I have an h&r from the 30`s and it shoots 2 3/4 inch shells

 

Thanks for posting.

Since I posted this I have fired 2 3/4" shells without incident, which I thought would be the case, but wanted to ask first. Just off the top of my head, I think the H&R in question is of 1954 vintage, and was almost certain it would fire the longer 16 Ga. shells without issue.

I have another H&R 16 Ga, that is about 20-ish years older (educated guess) and when I fired both Remington and Winchester new production 2 3/4" shells I got signs of over-pressure (black around the primer). I got a box of 2 1/2" shells and they fired just fine. So now I fire new shells out of my Remington Sportsman and trim the hulls down to 2 1/2" and use them for my older 16 Ga. single shots.

The H&R in question is a "Newport Model WN" which is basically a H&R "Bay State"/No. 7 rebranded from Hibbard, Spencer and Bartlett. From what I been told mine is circa 1920's or early 1930's? I might be one of the few people who actually like "Hardware Store" or "Trade Name" shotguns?

I'd love to see photos of your H&R 1908 and Bridge Gun Co 16 Ga. guns sometime.
Thanks
Mark

 

Would the 1/4" difference in shell length really make any difference?
The gun would have a tapered choke and from the break actions I've shot and taken care of over the years, I am hard pressed to see where the chamber ends and the choke starts on any of them.
I mean, even with a full choke, you're only talking about decreasing the inner diameter of the barrel .030" over 28" (typically)...and yet, who'd throw 3" shells into a gun that notes it should only have 2 3/4" shells fired in it....¯\_(ツ)_/¯.

Dean