Good source for shells for old doubles

[Wander]

I've got my Grandfathers LC Smith 16 side by side from the late 30's or early 40's. He ordered it to accept "the new" 2 3/4 shells, featherweight chassis, monte carlo stock, semi-beaver tail forend, single trigger (r-l) and 3/4 chock on the right open on the left. I've just had some work done on the hammer and tang to address some double reports(ouch) due to wearing of the mechanism and I suspect the heavier load wasn't the best choice. I am having trouble find 16 ga shells period and would rather buy paper cased light load shells but I am havng even more trouble find them. Where should I look?

My use for this old treasure is mostly clays and trap.

 

[irish_11]

Old Western Scrounger might have what you are after.

 

[Hill Bill E.]

Wander, I posed your question to my in-laws yesterday. My father in law loads his own, and my mother in law has been in gun sales/shooting supplies for years. They both shoot trap, sporting clays and skeet.

As long as the barrels aren't Damascus (shouldn't be from the period) you should be fine with any light game or trap loads.

Stick with the lead, as the old barrels do not handle steel shot, and will wear out fast.

Using it for trap, lead shot should be fine.

As for where to find, most shooting supply stores stock 16 guage, as it has regained it's popularity.

Most shooting supply stores have very knowledgeable staff, the hard part is finding a shooting supply store in your area! (that's not a chain type store)

 

[Wander]

You said that right Bill, not a lot of good shops around here but I can find some 1oz load 16 ga shells. Good to hear the gauge is gaining back some popularity, it is a great all rounder.