Question about Kessler Arms 16ga bolt

[-Rooster-]

Greetings,

I was given an old Kessler Arms model 228 FR 16ga bolt action by my grandfather. Built somewhere between '51 and '53. It's a clean gun, but sat untouched for decades. I just field stripped it, cleaned it up, and lubricated it, and now I wouldn't mind shooting some clays with it.

Is there any reason she wouldn't be safe to shoot with run of the mill Federal hi-brass lead 1-1/8 ounce #6 loads?

 

[hrearden]

Not as long as they fit the chamber.

 

[Gunaria]

You are good to go.

 

[monitor51]

I've got my grand fathers Mossberg 16GA that is bolt action. I took it trap shooting a couple weeks ago and not one clay broke or even chipped. I was using Remington game loads in 7shot. Knowing that I'm not THAT terrible at trap shooting I used my wifes Mossberg 500 20GA with 8 shot, and the clays starting breaking.

I received mine in much the same shape you got yours. I knew it hadn't been fired in 20+ years. I tested the first round by finding a decent sized tree, reached around the tree, pointed the barrel at the ground and fired. Recoil is light with that gun and I figured it was better to loose a finger if something went bad. I hope grandpas shotgun brings you joy.

 

[FERLACH]

Interesting monitor51, I have tested guns in the past just like you did. Have not had one blow up yet, but just being carefull.

 

[-Rooster-]

Thanks for the replies. I fired the first shell in a similar manner, just to be safe. Then, it proceeded to break the first 3 or 4 clays it saw before missing. The gun felt awesome...better than expected for a 60 year old gun worth maybe $100. Goes to show that cash value doesn't always mean much.