RE: Model 59 Winchester shotgun
Sniper...Although some sources recommend avoiding heavy loads in the 59, mine has digested thousands of high brass and 2 3/4" magnum shells over the years with no ill effects , other than some pretty substantial recoil due to it's light weight.... Nowadays, I have other gunsbetter suited for theheavy work on turkeys, ducks, geese and the like, and I limit the 59 to target loads and light field loads...
If your buddy wants to shoot his gun, he should go ahead. Heshould be able touse it on upland game with 1 oz, 1 1/8 oz. or 1 1/4 oz. lead field loads for the rest of his life... That M 59 will still be tickin' when they lay him under the sod and HIS son inherits it..