Make Your Most Versatile Firearm Even Better
The shotgun is perhaps the most universal and practical weapon in the history of mankind as we know it. No other handheld firearm can be so versatile. With one shotgun, a person can hunt all manner of small game, even big game, and if need be, use it handily for personal defense. It almost seems like firearms Utopia. But it can be even better.
Cartridge adapters are nothing new; they have been around for decades. My first was years ago when I had a vintage Winchester Arms Company made version that allowed me to fire .32 S&W rounds out of my .30-30. As handy as that was, I found that those meant to be used in shotguns are much more useful.
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.410 cartridge adapter for shotguns with Ithaca Model 66. Works great in break action single shot weapons as well as pump models and retails for $30. (Photo: David LaPell)
Basics
Today several companies make cartridge adapters for shotguns, but I ended up choosing two from ShotgunAdapter.com. Yes, that is the name of the company. They are made in the United States, in Leroy, Michigan. I bought them to go with my Ithaca 66 Super Single 12 gauge single barrel shotgun. The adapters will work in a pump action shotgun, I don’t know how well they would function or extract from a semi-automatic shotgun, but they are right at home in a break open single or double barrel shotgun to be sure. They are 2.75 inches in length so clearance isn’t a problem.
.38 special/.357 Magnum cartridge adapter. (Photo: David LaPell)
All of the adapters from Shotgun Adapter are smooth bore and they all cost thirty dollars. That’s not a bad price for what you’re getting. These are not meant to take the place of a rifle or handgun as far as accuracy, but I was surprised with the results I got out of them. The first adapter I tried was for .357 Magnum. Most other adapters out there are rated for .38 Special rounds only, but this one is advertised as being able to handle the more powerful stuff.
.410 cartridge adapter. Though rumors may say it’s safe to use long shells, I followed factory instructions and used shorter 2.5 inch shells. (Photo: David LaPell)
On the range
I set up a target with a four-inch square to see if I could even get the rounds close to the target. I was pleasantly surprised that when shooting at 20 yards offhand, I was able to get a three round group not only in the target, but with a group of 2.5 inches. I did notice though that the rounds were beginning to the keyhole, but this again is from an adapter with no rifling. For personal defense if need be or even small game at close range, this would do the trick.
I fired a few rounds farther out and the bullets began drifting off and the accuracy went downhill, so to 25 yards is where I would limit my shooting with these. Every round was easy to take out of the case, requiring nothing more than my fingernail or a tap of the adapter on the bench and the empty popped right out with no problem.
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