[ShotgunPro]

I'm picking up a rem 870 tomorrow. Would I be better off buying a new barrel or cutting down the stock one? It has ribs on top of the barrel. I don't need the barrel length for hunting because I have 2 hunting shotguns already. As for mag extensions is there any brands to stay away from? If I cut the barrel down what are my sight options? Thanks

 

[ShotgunPro]

Just my opinion but I would go with a new barrell.

 

[ShotgunPro]

Since they make 870s as short as 18" why not just buy the length you want?

 

[ShotgunPro]

idk about your state but in most sawed offs are illegal id go with a new barrel

 

[ShotgunPro]

Since they make 870s as short as 18" why not just buy the length you want?

I'll second this. Without the right tools and patience, sawing off a shotgun barrel rarely ever turns out really well. You're also going to greatly affect how it patterns, and once it's done it's done.

You might be able to install a screw-in choke and have the forcing cone modified, but then you're spending at least double what a new barrel or buying it in the length you want to begin with would cost.

 

[ShotgunPro]

I have a 870 with vent rib in 12 ga. that I bought over 30 years ago. It was my hunting gun for a long time. I finally purchased a Beretta 360L Urika and 'retired' my 870.

I then decided to turn it into a personal defense gun and purchased a new 18" barrel and a magazine tube extension.

Resale value is retained versus cutting the barrel. Cost to 'downgrade' was less than purchasing a new riot shotgun.

 

[ShotgunPro]

Ok so new barrel is the general feel I getting from everyone. Where are good places to buy from? New to the whole buying gun parts scene.

 

[ShotgunPro]

Here is a good guide if you want to go shorter than 18".

Shotgunworld.com • View topic - How to legally build a Short Barreled Shotgun (SBS)

Its legal in most places, but only you can decide if its worth the trouble.

 

[ShotgunPro]

I definitely don't want to go shorter than 18". I'm taking the rem 870 in trade so I was hoping to convert it to a hd shotgun cheap. Not looking good so far. $119 is what I found for a barrel. Crap

 

[ShotgunPro]

I definitely don't want to go shorter than 18". I'm taking the rem 870 in trade so I was hoping to convert it to a hd shotgun cheap. Not looking good so far. $119 is what I found for a barrel. Crap

There is always the option of trying to sell or trade the current barrel that is on the gun. It would take more time and in the end may not work out but theres always someone who wants something...

 

[ShotgunPro]

idk about your state but in most sawed offs are illegal id go with a new barrel

Bull$hit.

As long as the barrel is over 18", it's perfectly legal.

I turned this:

Into this:

Without breaking a single law. Yes, that's the original barrel, chopped to 18.1". It cost me $30, with a new bead installed.

To the OP--if you can find someone to just chop your barrel, chop away...it'll probably be cheaper than buying a new one.

 

[ShotgunPro]

Bull$hit.

As long as the barrel is over 18", it's perfectly legal.

I turned this:

Into this:

Without breaking a single law. Yes, that's the original barrel, chopped to 18.1". It cost me $30, with a new bead installed.

To the OP--if you can find someone to just chop your barrel, chop away...it'll probably be cheaper than buying a new one.

I am a cheap ass so this is most likely what I'll do!

 

[ShotgunPro]

Bull$hit. <-----

Without breaking a single law. Yes, that's the original barrel, chopped to 18.1". It cost me $30, with a new bead installed.

Jesus child are you angry? no need to curse at the man...

.

 

[ShotgunPro]

No problem with chopping, so long as you're sure to keep it over 18". Many people do 18.5" just to "be on the safe side." Make sure you measure correctly as well.. and the whole "measure twice, cut once" thing applies too. If you accidentally cut it below 18", you are going to be in trouble. At that point you'll probably have to cut it into a million pieces and then jump over to Mordor and dump it in the volcano.

 

[ShotgunPro]

No problem with chopping, so long as you're sure to keep it over 18". Many people do 18.5" just to "be on the safe side." Make sure you measure correctly as well.. and the whole "measure twice, cut once" thing applies too. If you accidentally cut it below 18", you are going to be in trouble. At that point you'll probably have to cut it into a million pieces and then jump over to Mordor and dump it in the volcano.

nah... just render it useless and go buy another.

 

[ShotgunPro]

Another option is to see what it would cost to have a gunsmith chop and recrown it then put a new bead on it.

I've never had this done but it may be cheaper than buying a new barrel.

 

[ShotgunPro]

Well I chopped it down to 20" since it's a ribbed barrel. Looks good, I used some cold blue and I'm ordering a youth stock and mag extension as well. Brother in law is giving me a surefire light to mount on it. Def the headset build I've done to date.

 

[ShotgunPro]

If you're looking to purchase an 18.5" factory Remington barrel, I'd go to AI&P Tactical. I purchased one for my 870 Express from them through GunBroker. It was $112 shipped. The owner is also an active forum member over on GlockTalk and will respond to any PMs or threads. I found his communication and customer service to be top notch. I also shopped all over the place and couldn't find a better deal. I'm very pleased.

EDIT: Whoops, just noticed you decided to chop it. Pics when your done please!

 

[ShotgunPro]

I'll post up some pics when I get it all put together. That is a good deal on the barrel though.

 

[ShotgunPro]

I vote for a new barrel