Shotgun Question...Please Help

[freebird]

I have an old Montgomery Ward and Co 16 Guage Shotgun with Hercules stamped on the side that does not have the size Shot Shell to use printed on the barrel. How can I determine what proper 16 guage shot shell to use? I have some shells that are 2 3/4 in size. Are these safe to use? I did not know if in 16 guage there are different lengths like for 12 guage or if this is the only size available in 16 guage? Is it safe to assume that shorter shells will work? I appreciate all your help! Thanks!

 

[41magsnub]

Best recommendation is to take it to a gunsmith to check it out if it is old. They can measure out the chamber and determine what it is safe to fire.

 

[freebird]

Thanks! I appreiciate the response.

 

[Ron James]

BTW your old monkey ward shotgun is a Stevens probable a 94, If it was Hercules Grade it would be an Iver Johnson.

 

[foghornl]

Some OLD 16-Ga guns had kind of an odd-sized chamber, 2-9/16" length. The 2-3/4" shells are too long...once the crimp opens, it extends into the forcing cone area, but it does NOT have the room to fully open, and you get a NASTY pressure spike...Can cause barrel to let go, with much ugliness afterwards.

Take it to a gunsmith for checkout. NOW!

There are a couple of places that sell shorter 16-Ga shells, but not many.

 

[freebird]

Well I am sure glad I did not try shooting it. The shell seems to fit fine it is only a single shot and when you break it open to reload the shell extracts it. Unfortunately I am not as knowledgeable on shotguns as I would like to be. I have this 16 Gauge I got from my Grandfather and a 20 Gauge Savage over and under .22 which I love. So if it is an Iver Johnson are they any good. It has one heck of a long barrel on it! Thanks for all the help guys I am sure glad I did not take her out and give her a test drive!