess i would say 1950-1960.

since i mainly shoot rifles i have a few questions

1. Is it safe. I know you have to see it to really answer, this but the bore looks perfectly smooth and is not rusted and the action, trigger mechanism and the bolt are also in very good condition. I live on an island so it is a big hassle to get to a gunshop, so do I really have to take it in to get it looked at, or is it probably ok.

2. Again i know you would probably have to see it to really know but what are the chances of it being worth something.

3. Why is it smoothbore arent most shotguns rifled.

4. As for the ammo i think slugs make the most sense since with shot the patterns would be so scarce. I always though that you could find cheep shotgun ammo for around $5 for 25 rounds but i was looking on the internet and the best i could find is like $4 for 10. Im not hunting or target shooting with it so i just need the cheapest ammo possible and since i live on an island it would be easier if i did'nt have to go to a gunshop to find ammo are there any good website where i could order .410 slugs.

thanks in advance

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

1. Probably safe but don't take my word for it. I would have it checked out.

2. Two chances, slim and none. Sorry.

3. Virtually all shotguns are smoothbore.

4. .410 ammo is expensive, about twice the price of 12 or 20 ga.

 

[roo_ster]

Disclaimer: I am not an expert.

Question: Does it have a safety? Does it have a removable magazine? How many rounds does th emag hold?

It is likely a "Full" choke. Smoothbore is right for a .410 shotgun. The full choke & smooth bore make it a poor candidate for slugs.

 

[JohnBT]

If you decide to shoot it without having it checked, tie it to a tire and hide behind a tree while you pull the trigger using a rope. Seriously. Do it a few times and check it for cracks and bulges and such. Check the empties for splits and deformities.

What are the chances of it being worth something? You mean like more than $50? Slim to none. Hardly worth the cost of the ammo unless you need a .410.

John

 

[Oldnamvet]

After you ascertain that it is safe, don't sell it short. Using #6 shot in 3" shells, I have taken a lot of pheasants, rabbits, and squirrels with a single shot .410. The pattern isn't that "scarce" as you put it. Shotshells are expensive but I think you will pay even more for slugs. It all depends on what you intend to do with it. Small game is about it for hunting. If it were a pump, double, or semiauto, you could challenge yourself at skeet. Otherwise, take the first $50 someone offers.

 

[chris in va]

I'd take it to a gunsmith first before firing it, just to be sure.

 

[supafrk432]

thanks for your help i figured it probably wasnt worth anything anyway

 

[1911 guy]

Usrac

If you pull the stock, you'll probably find it's a Winchester. My Dad had one as a kid and I've got it now. Top of the bbl. is marked Sears and Roebuck. The triggers and safety mechanism can be tricky, mine (dad's) is a non-shooter because of so many rounds fires you can engage the safety, tap the trigger lightly SIDEWAYS and it will go off. Hopefully yours is in better shape.