Cutting a gas operated semi-auto barrel down

**jthrelf** · March 7th, 2019, 04:37 PM

Quick curiosity: would cutting down the barrel of a gas operated autoloader from 28" to say 20" cause it to short stroke? Obviously with an AR if you're cutting the barrel and leaving the gas system untouched, you're reducing the time that the system is under pressure. Is this the same deal for a shotgun where you don't have a single projectile creating an airtight seal on the barrel?

**Walleye Hunter** · March 7th, 2019, 05:23 PM

Originally Posted by jthrelf

Quick curiosity: would cutting down the barrel of a gas operated autoloader from 28" to say 20" cause it to short stroke? Obviously with an AR if you're cutting the barrel and leaving the gas system untouched, you're reducing the time that the system is under pressure. Is this the same deal for a shotgun where you don't have a single projectile creating an airtight seal on the barrel?

I don't have your answer but...doesn't the wadding make an airtight seal?

**cdi** · March 7th, 2019, 05:28 PM

It can depend on the design, make and model.
What kind of gun is it?

**JenniferG** · March 7th, 2019, 06:42 PM

Use a dull hacksaw blade for effect.

**jthrelf** · March 8th, 2019, 09:51 AM

Originally Posted by Walleye Hunter

I don't have your answer but...doesn't the wadding make an airtight seal?

Good point!

Originally Posted by cdi

It can depend on the design, make and model.
What kind of gun is it?

Question was hypothetical, but in reference to a Turkish Hatsan Escort 12 gauge.

**cdi** · March 9th, 2019, 08:30 AM

I've never cut into one of those-
Although I've observed that the Turk guns can be problematic at times.

**USMC3531** · March 9th, 2019, 08:54 AM

Gas operated shotguns can be problematic when cut down, on saigas you can open the gasport or change the puck. Idk how your shotgun is made but with enough work I'm sure it can be made to cycle.

**rifleshooter2** · March 16th, 2019, 07:09 PM

Gas guns may require opening up the gas port a bit. Give it a try. Just remember if you start having problems its most likely the gas port

**Gunsnwater** · March 16th, 2019, 08:51 PM

It does depend on how the gun is designed. The Remington v3 tac13 has a 13 inch barrel with no problems because the ports are located right in front of the shell casings. Shotgun powder is fast like pistol powder and so peaks quickly.