Shotgun Barrel Cutting

[telopyros]

I have an H&R/NEF 12 gauge single shot that I want to cut down the barrel to 19". Then going to put on a "Hi Viz" snap on fiber optic sight.

I want a GOOD clean end product, best tool to use for the home gunsmith or pay someone to do it?

Anyone know a gunsmith around LV or pocono area that would do this, not looking to spend A LOT.

[archer1214]

IMO, a chop saw does the best. You get a good straight cut, provided you take the time to square everything up. I suppose you could use a band saw, as long as you take the same set precautions.

[Hawk]

Seeing that it's not a very expensive shotgun...
Just chuck the barrel up in a vise (use some leather to protect the barrel). Run some tape around the barrel where you want to cut it, layering it several times. Use the tape as a cutting guide and use a (new) fine metal cutting blade in a hacksaw. Take your time. Then take a file and dress it up, and then apply some cold blue to the cut end. If you screw it up the first time, you can always try again. Just don't go below 18" (from bolt face to end of barrel). Measure 3 times before you cut!

[P89]

I've had good results from using a pipe cutter & a deburring tool.

I've never gotten a straight cut with a hacksaw no matter how hard I've tried and I think a chop saw will leave you with more of mess to try and ream and clean up.

Just my .02.

[USMC3531]

Ive used a hose clamp as a cutting guide (cut toward the "screw") and touch up with a file

[Hawk]

I've had good results from using a pipe cutter & a deburring tool.

I've never gotten a straight cut with a hacksaw no matter how hard I've tried and I think a chop saw will leave you with more of mess to try and ream and clean up.

Just my .02.

I don't have first hand knowledge using a pipe cutter. I've "heard" that it creates a small "bulge" around the circumference of the bore from the pressure of the cutting process?

[P89]

I don't have first hand knowledge using a pipe cutter. I've "heard" that it creates a small "bulge" around the circumference of the bore from the pressure of the cutting process?

Yes it does, but it's nothing a reamer or good sharp deburring tool can't eliminate. It also helps if you don't "force it", let the tool do the work and apply only slight pressure paying attention to doing it even around the entire diameter of the barrel. The nice part is it's almost impossible NOT to get a straight cut.

[USMC3531]

it's almost impossible NOT to get a straight cut.

Unless the barrel has a good taper to it then you can end up "threading" the barrel

[P89]

Unless the barrel has a good taper to it then you can end up "threading" the barrel

LOL, I think at that point you might be shorter than 18".

[normanvin]

I've had good results from using a pipe cutter & a deburring tool.

I've never gotten a straight cut with a hacksaw no matter how hard I've tried and I think a chop saw will leave you with more of mess to try and ream and clean up.

Just my .02.

I don't have first hand knowledge using a pipe cutter. I've "heard" that it creates a small "bulge" around the circumference of the bore from the pressure of the cutting process?

You can use the pipe cutter to establish a track then hit it with the hack saw. Might give a little less clean up.

A porta band would work pretty good also.