If it's a mod. '97 shotgun, and in good condition,it's safe to shoot with any 2 3/4" shell. They were very strong actions. I've got one made in 1911. It's my favorite rabbit gun. I shot turkey loads through it for years, and shot sporting clays with it a couple of times.I wouldn't shoot steel shot through it though. They had very tight chokes, and you might ruin the muzzle trying to get steel shot through it.