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2-1/2" shells in Winchester 1897?

1fisher
THANK YOU to everyone who replied to my post about my 16 ga. winchester 1897 take-down.
I took the gun to a Smith who confirmed that it does have a 2-9/16" chamber. He had to tap the action with a rubber mallet a couple of times to break loose the gunk that prevented me from takiing it apart.
I can get 2-1/2" shells locally. Is there any reason why these should not be used in this gun? The dealer thought that they might not cycle properly, but he let me run one shell through the action and it worked.
Just want to be cautious before shooting it.
Thanks again!
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Comments

5 comments

Date Votes
  • scottm21166
    the problem isn't in short shells it is in long shells, they wont open completly if fired in a short chamber. a pump gun should have no issues as to ejection (cycling). the worst thing that could happen is the following edge of the chamber could catch the wad or the shot could beat down the sharp edge at the end of the chamber. I dont think that is a big deal but....I guess a one in a million event could cause some sort of blockage
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  • azpowerwagon
    Have a good gunsmith lengthen the forcing cone.
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  • givette
    I believe the "forcing cone" is very gradual. Should be no problem in that regard. Check and see for yourself. Best, Joe
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  • 1fisher
    I asked about lengthening the chamber, and the gunsmith said that you then have problems with ejecting the spent shells -- the longer opened case can catch on the front edge of the ejection port.
    The 2-1/2" (Westley Richards) shells are only 10 bucks a box, which is pretty good for 16 gauge, so I am just going to buy a case and that will last me a while.
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  • asphalt cowboy
    You might try one box to see how your gun patterns first. There are several other companies making 2 1/2" 16's. Poly Wad and Gamebore are the only ones I can remember off hand. My A5 wouldn't pattern well with any commercial ammo so I had to start loading my own.
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