I was just in Namibia bowhunting plainsgame and my outfitter asked me it was safe to shoot modern ammo in this 12 guage side-by-side shotgun.

I told him that I thought so but I would try to find someone who could be more definitive.








Guernica-Spain



Borchers-Celta



Any idea as to what year the gun was manufactured? I see a stamp that says 12/70


What does 850KG mean?


What does this mean?

Hi the gun should be safe to use CIP rated cartridges which is basically limited to European made cartridges (they have a shield printed on the box somewhere that say CIP NORMAS from memeory) I would suggest 1oz loads do not shoot any loads loaded to SAAMI pressures the gun was not built for high pressure (SAAMI being pretty well any American loaded cartridges maybe some Americans can suggest a low pressure load)
the gun appears to be made in 1965 (the K1 stamp) is proofed to 850KG\CM (or Bars) the No 1380 is the barrel weight (in KG's) which is a requirement by law for guns proofed in Europe the stamps below the barrel weight are the Eibar proofhouse(?)
the 12\70 is the Gauge and chamber length in MM just forward of the barrel flats there should be some more stamps giving internal barrel size and choke for example 18.4 17.4 (full choke"
18.4 17.9 (modified choke)hope this helps