I use an Ithaca Mag. 10 for a few years using lead then steel. It does add distance to pattern density. Mine was a 26-inch improve cylinder choke barrel. Buffered lead #4 shot loads were the best patterning at extended distances. I killed duck and geese with steel #3 shot about equally well using steel. However, I stopped using one for two reasons; one the weight of the gun is massive. The more important reason was at closer ranges shooting over decoys it destroyed to many birds for eating. It tuned a big duck into a beanbag full of shot. There is simply no reason for these massive size Shotshells including the 12-gauge 3½” guns still sold. The standard 2¾” shotshell loads have greatly improved, and within reasonable shooting ranges, it is the better choice for waterfowl hunting. I found it is important to inspect the recoil spring tube inside the buttstock; it is prone to severe rusting if not well maintained 👍
I would imagine those 10ga are in decent shape since they only get shot during goose season out of a blind. They’re too big to haul out as a general purpose shotgun like a 12ga that gets taken everywhere.
