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What can be safely shot from this 12-gauge?

spanielsells
I was just given a beautifully-restored Riverside Arms 12-gauge SxS that belonged to my wife's great-grandfather. It has two hammers. Looks gorgeous, and I asked if it would be safe to shoot, and the answer was "Yes."

The side is stamped Pat.Feb.10-1914. Aside from that, the only other info on it is Riverside Arms Co and Chickadee Falls, Mass, U.S.A..

What 12-gauge shells would be safe to use? I'd hate to assume I could use a standard 2.75" shell... can I?
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7 comments

Date Votes
  • Matchshot
    quote:Originally posted by spanielsells
    I was just given a beautifully-restored Riverside Arms 12-gauge SxS that belonged to my wife's great-grandfather. It has two hammers. Looks gorgeous, and I asked if it would be safe to shoot, and the answer was "Yes."

    The side is stamped Pat.Feb.10-1914. Aside from that, the only other info on it is Riverside Arms Co and Chickadee Falls, Mass, U.S.A..

    What 12-gauge shells would be safe to use? I'd hate to assume I could use a standard 2.75" shell... can I?


    Take it to a reputable gunsmith and have it checked over. They can give you all the right info. Better safe than sorry. A message board like this will give you some well informed opinions, but the firearm needs to be physically checked out but someone hands-on. Let us know what you find out.
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  • Hawk Carse
    quote:Chickadee Falls

    Really?
    I bet it says Chicopee Falls.
    Riverside Arms is a brand name used by J. Stevens Arms and Tools Co. of that town.

    These days, finding a gunsmith willing to tell you it is safe to shoot an old gun even in good condition, will be a challenge. Liability, don'cha know?
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  • Tailgunner1954
    Slide a machinists steel scale (the 6" pocket kind) in the chamber until you touch the forcing cone. Read the scale where it's flush with the end of the barrel.
    My Pat. date 1907 double hammer Meridian Arms 12ga is chambered for 2 3/4" BTW
    They tended to choke them tighter back than (or the newer cup wads pattern tighter, take your choice) so stick with lead shot
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  • Matchshot
    quote:Originally posted by Hawk Carse
    quote:Chickadee Falls
    Liability, don'cha know?




    Liability? You don't mean a lawyer do you? they're only there to help (out of the ambulance that is...)
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  • givette
    The forcing cone will most likely be a very gradual ramp, indeed! It will be easy to slip the rule a little past the starting point of the constriction. Make absolutely certain of the measurement! Best, Joe
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  • Bert H.
    Most of those old 12 gauge SxS shotguns were factory chambered for 2-5/8" shells, and for low-pressure bulk powder (<9000 psi). Even if it is chambered for a 2-3/4" shell, shooting modern 12 gauge shells in it would most likely be detrimental to the gun... and possibly to you. I personally am an advocate for shooting the old-timers, but only with proper loads and due caution.
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  • asphalt cowboy
    As others have said, have it deemed safe by a qualified smith first.

    There are a few choices out there for short chamber, low pressure ammo.
    http://neweraammunition.com/index.php?page=low-pressure
    http://www.polywad.com/ Polywad has several loads with and without spreaders.
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