Thread: Info needed on shotgun ammo

Hey guys, I've been given an old side by side from a mate making room in his safe. The only brand stamp I can see is gib. So I'm assuming it's an armas gib. 12 70.
I havnt shot it yet but am keen too
The whole shotgun ammo situation is abit confusing. And from the limited time iv spent reading it seems that I shouldn't shoot steel from it as it can damage the barrel as it's an older no choke straight tube barrel. Does anyone have a recommendation on ammo or should I head to a gun smith to get an opinion there.
Hopefully the pics attach cheers guys!!!

Not sure if these pics are uploading, getting as far as the files selected. But no ok button coming up

Just under the "CHOSE FILE" button is "upload file(s)" then you'll be set

click the picture of the tree then when the dialog box comes up, choose "from Computer"

Ah the ol not looking like a button button thanks man

Looks to me like a tidy Spanish gun. It will not have straight tube "cylinder" barrels, the choke is likely to be quarter or half in the right barrel and three-quarter or full in the left barrel. Ideal for hunting out to 30-40 metres.

You can use any lead shot ammunition with a standard 70 mm length case.

The gun is not designed for steel shot. If you really want to, try using light loads eg. 32 gram number 4 steel shot.

Usaly under the forestock it will have stars or asterisks stamped on it corresponding to barrel choke, 1=full 2=3/4 or improved modified, 3= half or modified, 4=1/4 or improved cylinder, 5=open or cylinder. It is recommended not to shoot steel in anything tighter then a 1/2 or modified choke. Lead bismuth and tungsten shot are fine to run but buckshot and solids are not recommended through the tighter chokes. If you want to use steel you could take it to a gun smith and have the chokes opened up, dunno what the cost is or who could do it but someone else here will. The chamber will be stamped under there to I'd say it's 70mm/2 and 3/4 shells only

Thanks for the info guys! I'll check stamps but Looks like it's not gonna be a duck shooter. It can be me target/bunny/pesty possum dropper then!

Cost $100 to have chokes opened and forcing cones done on my old Russian under/over to make it steel compatible.

Originally Posted by The bomb

Cost $100 to have chokes opened and forcing cones done on my old Russian under/over to make it steel compatible.

Takes me five minutes with tools commonly found on most home garages to do the same....

Steel in size #3 or smaller with payload lighter than 35 grms.... There are excellent loads in 30-32 GRN that kill ducks n geese just fine. The theory is.smaller pellets and/or smaller payload won't "bridge" at the choke....best way to describe that??? Picture school kids all running down corridor and out single door at the end...if they skinny little shits they will go out door two at time no worries,but if fat Albert and hid burger scoffing mate try it..they get stuck....and if less kids get there they have more wiggle room than if whole heap arrive together...I use that sort of loads through non altered older guns without issues.

Sweet that's awesome information!!
I'll run that for now!! Looking forward to taking it out for a shot now!!!

Looks like a nice score. Enjoy.