I have a Winchester shotgun. It is a semi-auto, marked Ranger Model 140 12 gauge, 2-3/4" shells.
A while back, while hurriedly loading it, to fend off predators, from my farm, I loaded it with 3 shells, and I got ONE, that kicked much harder, than the others. In looking at some spent shells, on the ground, I found a single 3" spent shell. In looking in my ammo, I found a bunch of similar loose shells, marked as magnums.
In taking off the barrel, and just checking things, I see no damage. I have since fired it, several times, with the normal 2-3/4" #2 & #4 shot, that I normally keep on hand. No issues with functionalities.
So, I removed the barrel today, and thought I'd see if a 3" shell would fit. Lo, and behold, a 3" shell, fits fine. Is this normal? Is it safe to shoot 3" shells in my M140?
I'm not new to guns. I have been shooting, since 1969. But, until moving to this farm, my only experience, with shotguns, were the Ithaca 37's and Remington 870, riot guns, we used in police work. I am very unfamiliar with hunting shotguns. I would never think to try to force a rifle or pistol cartridge, into a gun that wouldn't fit, properly. And, if it doesn't belong, it won't fit. Apparently, this does not hold true, for shotguns. I do have a few boxes of 3" shells (not all Magnum loads) that I inherited, with this shotgun, from dad. It was his only shotgun. I'm guessing that 3" shells are okay to use in this gun. But, I do not want to be a statistic.
So, I'm asking for some help, from folks who likely know more than me. Help, please?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Model 140 help
5 posts
• Page 1 of 1
I would contact Winchester Customer Service. They will answer any questions you may have be sure to have your serial number when you call they could probably send you a copy of a owners manual just for asking
"Im just a Peckerwood who lives in the hills with too many guns"
|
|
If you're asking me...just because you can does NOT mean you should.
Winchester marked the Model 140 Ranger as a 2 3/4"chamber...and that's the only size shell you should chamber in it. You got lucky once...don't become that statistic !! |
|
A shotgun chamber length matches the shell case length in the "unfolded" fired state, that's why the 3" shells fit in a 2-3/4" chamber. Shotgun shells are shorter than their stated length until fired, just measure one before firing and after and you will see what I mean.
When a 3" shell fires in a 2-3/4" chamber, the ends of the plastic shell open against the forcing cone instead of the chamber. This ends up causing a slight barrel restriction that can result in increased pressure that can cause damage to you and your gun. 3" loads and magnums can be loaded at higher pressures than the 2-3/4" loads your chamber was designed for, combine these two things and you have a recipe for disaster.. Be thankful that you got away with it a few times without injury. |
|
Thanks for this post skinner. I was not aware of the way shells were measured for chambering.
GOA Life Member
NRA Sustaining Member USMC Korea vet Retired CWO3 USCGR |
|
5 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Return to Winchester Model 1300
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 11 guests
Winchester Owners Forum is privately owned and operated. It is not affiliated or operated by Winchester company.
Views and opinions expressed here are not necessarily that of Winchester.