How will steel shot damage show in a barrel?

[doubletall]

I have a Smith and Wesson Silver Elite 12 gauge that I'd like to use for upland but I've received mixed information on whether or not I can use steel shot.  I traded into the gun and manual that I found online doesn't address the issue at all.  Also, the chokes (IC & M) are not marked steel safe or otherwise like the chokes on my Benelli.

I emailed Commando Arms in Turkey (the exporter of the current version of the gun made at the Akus factory) and they seemed to say that they are steel safe but the grammar in their English made me wonder what they were actually saying.

I also posted the question on the Akus facebook page and got the following response,
 "For your shotgun made in 2007, it can not safe. You must use IC or CYL. On the new models you can use thin Wall chokes for steel shots."

So, my question is, what will steel do to barrels and/or chokes that are not made to handle it.  Is it something that will show immediately or are we talking hundreds of rounds.

[wadu1]

I would only be using IC or C for steel anyway. If your choke tube becomes harder to remove that would be an indication that the tubes were not steel proof. The steel shot is expanding the tube, I would not think a newer shotgun would have issues. 
Depending on what year it was made here is what Trulock Chokes have for conversion.

Smith and Wesson Elite Series
 No known interchange

Smith and Wesson Old Version
 Interchanges with Carlson's Winchester, Browning Invector & Mossberg 500 style threads

Smith and Wesson Current version 2007
 Interchanges with Carlson's Beretta/Benelli Mobil style threads

[AspenBud]

Or just use this stuff.

http://www.cabelas.com/ensemble/Home/Bulk-Ammunition|/pc/105625080/c/106633080/Environmetal-Hevi-Shot174-Classic-Doubles-Shotshells/6418.uts

[CP]

Or just use this stuff.

http://www.cabelas.com/ensemble/Home/Bulk-Ammunition|/pc/105625080/c/106633080/Environmetal-Hevi-Shot174-Classic-Doubles-Shotshells/6418.uts

It would be cheaper to buy a new gun.

[AspenBud]

Or just use this stuff.

http://www.cabelas.com/ensemble/Home/Bulk-Ammunition|/pc/105625080/c/106633080/Environmetal-Hevi-Shot174-Classic-Doubles-Shotshells/6418.uts

It would be cheaper to buy a new gun.

      Fair enough.

[doubletall]

I ordered some Fiocchi Tundra that I thought was 10 to the box, about $2.50 a shot.  Nope, 5 to box, ouch!!

[L-ofalab]

I would try to find extended chokes so if there is bulging it wouldn't take place where the threads are. Cabalas has lots of after market tubes you should be able to determine what choke you need to order I had a cheap Remington o/u that was made in Russia. Their manual said to only shoot steel through the extended tubes and the gun came with only 5 flush mount tubes. I ordered skeet 1 and skeet 2 extended tubes that worked fine.

[doubletall]

There are no known interchangeable chokes for the gun.  About my only option for aftermarket is to send the barrel to Briley for custom made at around $65 apiece.

[wadu1]

I would try and give Trulock a call at 1-229-762-4678, George and company have been a good help for me on odd chokes. Or try Colonial Choke and Tool  251-580-5000 they have a 10 day turn around on special chokes etc.

[doubletall]

I would try and give Trulock a call at 1-229-762-4678, George and company have been a good help for me on odd chokes. Or try Colonial Choke and Tool  251-580-5000 they have a 10 day turn around on special chokes etc.

Thanks for the resources, I'll give them a call.