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View Full Version : I've got my eye on a Churchill.


Steve McCarty
08-02-2025, 08:09 PM
I'm looking hard at a Churchill. It's earlier than the famous XXV. Nice looking box lock. 30" tubes, cyl/cyl, steel. Price is on the edge of what I can afford. The gun is pretty much like new, but made in 1896. I sold my skeet gun (Remy Model 11, 20 gauge; and yes I weep when I think of it, my old friend.) I'm thinking that I could use cyl/cyl on the skeet range and it might help on the Clay range too. I could use some help (lots) there. I also think that I could push steel thru it which is nice. An old gun that I can shoot steel thru....that's a treat. Like many of us, I like to own and shoot classic shotguns. The trouble is I'm not a rich guy. I'm an average guy so I can't squeeze 5 or 6K for a shotgun. If I did I'd be single again.

bob lyons
08-02-2025, 08:43 PM
Just my 2 cents I would never shoot steel out a side by side shot gun unless it had chrome lined barrels and open chokes.
I think they started doing chrome lined barrels in 70’s or 80’s but not positive.

Ken Hill
08-03-2025, 08:58 AM
Unless special ordered for 2 3/4” shells, the gun is probably a 2 1/2” chambered gun. Make sure you know the chamber length, is the gun in proof, and minimum wall thickness. Shooting standard American loads (steel or lead) may not be a good idea in an 1896 British gun.

Ken

Drew Hause
08-03-2025, 11:51 AM
We could likely provide lots of information with a full size high resolution image of every mark on the barrel flats.
'made in 1896' and 'like new' highly suggests refinished, and there might be a date code when reproved.

Steve McCarty
08-03-2025, 02:20 PM
Thanks gents. If I buy this gun I'll not even consider shooting steel. I'm sure it's a 2.5 chambered gun. I haven't seen the gun, just looking at the pictures and it does look in fine condition.

I haven't been on a duck hunt in maybe five years. Then I was shooting a Browning Gold which was a very nice gun. Sold it in a moment of weakness. If a duck hunt looms I'll spring for a newish Ithaca Model 37. I'll set my antique doubles asside and shoot RST. For grins I might try RST bismuth. One box should last me a lifetime.

Steve McCarty
08-03-2025, 08:53 PM
I've decided to forego the Churchill. Think I'll buy a gun with modern steel barrel.

Keith Doty
08-04-2025, 10:25 PM
You don't have to go modern barrels for nontoxic. I went to bismuth years ago (5s for ducks), nearly like the lead 6s of days gone by and safe for fine guns. A treat after some years of shooting steel.

Steve McCarty
08-21-2025, 11:52 PM
I've decided to forego the Churctehill. Think I'll buy a gun with modern steel barrel.

Late entry: I bought a Winchester Model 12 Light weight 12, made around 1958. Fixed full choke modern hard steel. Gun is minty. I wonder if I can shoot steel in this one. Should I have it open to Modified?

Drew Hause
08-22-2025, 07:17 AM
Winchester Proof Steel (AISI 4140 or possibly AISI 4340) was introduced in 1931 for the Model 21 and in 1932 for the Model 12.
I would use 6 or smaller steel. I wouldn't use large steel shot. Other opinions will vary.