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Beretta question

WyomingSwede
An oldtimer back for a bit...glad to see the Captain & Nunn are still with us...Guys, I need help with a shotgun question:

I have a Beretta O/U that I have had for twelve yrs plus (prior to youngest son birth)given to me by family friend. There is no serial # that I can detect...or I totally missed it...my strong point is rifles not shotguns.I have no idea how old it is...it is in very good shape. It is a 20 gauge, 3 inch chamber. It has the following markings on the barrel.

High strength Chromium Molybdenum steel
BL-3
P. Beretta Gardone VT
Gardone Sporting Arms Teaneck NJ

Being as my youngest son has developed an instant bond with my 20 gauge 870...I have been using the Beretta to shoot claybirds with him and get ready for the upcoming season.
I would like to hunt with him and not have to use two types of shells.

My question is: Can I shoot steel through this shotgun without bulging the barrels or otherwise injuring an heirloom...

any info greatly appreciated...


Thanks swede
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Comments

4 comments

Date Votes
  • WyomingSwede
    The Inox model (92, 96FS) has stainless barrel and slide in comparison to non-Inox 9XFS. The non-Inox 9XFS has same parts but out of steel alloy and its barrel is chrome lined.

    The question is, which is better to have, Inox's stainless steel barrel or chrome lined steel alloy barrel?

    Thanks. [:p]
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  • rufe-snow
    You will be able to tell the year of manufacturer by one of the Italian Proof Marks on the gun, as one is a coded date. Either provide quality photos or give us very detailed description of them.

    The apparent lack of a serial number is questionable. Although some U.S. made shotguns and rifles manufactured prior to 1968 don't have serial numbers. I believe all foreign firearms imported for commercial sale, had them.
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  • Hawk Carse
    Chart at
    http://www.gunsreview.com/shotguns/beretta/silveressential.html
    says:
    "The use of steel shot cartridges is not recomended in both over-and-under and side-by-side shotguns with fixed chokes."

    If this gun does not have screw chokes, I would spring for some Bismuth shot.
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  • WyomingSwede
    Thanks for the info guys...I looked the gun over again carefully...no visible serial # or proofmarks. I didn't take the stock off however. There is a lot of engraving on it...

    But all in all, better safe than sorry...I will use bismuth or lead and not take a chance on the steel shot.

    thanks again for the assist...
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