[dhoward]

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.