I have the opportunity to buy a very clean Winchester M50 and a Remington 11-48, both in 20 gauge 2 3/4" chamber. Would either be safe to rechamber to the 3" shell?

thanks,

Rich

When the M50's and M59's came out in the 1950's Simmons Gun Shop converted some to 3". I don't know about the Remington 11-48, Remington seemed to have problems getting the recoil springs balanced just right as them made several versions. Bill

From a safety stand point you would be just fine. You might have ejection problems if the port isn't long enough. Before you do it, look to see what you gain. In truth, almost nothing, You get a longer shot string, no more velocity, no bigger pattern and a few more pellets hitting the pattern board. Hits on moving game are not noticeably increased because the extra pellets are in the end of the shot string and don't impact the target, unless you over lead it a little. Look on the shell box for velocity and you will find the 3" is often slower. Turkey hunting is about the only place the 3" is a tiny bit better than the 2 3/4". I wouldn't add the extra recoil, not that a 20 is bad, just don't see the justification. The 3" mag. shells are also more expensive........Tom

You guys are correct. My better half also sais to keep my grubby mitts off of HER M50.

Rich

Some things are better considered, and then taking a pass on, than actually doing.