Talkin’ shotguns right?
I have been keeping an eye on the British and Spanish shotgun makers since about 2000. Ordered a couple Eibar guns, bought another what three vintage Spanish guns in UK.
This topic has been on my radar for a while. I’ve talked to BASC, other experts, the gunsmith and the boss (owner) of a Yorks gun room, making sure.
I don’t know of any modern makers who are making barrels not proofed for steel. Zip.
Buy anything made in the last decade, minimum, check to make sure before you plop down that plastic, and it is a non issue.
Mostly. There are two grades of steel ammo.
Plain jane and 93 octane. Make sure your gun can handle the HP if you intend to use it or think you may want it one day.
Vintage stuff? Different story, though I’ve seen vintage guns with steel proof dating back to what the early 90’s?
The big problem? Choke. Most vintage barrels, am told, can cope with standard steel ammo just fine, so long as they are not choked tight. Anything tighter than (check me here—-BASC) IC/LM is a problem. You will almost certainly bulge your bbls. CYL/IC? Have at it. NOT HP!
So. Want to shoot that pair of Purdeys?
Bi$$$$$muth. Or a trip to the bbl man or Teague then the proof house (required).
The smiths and the choke folks are gonna make bank, and the pheasant, partridge, mallard and teal will continue making that satisfying thump.
Will some, even many, of those guns be available for a song? Yeah.
But they already are. Have been for ages.
