Model 42 and TSS

[OldManOnTheMountain]

I recently purchased a Winchester model 42 with a full choke. It is 1950's era and so predates the production of steel shot. I would like to use TSS size 9 shotshells (1/2 oz, buffered, with plastic shot cup) but am concerned about barrel damage. Some reports indicate that small shot is OK in such firearms, but others advise against it. It is tough to decide which online sources are most accurate.

Are there any members that can report on their own experience in this matter? I would appreciate any first-hand information shared, and thank you.

 

[howl]

Every gun I've ever fired much TSS in shows scoring in the bore. It's safe to use, but you may not like how the gun looks after you do. I will not shoot it through and expensive gun nor an heirloom.

 

[BobT1105]

Personally, I would not even think about TSS in a 42. There are too many Mossbergs out there. I have only used it in a couple of 870s a 12 and a 20. For the price, I can get by with lead. If you have to shoot non toxic shot I would recommend bismuth, it will not hurt your barrel.

 

[turbobrick]

If its a fixed full choke, I personally would not shoot anything other than lead through it. I have an old Savage Stevens that I wanted to hunt waterfowl with, so I sent it to Steve at Rose Action Sports, and had him thread it for chokes. Then I got some special Colonial choke tubes for steel shot that have the constriction outside of the barrel. The system works great, and protects my grandpa's old shotgun while letting me shoot whatever I need to out of it.