Rem 17 20ga...2 1/2 inch shells only?

[Hogfan1911]

I've got a model 17 20 ga that was my great-grandfather's. Nowhere on it can I find anything stating what size shells it's chambered for. I just saw a letter in the latest issue of Guns about not being able to find 2 1/2 inch shells for a 17, and that 2 3/4 inchers were dangerous to shoot in one. Had no idea about this, and am kinda freaked 'cause I've used it to kill several doves with 2 3/4 inch loads before semi-retiring it a couple years ago. Is it really chambered for 2 1/2 inch only? Any of you older (sorry, more "life experienced") folks out there care to enlighten me?

 

[JohnBT]

www.remingtonsociety.com/questions/Model17Answer.htm

"The Model 17 is a pump-action, hammerless, underloading, tubular-magazine, bottom-ejecting, take-down shotgun which chambers both 2½" and 2¾" 20 gauge shotshells."

 

[Hogfan1911]

Thanks for the link, JohnBT. I kinda figured the 2 3/4 inchers were ok since they chambered so smoothly, but it's nice to know for sure!

 

[AntiqueCollector]

You have to measure it to be sure. Oversized shells will fit unfired but that doesn't make them safe...