[MacD37]

Originally posted by Contenderizer
I own two 16 gauge guns; one a pre-WWII German made Simpson side by side, and a Ranger O/U. The Ranger is a Sears trademark and was likely manufactured in the same era as your JC Higgins. I only fire target loads in my guns as they were manufactured during a time when shot shell pressures were less than they are today. Perhaps I am being too conservative with the Ranger, but it works for me as I only use it on doves, rabbits and tree rats.

Try to date your JC Higgins and be certain that modern shells are safe to use. Error on the safe side until you know for sure.

Contenderizer , you don't have to worry about factory shot shells in any shot with JC higgens, or Ted Williams stamped on it! These shotguns are not that old, and are all full nito proofed, and are fine with any high, or low brass shot shell of the proper length! Most of the SEARS shotguns were made by Mosberg, and the lever actioned centerfire rifles were made by Winchester, centerfire JC Higgens centerfire bolt rifle are just FN Mauser sporters and are fine rifles, I have on chambered for 30-06 and it shoots like a well made custom. the side by side shotguns were made mostly model 310 Savage, and the .22 s were made by High Standard. A few double barrel shotguns were made by Lurona, I have a 20 ga by lurona from Sears. none the less they are all made for modern shot shells, and there is no worry about their ability to handle them safely!

Squid4 The 16 ga shotgun is a fine hunting piece, and theough shells are a little hard to find on dealer's shelves, they can be ordered, and all ammo makers make them. I would order a case of #5 shot for ducks, and turkey, and a case of #7 1/2s for all the doves quail, and grouse! Also if you intend useing the shotgun for deer, then order some Berenneke slugs, and find where they hit on target out to 100 yds, then limit yourself to 75 yds on deer.

I have side lock, hammer, H. Berrela cape gun that is 16 ga on the left barrel, and 8x57JR on the right barrel. The shot barrel was for 2 1/2" shells, and choked tight as a drum when I got the gun. I had my smith open the choke up to modified, and the chamber lengthened to 2 3/4" . Now the shot tube patterns 89 % at 35 yds in a 30" circle around center, and the Brenneke slugs will place a slug right beside the rifle's 196 gr rn bullet at 100 yds every time, both barrels hitting right on target dead on the rifle iron sight picture! This little cape gun , is deadly on deer, elk, and wild boar out to 100 yds with the slug, and to 300 yds with the rifle, and blue quail, and doves are in trouble when this little cape gun comes out of the case!