Rifled Barrel Shotguns: Ammunition Types & Safety

Question
Bob,

I need some advice regarding a Rifled barrel shotgun.  Can I shoot buck or birdshot without damaging the rifled barrel?


Answer
Hi Tom.

You can shoot buck or birdshot from a rifled barrel without damaging the firearm, assuming of course that the firearm is in good working condition and you select the appropriate shells for it.  You should only use lead shot, though, as steel shot could possibly damage the rifling.

Keep in mind that the pattern of the gun will be worse than normal, possibly a lot worse, because the shot will exit the barrel spinning in every direction.

Summary:

If you want accuracy then you should stick with slugs in a rifled barrel.  If you want to shoot shot then you should have a smooth barrel.  In a pinch and at close range you could probably get by with shot from a rifled barrel, but then why would you bother when smooth bore barrels and guns are readily available for fairly low prices?