16 gauge, European

interarms

I was wondering if someone could clarify something about an item I just purchased. It is a Zastava 16ga. double barrel shotgun (side by side) & I am told that the European models take a different size shell (16 1/2" vs. 16 9/16" ?). Also, I am wondering about the quality of the gun. I am told it shoots just fine. I don't know the year since there are no markings regarding dates. Any information on this topic would be very much appreciated. Thanks, M.K.

1fisher

You really need to take the gun to a gunsmith and have them check it with a chamber gauge. If it is a fairly new gun, it MAY have 2-3/4" chambers, or it is possible that someone MAY have lengthened the original chambers to 2-3/4" (this can be done fairly easily on a double gun.)
Without a chamber gauge, there is no way of telling -- DO NOT shoot it until you are sure. A 2-3/4" shell might fit in a shorter chamber, but the case cannot open up fully and high pressures can result (bad for you and the gun).
If you search around, there are suppliers of 2-1/2" shells for older European/British guns.

MIKE WISKEY

THE 16GA. ZATAVA'S I'VE SEEN ARE ALL 2 3/4" (STANDARD AMERICAN), LOOK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BARRELS (REMOVE FROM THE ACTION) YOU SHOULD SEE "16/70"; THIS MEANS 16 GA. 70MM LENGHT (SAME AS 2 3/4")

bigbill0910

Let's go shoot it! Mike these guys know a lot about all the guns you collect and shoot.

interarms

Thank you so much for the quick responses. I have another question to post. Is there anyway to tell how old the gun is? I have searched the internet & even written Zastava to see if they could shed some light on it. It appears to be pretty old, but in very good shape.