batavia leader 12 g shotgun

Question
I have a batavia leader 12 gauge shotgun with serial # 100684. The barrel has "flussstahl krupp" "fssfn" & "krupp flud steel" stamped onto both barrels. The barrel length is 28". My question is whether this shotgun is made for black powder or smokeless. Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hello Leslie. BLACKPOWDER ONLY!!!!!! Fluid steel was made by wrapping a sheet of hot metal around a metal mandrel and the seam where the metal is cut to form the barrel is hammer welded to complete the cylinder. Therefore, the steel Has a seam. If modern smokeless powder shells are fired in it, chances are very high it will split the barrel apart. Some say it is OK to use low velocity smokeless shells in it, but the difference between the two powders is that blackpowder burns slower, thus giving time to force the shot from the barrel. Smokeless powder is fast burning, thus an explosively quick push forces the shot through the barrel. The major damage is usually done at the end of the chamber, ripping the barrel open and expelling the force back into your face. I hope this helps and thank you for asking for me. Charles Gage