Remington Model 17
 

I spent Christmas with my family in Florida. My grandfather and I got to talking about shotguns, and he told me that he had a shotgun that had belonged to my other grandfather (long story). He took it out and it turned out to be a Remington Model 17. He told me it was mine when I wanted it. (As I was flying home, I didn't decide to take it with me.)

It is in good condition overall, but it hasn't been fired in at least 30 years, maybe even 40 or 50 years. My grandfather (in Florida) took it apart and cleaned it 30 years ago, and it has been stored indoors ever since.

My grandfather told me it can't be fired anymore as it was designed for use with paper cartridges. Is this correct?

Any good gunsmiths near you? I'd inquire there. I know that my old remington "wingmaster" with full choke barrel won't handle the new steel shot loads, but I never heard anything about the cartridge itself...

I figured steel would be right out. I'll put out a feeler the next time I'm at the range...

Good idea...it might be perfectly functional with lead shot rounds...

Why would steel shot be an issue? Just curious myself.

steel dimples and bulges the barrels of old shotguns made for lead shot.

Thanks very much, ddn't know that but it makes sense. I need to do some additional research I have some old shotguns and will check with a gunsmith for more info.

Widgeon13
I would be happy to advise you on your old shotguns.
RPKESQ

Unless it has a damascus barrel, I don't see why you can't shoot modern 2-3/4 loads. What would paper shells have to do with it? Same size, same powder load.

Thanks very much for the offer, I have a good friend back east who can answer my questions. The subjects of lead vs steel and paper vs plastic has just never come up relative to older shotguns. Regards

I believe that's Remington's version of an Ithaca model 37. If it is in sound condition it should be a shooter with modern shells, no magnum loads though.
Anyone else heard it's possible as paper shells age they can produce high pressure than when new?
Jim

My dad just got my grandfathers Winchester Model 12 from WWII era. Interesting info on the steel shot, I'll mention it to him.

Have him send you the shotgun, have a local gunsmith inspect it just to make sure. Then have fun with it. You can still modern shells as long as they are not "magnum shells". I have a large-ring Mauser 98 that was made in 1910 that I shoot .308 surplus out of.

The barrel steel can't handle shot that's not soft. Virtually all shotguns these days are hard chromed inside the barrels to prevent steel shot abrasion.

The other issue, paper vs. plastic shells might be about the shell crimping method. All shells used to have a roll crimp that held in a flat cardboard disc. When fired the roll crimp straightened out, but didn't increase the length of the shell much, maybe 3/16ths of an inch or so. Star crimps, both paper and plastic, lengthen much more when fired, I haven't measured this increase but it's probably at least 3/8ths inch or more. The front of the chamber on the old shotguns is set up for the shorter roll crimp and may not tolerate the longer star crimped shells well, if at all.

Just a guess though, a good gunsmith, one that works with shotguns a lot, can fill you in better than I can.

if you have valuable guns these guys are very knowledgeable. Not cheap but they will answer your questions. Very professional. Fun place to window shop for the best rifles and shotguns for all applications.

http://www.griffinhowe.com/

Model 17
Description: Pump action, hammerless, underloading, tubular-magazine, bottom-ejecting, takedown shotgun
Introduction Year: 1921
Year Discontinued: 1933
Total Production: Approximately 73,000
Designer/Inventor: John Browning, John Pedersen
Action Type: Pump action
Caliber/Gauge: 20 gauge only
Serial Number Blocks: 0,000 – 73,000
Grades Offered: 17A – Standard Grade
17B – Special Grade
17D – Tournament Grade
17E – Expert Grade
17F – Premier Grade
17R – Riot Grade
17P – Police Grade
Variations: None
I belive I would shoot plastic shells through it.
One of the issues with older, paper shells is how they've been stored or handled. Hulls can split or rough handling over a long period of time can cause the powder grains to fracture or abrade. Most shotshell powder at the time was a flake grain. As you know grain size and shape affects burn rate. So damaged or degraded powder may cause higher pressure.
I'd shoot it.
But it wouldn't be my daily driver for sentimental reasons.