Winchester Model 23

[drone]

I bought my mod 23 in the early 80s, it came with 1/2 and full choke. I couldn't hit a thing with the fc barrel so had it opened out to 1/4 choke. It was so successful that I had the right barrel opened up to 1/4 choke as well. The gun was then my ideal wildfowler. In the late 80s I had a bad experience over decoyed geese and a guide with some french guns in the squad, result was a massacre.

I hung up my guns then and haven't been out much since.

A lot's changed in the 25 years and the main thing is steel shot; the gun has 3" chambers and is proved to 4 tons/square inch. Will it be suitable for steel shot and what sizes should I use for ducks and geese?

All replies gratefully received.

[Scully]

I'm not a wildfowler in the true sense of the word,and your question may get more informed answers in the relevant section,but I can't see why your model 23 shouldn't be ok with steel.My old 101 gets Gamebore, Super Steel 4's through it for ducks,and also geese within range for that matter.It is choked 1/4 and 1/2 so yours shouldn't have any problems.

[Guest topshot_2k]

Depends on what steel you plan on using? some 70mm cartridges are fine in standard proof guns but 3" high performance steel requires steel shot proof.

Also if your shooting is on the coast i would go for Bismuth or Tungsten, its much better at range and can be used in any guns

[drone]

Thanks guys, I was thinking more of decoyed ducks and moonflighting on the coast. I have some friends in east scotland who will allow me to go for the geese on their land; I understand as long as it's not over water or tidal areas that lead can still be used there which will be handy for my 10.