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Re: Home Defense Shotgun
Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2011 5:16 pm
by 03Lightningrocks
Thanks. When I read the post about buying the inexpensive shotgun and doing my own cutting, it occurred to me I had no idea of where that should start and end. I would hate to make a half inch mistake and end up in prison.
Re: Home Defense Shotgun
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 1:54 pm
by doc540
I've only cut three barrels, so I'm no expert.
Hope this helps:
Make sure the gun is unloaded
1. close the chamber, put a rod down the barrel and measure the length with the rod resting on the face of the bolt. Give yourself at least a 1/2" cushion, a little more is better.
2. remove the barrel and put it in a soft-jawed vice, mark your cut line with the edge of a file
3. put tape on each side of the cut line
4. start your cut with the edge of a file
5. Using a NEW blade, work SLOWLY, stopping to make sure your cut is straight. There is a tendency for the cut to angle back toward the receiver.
6. keep the blade oiled until the cut is finished
7. square up the end of the barrel with the flat side of a file
6. using a small rat tail file, carefully round the edges of the barrel. Again, slowly, carefully, and at a VERY slight angle.
7. cold blue the muzzle with Van's
http://www.vansgunblue.com/
good luck!
Re: Home Defense Shotgun
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 2:59 pm
by karder
Thanks for the tips doc, those are really helpful. I have been thinking about attempting to shorten a barrel on a really old shotty and your tips have given me the confidence to start the project. It helps to hear from someone who has actually done it as I am not a very handy sort.

Re: Home Defense Shotgun
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 3:16 pm
by doc540
karder wrote:Thanks for the tips doc, those are really helpful. I have been thinking about attempting to shorten a barrel on a really old shotty and your tips have given me the confidence to start the project. It helps to hear from someone who has actually done it as I am not a very handy sort.

With patience and a sharp hacksaw blade it's a piece of cake.
The hardest thing for me to master is the straight, vertical cut.
Just stop often and get down there where you can really see your cut and keep it straight.
Don't worry about "smooth", just straight.
Your files will smooth it up.
Re: Home Defense Shotgun
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 7:49 pm
by 03Lightningrocks
I am lazy. I would use my sawzall.

Re: Home Defense Shotgun
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 11:12 pm
by Jrangel
Hi, Weatherby is making affordable ones. They look like benelli super nova
just my 2 cents.