JC Higgins Ranger 101.12 bolt action 410

Question
Hello, I just bought a Ranger model 101.12 bolt action 410 shotgun in excellant shape. My queston is: Can I shoot modern shotshells though it or do I need to shoot shotshells with fiber or paper wads. I am concerned about the plastic wads being able to pass though the very tight choke on this older shotgun. Thank you in advance.

Answer
Hello Danny,

The problem will not be with the wading, it will be with the amount of gun powder in the shell. The dangers you should be concerned about is that new ammo is made to today's spec's. The gun you have was built to withstand yesterday's spec's. Loading hot ammo in a older gun can cause the barrels to split when the gun is fired. This could result in injury or even blindness to the shooter. I always suggest that you have the gun checked and tested by a qualified gunsmith. There is no one in their right mind going to go out and tell you that the gun is safe and set themself up for a lawsuit when they have never seen the weapon in person and been able to ensure that it operates properly.

Carry the gun to a gunsmith if you are concerned with the safety of firing modern ammo.