Cutting down 870 barrel?

[FJR86]

I just purchased a used 870 for real cheap. It comes with a 28" barrel. I was thinking of having it cut down to 18-18.5". I heard it can have extremely negative affects on the pattern. Is it possible to have it modified to accept chokes?

What kind of chokes should I look at for HD (full, modified, improved)? I am looking for a tight pattern. Any ideas on the price range on having the barrel cut down and modified for chokes?

Can I shoot slugs out of a cylinder bore barrel?

[beefcakeb0]

If it is a smooth bbl, you can shoot rifled slugs.

I doubt you would need a choke for SD. It is not going to spread that much unless you have some long hallways.

[rwb1500]

Just be very careful if you cut the barrel yourself. It's smart to leave that extra .5, just to be on the safe side.

[762xIan]

This is just my opinion, but I would keep the 28" and one day you might find it useful for hunting or even resale value.

Remington, Cabelas, Brownells...etc, sell replacement 870 barrels including HD variants. They usually go for only around $100. I believe the one you want is called the "express" with 18" barrel and a bead sight.

That way you can have one gun for 2 purposes.

[IronButt]

This is just my opinion, but I would keep the 28" and one day you might find it useful for hunting or even resale value.

Remington, Cabelas, Brownells...etc, sell replacement 870 barrels including HD variants. They usually go for only around $100. I believe the one you want is called the "express" with 18" barrel and a bead sight.

That way you can have one gun for 2 purposes.

I agree with this. The 870 is a good all around gun. Keep the 28" barrel for upland hunting, then get a slug barrel & a short one for SD.

[beefcakeb0]

This is just my opinion, but I would keep the 28" and one day you might find it useful for hunting or even resale value.

Remington, Cabelas, Brownells...etc, sell replacement 870 barrels including HD variants. They usually go for only around $100. I believe the one you want is called the "express" with 18" barrel and a bead sight.

That way you can have one gun for 2 purposes.

I agree with this. The 870 is a good all around gun. Keep the 28" barrel for upland hunting, then get a slug barrel & a short one for SD.

This. I meant to say it too.do not ruin a good bbl

[vjb.knife]

I had a Remington 1100 full rib barrel cut down to 18.5, pro-ported and cut for Screw in chokes. Added a 8 shot tube extension and night sights along with action job and a few more goodies and it is pretty awesome. I can run 8 out the barrel before the first hull hits the ground. See the model 18-8 here:
http://www.laroccagunworks.com/shotgun.shtml

[FJR86]

I had a Remington 1100 full rib barrel cut down to 18.5, pro-ported and cut for Screw in chokes. Added a 8 shot tube extension and night sights along with action job and a few more goodies and it is pretty awesome. I can run 8 out the barrel before the first hull hits the ground. See the model 18-8 here:
http://www.laroccagunworks.com/shotgun.shtml

Funny that you mentioned a cut down 1100. I've been looking at 1100 and 11-87 and was doing research on having barrels cut down for them as well.

Did they do any gas port work to cycle the action more reliably? Do you have issues with lighter loads?

[vjb.knife]

Funny that you mentioned a cut down 1100. I've been looking at 1100 and 11-87 and was doing research on having barrels cut down for them as well.

Did they do any gas port work to cycle the action more reliably? Do you have issues with lighter loads?

I had it pro ported as well having choke tubes installed and I don't use light loads. This gun has as close to 100% reliability as any gun.