| Q. |
Can I shoot steel shot in
my Browning shotgun? |
| A. |
All current Browning shotguns with the Invector or
Invector-Plus choke tube system are fully steel shot
compatible with current factory loads. However, there
are limitations to the compatibility of many older
Browning shotguns with conventionally choked barrels.
In certain models, shooting steel shot may cause a
slight "ringe bulge" just inches behind the muzzle.
The damage to your gun is purely cosmetic, but the
"bulge" can be a factor in resale, especially with
collector-grade shotguns.
Accordingly, our recommendations concerning the use of
steel shot in Browning shotguns is as follows:
1. WILL ACCEPT ALL CURRENT FACTORY STEEL SHOT LOADS:
All Browning shotguns with the Invector choke or
Invector-Plus tube systems, However, we do not
recommend the use of Invector full or extra full
chokes with steel shot. They pattern too tightly, and
sometimes result in a "blown" pattern.
2. WILL ACCEPT ALL CURRENT FACTORY STEEL SHOT LOADS
EXCEPT THOSE WITH T, F, BB AND BBB SIZE SHOT: The
B-2000 and B-80 shotguns with conventional chokes
(Non-Invector)
3. DO NO USE ANY STEEL SHOT LOADS: The Belgian-made
A-5, Superposed, Leige, and other Belgian Over/Under
models, Double Automatic, American-made A-5 and all
other models not listed in category 1 or 2. Note:
Belgian Auto-5 barrels are interchangeable with the
new Invector barrels which are made in Japan. With
this new Invector barrel installed on the Belgian-made
Auto-5 receiver, steel shot loads can be used.
DAMAGE: In not all, but a number of instances a very
slight ring will develop about 1 1/2" to 3" rearward
of the muzzle. This ring is about .005 of an inch
above the plane of the barrel, completely encircling
the barrel. From our tests we could determine no
adverse effect on pattern or shot velocity because of
this ring. Our conclusion is that the most significant
objection, the slight ring, is entirely cosmetic. This
"ring" effect does not affect the function or safety
of the firearm.
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: Nearly all Browning firearms
manufactured after 1975 have two letters in the serial
number. The two letters indicate the year of
manufacture: M=0, Z=1, Y=2, X=3, W=4, V=5, T=6, R=7,
P=8, N=9.
FUTURE: Obviously, we have no control over the
ammunition companies and the loads they will produce
in the future. So, if in doubt, please check with us
or the ammunition company before using new loads in
your shotgun. |
