slugs/buckshot in older shotguns

[thebluemax]

I have two shotguns that I plan to use for HD/Wild Boar hunting on occasion.
The first is a winchester 97 that was originally a 30 inch barrel with a modified choke that was shortened to 20 inches.
The second gun in a remington model 11 with a full choke barrel that was shortened to 19.5 inches.

Is it safe to fire buckshot or even slugs in these guns? I have slugs that were given to me by a friend and I don't want to hassle with trying to sell them I figure I might as well shoot them.

These are my only 12 gauge guns with the exception of my great grandfathers old single shot that was given to me by my grandad and it's just a sentimental gun I don't ever plan to shoot.

 

[LaserSpot]

Did you put a new choke on them after the barrels were shortened? If a dime fits in the muzzle, it's no longer a full choke barrel.

 

[thebluemax]

I didn't put a new choke on either gun. The model 11 had a polychoked ribbed barrell but I bought another model 11 for the barrel. The 97 I will have to check on the dime test.

 

[thebluemax]

Just checked both guns and they both will fit a dime in the muzzle.

 

[LaserSpot]

OK, if the barrels were cut, you probably have cylinder-bore barrels now. Slugs or buckshot will be fine out to 20 yards or so.

Further than that and your patterns will open up too much. See: http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot20.htm

 

[thebluemax]

I will have to take a "personal day"...lol and try these guns out!