I've got my eye on a Churchill.

[Stepmac]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[Stepmac]

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.

[Stepmac]

I've decided to forego the Churchill. Think I'll buy a gun with modern steel barrel.

[Keith Doty]

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.

[Stepmac]

Originally Posted by Steve McCarty

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]

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.