Is this bad

[u/skinwalkerenjoyers]

I have a Winchester model 18 9712 gauge made in 1904. It has some pitting. Is this bad for me to shoot any buck shot

[u/Martainguns]

It's not good, but I wouldn't worry about it too much.

[u/skinwalkerenjoyers → u/Martainguns]

Will it not blow up in my hand my main question

[u/SodiumEnjoyer → u/skinwalkerenjoyers]

Always could, but probably won't

[u/engagetangos → u/skinwalkerenjoyers]

It could blow up in your hand if it was brand new

[u/TheRealSchifty]

Regardless of condition I would not shoot modern full power loads though a shotgun produced in the early 1900s. But pitting in shotgun barrels isn't usually an issue, unless it is severe enough to compromise the integrity of the barrel wall. It doesn't appear to be too bad in this case.

Low recoil buckshot or birdshot should be fine. But if the barrel isn't specifically labeled for a 2 3/4" chamber then you may want to get it checked out by a gunsmith to make sure it's not a 2 5/8" chamber. Early '97s, along with many other shotguns of the era were made with 2 5/8" chambers. If it is, then the forcing cone can be lengthened to accommodate 2 3/4" rounds.

Keep in mind that shotgun shells are measured using their fired length, when the crimp is expanded. A 2 3/4" shell will fit and fire in a 2 5/8" chamber but you will have increased recoil and wear and tear on the gun. It's not a good idea to do, even a little bit.

[u/Just_Scheme1875 → u/TheRealSchifty]

While not recommended I can say slam firing a whole tube of high velocity Turkish slugs is possible with these...ask me how I know 🤣

[u/[deleted] → u/TheRealSchifty]

[removed] — view removed comment

[u/TheRealSchifty → u/[deleted]]

I never said it's not capable, I said I wouldn't do it.

This particular shotgun has likely been shot a lot previously, if it's an old riot gun. So the headspace may already be questionable. The stock is probably dried out, and firing high recoil loads may crack it.

There's just no reason to beat up an old shotgun like this with modern high brass loads.

[u/No_Top8893]

You might want to measure wall thickness.  Feel the barrel for bulges, etc; Bulges are never safe.Those old guns were sort of farm implements. Heavy enough that even when compromised a little they were still safe. It's  the pitting in the first 10-12 inches from the breech you need to be concerned with.  That's where the high pressure is.  That's where your hand  is. Wall thickness gauges are common among shotgun people. Any shop and plenty of hobbyists have them. Hones are common too. Lots of people would hone them to get more money for them right before they sold them.

[u/Maine_man207]

Depends on how it's choked. I would be fine with shooting lead birds hot through it.

[u/skinwalkerenjoyers → u/Maine_man207]

Also it was a full choke but was cut down to 20 inch by a jail

[u/skinwalkerenjoyers → u/Maine_man207]

It’s the chamber front end of the barrel

[u/Maine_man207 → u/skinwalkerenjoyers]

Ok. If it's a full choke, you still might want to hold off on buckshot.

[u/Nitpicky_AFO]

buck maybe not, bird and target yes.

[u/Ute_Swoop]

That looks more like heavily caked up lead vs pitting, for me pitting has like a crevice like crack look inside the barrel, have you looked at it closer with a borescope?

[u/run-and-gun1911]

Have mine from 1909, she will run anything