I was recently given an old 16 gauge Featherlight with a MOD choke. The serial number indicates it was manufactured in 1956, according to Ithaca's website. I was wondering, would it be safe/advisable to use lead slugs or non-toxic shot with this gun? It works beautifully with lead shot, and I don't want to damage it. Thanks in advance.

Some folks will say yes, some folks will say no.

It was designed to shoot lead shot.

I have one just like yours, in fact a 1956. Actually I have a couple 16ga Ithacas, starting at 1948 and ending with the 2 1970 guns I built.

You know, this can be the excuse to get another gun........

I realize it is heresy, but use the opportunity to get a beater mmmm ossberg or 870 with choke tubes and/or rifled barrel to cover the situations where the Ithaca was not designed to go.

That 16ga gun was designed to hunt upland birds, rabbits and squirrels.

Just my opinion, others will have theirs.

Thanks for your thoughts. I emailed this same question to Ithaca, and this was their response:

With a modified choke you should be able to fire steel shot and soft cast rifled slugs through the barrel without a problem.

Wishing you kind regards and safe shooting

Jeremiah Logsdon
Ithaca Gun Company

Because this gun has some sentimental value, I'm likely going to err on the side of caution. For big game I can borrow a rifle, and I have no real interest in waterfowl right now, non-toxic shot was just a curiosity of mine.

The issue with the old guns is that no one is making barrels to fit the old ones anymore. The definition of "old" is Ithaca 37's that have a serial nbr prior to 855,000 regardless of gauge.

If you ruin a barrel, maybe you can find one on the internet, however, 16ga barrels for the old style, typically run in the 175.00 plus range, then you will spend a minimum of 75 to have it fitted with shipping 3 ways.

175 + 75 = 250 + shipping, you are now crowding 300.00 IF and I repeat IF you would hurt the barrel. Lots of folks get away with it and some don't. There are pictures around of barrels that have been split by steel shot.

There are other non-toxic shot types that are kinder on old barrels but it can get pricey.

175 + 75 = 250 + shipping, almost equals an 870 or 500 with choke tubes during the holiday sales.

With all due respect to the gentleman with Ithaca who answered your question, remember the current company is not same Ithaca Gun Company that existed in 1956. The barrels on their current guns are probably designed to handle slugs and steel shot.

I think you are wise to err on the side of caution. Especially if the gun has sentimental value. Use the gun with lead shot for what it was designed to hunt: upland birds, rabbits and squirrels.

That is what I plan to do with my 1951 Model 37.

Bismuth or Tungsten Matrix are safe to shoot in your shotgun.

I have heard the same thing about steel shot And remembered this. http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtop ... highlight=