A good friend inherited a 16 ga. Model 97 from his grandfather, and used nothing but 2 3/4" field loads in it. His gun was in good original condition, and he never had a problem.
That proves nothing for any other gun we haven't seen, but I'd wager you'd be ok if the barrel is in good shape. You could always try the Firestone Proof Test using some even heavier loads.
I ask because short shells are not available locally and politicians where I live may soon put stop to mail order ammo. Thanks.
Let me guess... those politicians that are working to ban mail order ammo... they are Democrats, aren't they???.... like the anti-gun Democrats you've always supported.
Some people need to be hit in the head with a brick to understand that Democrats are no good for gun rights, or much else.
