Need help finding 2.5" 12 gauge shells

[wizzegun]

I recently picked up an old German 12 gauge that shoots 2.5" shells. Does anybody know a place that might have them? I am looking for a target/clay bird load. Thanks

[zzeiber]

Originally Posted by wizzegun

I recently picked up an old German 12 gauge that shoots 2.5" shells. Does anybody know a place that might have them? I am looking for a target/clay bird load. Thanks

Try http://www.rstshells.com/.

I think they've got what you need.;

[wizzegun]

Thanks! These shells are harder to find than I thought they would be.

[knight0334]

Just be careful if you ever reload them. Many guns chambered for 2-1/2" or 2-5/8" were low pressure steel or damascus twist guns suited for blackpowder.

Originally 2-1/2"~2-5/8" guns used brass shells that didn't have crimped ends that needed room to open. Those brass shell loads were blackpowder. Today's 2-3/4" shells will fit into the shorter chambers because the shell length is measured prior to crimping. After top is crimped it is about 2-1/2". If you use one of those shells the hull wont have room to unfold and you could blow apart the barrel(s) right in front of the chamber.

[wizzegun]

The shotgun I have is a German Geha. A converted WWI Mauser. At the time, Germans used 2 9/16" shells hence the need for 2 1/2". Many of these shotguns have been destroyed (along with their owners) when they tried 2 3/4" shells. I have been debating firing the Geha but it's in excellent condition and I think it will get the best of me. I have spoken to other owners who never had an issue with theirs.

[timbrfrmr25]

if its a mauser its a bolt action right? i think that is what my dad has and my local shop advised strongly against shootin it. something with the converting process made the bolt lock up weak and it ( the action) could potentially blow up in your face. we call it the "frankengun"... a conversation piece. I am not super knowledgable about them and don't know if what you have is even the same but it sounds very very similar. iwould post a pic and let some of the more knowledgable people decide for you. i personally would not fire it. hope this is of some help!! tim

[wizzegun]

Correct it's a bolt action Mauser. The stigma (mistaken gun folklore) against the Geha and Romo conversions is that during the conversion process, the front two locking lugs were ground to accomodate the 12 gauge chamber. Only the 3rd lug in the rear is used which made them bolt "weak and dangerous." But you also have to remember that shotguns have a much lower chamber pressure than a high powered rifle. The other problem, as I stated earlier, is that unknowing shooters would use 2 3/4 shells damaging the guns and themselves. If the rear lug is not cracked on your father's gun, then I wouldn't hesitate to shoot with 2 1/2" shells. The Germans lost enough men in WWI. I doubt they would inflict another way to lose more.

[Grizz2720]

You can get new full length brass casings from Cabelas for $21 for a box of 25.
They use large pistol primers.
Grizz

[Mooseman]

Not sure if shorter than 2.5 would help you but I always see those really short 12 guage shells at the gun shows.

[wizzegun]

My dealer has those really short shells made by Aguila(I think). He was joking that I should try them and I still might just for fun. Originally they were designed as a home defense round or for police use.

zzeiber sent me a link to a place that makes "old school" shells and I have some on order.

Thanks for everyone's input!