In general, yes, since the 2-3/4 is a lower power shell. If the gun is a semi auto, it may not cycle properly. You didn't identify the gun (there are a lot of model 88's). You will want to clean the chamber at the forcing cone very well after you shoot it to prevent powder buildup when shooting the shorter shells.
All day long. Any shotgun can handle shorter shells than it is chambered for as long as they are the same gauge.
Only if it is chambered for them. Have it examined by a good gunsmith
yes.
12-70 is frequently used to indicate the gauge of the shotgun followed by the length of the chamber in millimeters. In the US, or non-metric measurements, that means a 12 gauge shotgun chambered for 2.75 inch (usually read two and three quarter inch) shells. Sometimes, you'll see 12-76 to designate a 12 gauge shotgun chambered for 3 inch shells.
The spec's on what the gun is chambered for will be stamped into the barrel right under the name and model number. If it says 2 1/2" don't try shooting 3" shells in it, it may blow up in your face.
Yes, you can.
If you are refering to the Iver Johnson model excel shotgun,which was made from 1910-1935;then these shotguns were chambered in 2 3/4 inch shells.
With the serial number that you have provided,your Winchester model 1912 pump action shotgun was made in the year 1916.You should be aware that all Winchester model 12 shotguns chambered in 20 gauge from 1912-1927 were chambered in the 2 1/2 inch length,not the present day chambering for 2 3/4in shells.
As the number 3 indicates,your Winchester model 42 can chamber either 2 1/2in,or 3 inch 410 shotgun shells.
yes it will. the rating shotguns are chambered for is the maximum size shell you can shoot. i have a 1100 LT chambered for 3 inch and i shoot 2 3/4 inch shells out of it mostly.
Around $350-$400, a little more if it is the single-trigger version.
Answer, yes it can but DO NOT DO IT! lcj