H&R 20gauge Single Shot

[Brandan]

Bought an older gently used H&R Model 088 this afternoon. 20 gauge, built in modified choke, single shot. I bought the firearm for clays, however as I was walking out, the guy that did my paperwork said "Modified choke; don't go shootin' slugs thru it". It was always my understanding that rifled slugs and smooth bores with chokes were okay? I don't plan to use it for slugs, however I am now curious.

Also, it is chambered 3". 2 3/4" loads are just fine as well correct?

Thanks,
Brandan

 

[tgallmey]

Im not sure but I believe that applies to full chokes

 

[clfergus]

I know my dad and bro both use a mossy 500 with a choke and rifled slugs. I think its an Improved cylinder if i am not mistaken

 

[UncleMike]

An "old style" soft lead slug won't hurt the gun a bit.
We shot them in full choke guns for decades with no problems.
Some of the newer copper alloy slugs however, are hard enough that they don't swage down easily when they hit the choke constriction.
That can cause a rapid rise in pressure.
Not a good thing in an older shotgun.

 

[Brandan]

Thanks guys. This is exactly what I was thinking as well.

Also, 2 3/4" loads are fine in a 3" chamber?

Brandan

 

[UncleMike]

Thanks guys. This is exactly what I was thinking as well.

Also, 2 3/4" loads are fine in a 3" chamber?

Brandan

Yup.
That's no problem either.
It's just like shooting a .22 Short in a .22 LR chamber or .38 Specials, in a .357 Mag, or .44 Specials in a .44 Mag.........
Well.....
You get the picture.