stevens model 67 series E

Question
I recently got a savage arms stevens model 67 series E 12 gauge from my dad. I have also just started duck hunting and want to know if i can shoot steel shot from this gun or not? just want to be sure before i take it out. thanks for your time.

Answer
Hello Carson, welcome to the wonderful world of waterfowl hunting !

Steel shot ( or a better term is "non-toxic") has been mandatory nationally since the 1991-1992 waterfowl season. There were however many areas of the country that steel shot was mandatory prior to that. At that time what we basically had available to us was steel shot followed later by Bismuth (not steel but still non toxic).

After the Federal Regs were adopted most shotgun manufactures began modifying their manufacturing process of shotgun barrels to accommodate steel shot with no risk of damage to their barrels.

Prior to the early 90's shotguns were manufactured with the logic that nothing but lead shot would be used in them. This did create some problems with some early production (pre-1990) shotguns using steel shot.

The most often seen problem with continued use of steel shot was that of a slight ring/belling effect in the muzzle (choke) area of the barrel. To cover themselves, manufactures often did not recommend the use of steel shot in these guns.

Many firearms manufactures have done extensive testing on older shotguns using steel shot. Overall they basically discovered the situation outlined above, that being an expansion of the choke of approximately 0.005" is some guns.

What I have given you here is an overview of the situation concerning steel shot and older shotguns. I must however advise that although it is unlikely that you would experience a problem (beyond possible choke expansion) I would check with the manufacture prior to using steel shot in your gun.

I hope this helps and thanks for the question Carson.

Sid Lark