What shotshells to use in an new/old shotgun?

[toby1]

Okay, after trying not to buy it for a week and losing, I bought the Remington model 31, 12 gauge pump that was in the for sale section. My question do I need to worry about what I feed it? It's a 12 gauge Remington Model 31 manufactured in 1939. 2 3/4" chamber, 30" barrel, with a modified choke. After looking at the 12 gauge offerings at Academy, I'm just confused. Do I need to worry about fps velocity, handi-cap loads, heavy target, loads? I haven't bought 12 gauge shells in over 45 years. Back then, I bought whatever 7 1/2 shot Western Auto had in stock. Around here I would be going after doves, squirrels and maybe clays. I just didn't want to wreck my new toy. Or am I overthinking it? Thanks

 

[zackmars]

Any 2 3/4 shell should be fine, assuming you don't have a specific need like shooting trap or home defense

 

[fordw60s]

I'd agree with above. 2-3/4" shells should be good. Definitely overthinking to me but my parents each shoot a Winchester 1894 in competitions in SASS for the last 20 years. No problems in factory Winchester low recoil. The youngest gun is in the same year as yours and oldest is 1899 ish. They also have one loaded with regular loads for defense and have no problem shooting regular rounds out of it or any of the other ones they have.

 

[seeker_two]

Word of warning: European-made shotshells use a different style of crimp that may not work with a 2 3/4" chamber. Stick with the USA-made ammo, and you'll be fine....

 

[zackmars]

Word of warning: European-made shotshells use a different style of crimp that may not work with a 2 3/4" chamber. Stick with the USA-made ammo, and you'll be fine....

The measurement is for a fired shell, isn’t it?

 

[seeker_two]

The measurement is for a fired shell, isn’t it?

Sometimes, the Euro-crimped shells are longer than 2 3/4", not allowing them to chamber. Other times, the fired shell is longer than the chamber, causing jams. Caveat emptor...

 

[Moonpie]

Don’t use steel shot.

 

[toby1]

Thanks for the replies. I guess I worried about nothing

 

[seeker_two]

If you need something to worry about, swing by the .30 Super Carry vs. .48ZAP thread....plenty of worry there.