Cutting Down a Shotgun

JLaw · Post by **JLaw** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 4:29 pm

I've got an 870, LNIB that I do not use for hunting. The thought has crossed my mind to cut down the barrell to around 18.5" or so, install a faily inexpensive fiber optic front sight, and possible install a +2 or +3 round mag extension. No black plastic stock, no tactical rail, no pistol grip, only the above mentioned accessories are what I'm looking for. I've already priced the front sight and the mag extension, but I have no idea how much a 'smith would charge to cut down the barrell and do a good job at it.

I'm sure I may be getting close to the point where if I'd spend another $100 - $150, I could just buy a brand new HD shotty, but this 870 has been sitting in the cabinet for years now, and I'd like to put it to some use. If I ever do decide to use it for hunting, I'll just invest in a new long barrell and have a dual purpose shotgun. Now that my opinion's out there, is this a feasible idea, or would it cost more to do what I want to the 870 that what a new HD shotty would cost?

JLaw

Jeremae · Post by **Jeremae** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 4:37 pm

just buy another barrel of appropriate length....

JLaw · Post by **JLaw** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 4:38 pm

Haven't had much luck finding a sub-20" barrell for an 870. Anyone know of any sources??

JLaw

Post by **Charles L. Cotton** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 5:01 pm

Try one of the larger Houston gun shows. I've seen a bunch of 18" barrels at the Houston Gun Collectors show.

Chas.

bburgi · Post by **bburgi** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 5:44 pm

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Piney · Post by **Piney** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 5:57 pm

Greetings--

I bought a longer barrell for my Mossy to shoot clays with. I got it on EBAY for a decent price-- and it arrived when expected

RKirby · Post by **RKirby** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 6:54 pm

Mossberg makes a replacement 18" barrel for an 870.....

http://www.mossberg.com/products/access ... ion=access

I've seen them at gun shows for $75.00 - $90.00 NIB. No sense in cutting a good barrel at that price.

Madsmiley · Post by **Madsmiley** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 10:37 pm

Jeremae wrote:just buy another barrel of appropriate length....

Agreed,you can pick up a 18" slug barrel for the price and time of gunsmith work..

Madsmiley · Post by **Madsmiley** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 10:51 pm

Her ya go.BARREL AND GRIPS..
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... m=55542530

JLaw · Post by **JLaw** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 8:19 am

Good info, folks, thanks for the inputs. After checking Midway USA for the parts (why do I always forget about Midway???), looks like the 18.5" barrell is on sale for $90, a +4 mag extension for $42, and I've already found the front sight at academy for around $15. Looks like I'm all set, looking forward to the modifications to finally put this 870 to good use. I'll post before and after pics whenever I get the money together and order the parts.

Second question for discussion for those of you who utilize a HD shotgun--
--> How do you secure your shotgun in your bedroom? Any different methods between daytime and nighttime? I've got a 7 year old running around, so I need some ideas.

JLaw

seamusTX · Post by **seamusTX** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 8:43 am

I dunno, but some people put a shotgun on pegs above the inside of the closet door.

IMHO, a 7-year-old is about ready to learn that some things are not to be touched except under adult supervision. At that age, they're old enough to turn on the range or put the cat in the washing machine. You can no longer watch them every second or put things out of their reach.

- Jim

flintknapper · Post by **flintknapper** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 9:58 am

seamusTX wrote:I dunno, but some people put a shotgun on pegs above the inside of the closet door.

IMHO, a 7-year-old is about ready to learn that some things are not to be touched except under adult supervision. At that age, they're old enough to turn on the range or put the cat in the washing machine. You can no longer watch them every second or put things out of their reach.

- Jim

And whats so wrong about that?

Houston1944 · Post by **Houston1944** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 10:21 am

I had a sidexside that was dropped on some rocks by my son a few years ago and dented the end of one barrel. I clamped it in my miter box and with a new hacksaw blade cut it back to 18 3/8". I buffed the ends with a dremel tool and it turned out good. I cut the stock down and it made a nice self defense shotgun.

seamusTX · Post by **seamusTX** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 10:29 am

flintknapper wrote:
seamusTX wrote:IMHO, a 7-year-old is about ready to learn that some things are not to be touched except under adult supervision. At that age, they're old enough to turn on the range or put the cat in the washing machine.
And whats so wrong about that?

The fur clogs up the pump something fierce.

- Jim

cmccaslin · Post by **cmccaslin** » Sun Sep 03, 2006 8:54 pm

Fountain Firearms in Houston, Tx. They stock 18 in. barrels for the 870.