I have an old Beretta a303 20 gauge and the barrel states 2 3/4" shells only, is it possible to have it opened up to shoot 3" shells? I really like the gun, but some areas I hunt are Steel Shot only and it is tough to find 20 gauge steel shot in the shot size I want in 2 3/4". I know I could ask a gunsmith, but I was curious if anyone here knew for certain or had done it.
Can you open up the chamber of a 2 3/4" shotgun to shoot 3" shells?
- Thread starter RutCrazed
- Start date
Tomahawker
Well-known member
Yes a gunsmith can lengthen the chamber. Many older English guns had 2.5 inch chamber and been lengthened to 2.75
benelli-banger
Well-known member
Double guns and auto’s may be different that way…or not?
LC Smith
Well-known member
If it was an English gun, it should be sent to the Proof House for reproofing.
John Singer
Well-known member
It is probably more complicated than a simple SxS or over/under for two reasons.
1. The receiver must allow for the ejection of a longer hull.
2. Many Beretta's have chrome lined chambers and barrels. A special ream may be required.
1. The receiver must allow for the ejection of a longer hull.
2. Many Beretta's have chrome lined chambers and barrels. A special ream may be required.
Goosemaster
Well-known member
No
benelli-banger
Well-known member
Maybe save the $ from the gunsmith and buy some 2 3/4”hevi shot?
Thanks for the input, I did not consider that. I have reached out to a gunsmith
benelli-banger
Well-known member
I checked, hevi shot has lots of non toxic options in 2 3/4”
I have had a tough time finding them in store. Bass Pro, Cabelas, Roger’s, Walmart etc… are very limited in upland shot sizes
benelli-banger
Well-known member
I was on the hevi shot website
www.ammoseek.com sort by gauge, then use the search terms Bismuth, Tungsten, etc. and use "hammer, teal, steel, metal," to filter out the steel duplex loads.
BrownDogsCan2
Well-known member
I think you could do this.
Browning B80/Beretta 303 20 Ga Vent Rib 26.5” Long 3” IC Choke (B31) | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Browning B80/Beretta 303 20 Ga Vent Rib 26.5” Long 3” IC Choke (B31) at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
I forgot about the B80 compatibility.I think you could do this.
Browning B80/Beretta 303 20 Ga Vent Rib 26.5” Long 3” IC Choke (B31) | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Browning B80/Beretta 303 20 Ga Vent Rib 26.5” Long 3” IC Choke (B31) at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!www.ebay.com
Wow, I have never been on this site before. Thanks
Here is an interesting thread, https://www.trapshooters.com/threads/diffrence-between-a-2-3-4-and-a-3-beretta-303.150312/
If it were me it would be like taking your 12 year old hamster to the vet to get thousands of dollars worth of chemotherapy. I love berettas, and not degrading your gun. It is just the price for what you are getting and gaining would not be worth it. Good luck.
If it were me it would be like taking your 12 year old hamster to the vet to get thousands of dollars worth of chemotherapy. I love berettas, and not degrading your gun. It is just the price for what you are getting and gaining would not be worth it. Good luck.
Thank you for the article, that answered a few questions. The gun has more sentimental value that actual value, which is why I wanted to make it more of an every day shooter. I have no idea what the cost to open up the chamber a little would cost, but if it is minimal, it could be about the cost of a case of shells which I have to buy specifically for this gun rather than the other 20s I have that will shoot 3" shells.