Cutting down a shotgun barrel

View · by **gun_fan111v2** on Sat Dec 03, 2016 2:13 pm

Does anybody know what it would cost to cut a shotgun barrel to 18-20" and put a sight on? And where would be a good place in twin cities to get it done?

I have a Remington 870 26" rib barrel that I don't use and would like to get an 18-20" with either a just a front or a set of rifle sights.

Is it cheaper just to buy a new barrel or try to trade this one vs. getting it cut down?

Thanks

View · by **LarryFlew** on Sat Dec 03, 2016 2:24 pm

Depending on the use - does it matter that you no longer have a choke?

View · by **Rip Van Winkle** on Sat Dec 03, 2016 2:35 pm

It'd probably be cheaper just to buy a new barrel.

View · by **Sorcerer** on Sat Dec 03, 2016 3:18 pm

26" to 18"-20" would make it a true scatter gun. Pick up a new barrel .

View · by **45Badger** on Sat Dec 03, 2016 3:32 pm

If you have the tools to make a clean cut, you can do it yourself. If your patient, you can pick up a used 18-21" barrel for $75 +/-

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View · by **crbutler** on Sat Dec 03, 2016 4:04 pm

I know that Ahlmans in Morristown does this kind of work, and that they could put in a choke tube as well, if that is what you want.

If you are trying to make a short range slug gun that you will not use the new sabotted slugs in, no choke is just fine.

If it is intended for inside the house distance social use, no choke is ok as well.

Bird hunting, target games, or anything over 10 yards or so, you will want a choke in it.

For an 870, if you have some skills and some basic tools, you can chop it yourself and if you screw it up buy a used barrel for cheap. If you really would get a factory job, trading the bird barrel for a short one probably is cheaper than having a gunsmith do the work.

View · by **gun_fan111v2** on Sat Dec 03, 2016 6:18 pm

Thanks all, gives me enough to go on. May call Alhmans and take it from there.

View · by **westhope** on Sat Dec 03, 2016 8:25 pm

Ask Ahlman's (or any gunshop) about trading it for a slug barrel with rifle sights. I would think that would be the best option.

View · by **Bitter Bastard** on Sat Dec 03, 2016 9:25 pm

About 25 years ago, I had a small shop cut one down just like that. $15, included a touch-up with cold blue and he put the bead back on the rib. I thing a short-ish barrel with rib looks really sharp, IMO. Mine ended up about 19" since he cut it at a rib support. It was a one-man shop who did it with a hacksaw and miter box and finished it up with some hand files. I'm sure he did the work to pass the time as much as help out a good customer.

I wouldn't hesitate to try something like that today but at the time I was in school and had no tools. The gun now has some sights that clamp to the rib, I think by Williams. Shoots great.

Good luck!

Bitter Bastard

View · by **gun_fan111v2** on Sat Dec 03, 2016 9:28 pm

Bitter Bastard wrote:About 25 years ago, I had a small shop cut one down just like that. $15, included a touch-up with cold blue and he put the bead back on the rib. I thing a short-ish barrel with rib looks really sharp, IMO. Mine ended up about 19" since he cut it at a rib support. It was a one-man shop who did it with a hacksaw and miter box and finished it up with some hand files. I'm sure he did the work to pass the time as much as help out a good customer.

I wouldn't hesitate to try something like that today but at the time I was in school and had no tools. The gun now has some sights that clamp to the rib, I think by Williams. Shoots great.

Good luck!

Bitter Bastard

Got any pics? I was actually thinking short with a rib would look nice and I would put that glued in XS sight on it...

View · by **gun_fan111v2** on Sat Dec 03, 2016 9:35 pm

Looks like Ahlmans lists their services online. Just cutting it down would be $50 and choke installation another $80

Midway has new barrels for $120 plus shipping but it would not have a rib or chokes...

Decisions, decisions

View · by **Holland&Holland** on Sat Dec 03, 2016 11:35 pm

gun_fan111v2 wrote:Looks like Ahlmans lists their services online. Just cutting it down would be $50 and choke installation another $80

Midway has new barrels for $120 plus shipping but it would not have a rib or chokes...

Decisions, decisions

Fleet farm carries a 20 inch 870 barrel with sights both front and rear and IC choke which is ideal for buck or slug for 169. Then you would still have your hunting barrel if say someone called you up and offered you to go on a pheasant hunt or something.

View · by **gun_fan111v2** on Sun Dec 04, 2016 12:55 pm

Holland&Holland wrote:Fleet farm carries a 20 inch 870 barrel with sights both front and rear and IC choke which is ideal for buck or slug for 169. Then you would still have your hunting barrel if say someone called you up and offered you to go on a pheasant hunt or something.

From what I have seen there are quite a few options available directly from Remington in the 18-20" smooth bores D prices are pretty similar with most reasonably priced stores:

870 BARREL - 12 GAUGE, 18.5", BEAD SIGHT, FIXED MODIFIED, PARKERIZED

870 BARREL - 12 GAUGE, 18.5", FRONT RIFLE SIGHT, FIXED IMPROVED CYLINDER

870 BARREL - 12 GAUGE, 18.5", RIFLE SIGHTS, FIXED CYLINDER, PARKERIZED

870 BARREL - 12 GAUGE, 18.5", TRITIUM BEAD SIGHT, FIXED MODIFIED, PARKERIZED

870 BARREL - 12 GAUGE, 18.5", XS RIFLE SIGHTS, FIXED IMPROVED CYLINDER

870 BARREL 12 GAUGE, 18.5", BEAD SIGHT, REM CHOKE, MATTE

870 EXPRESS BARREL - 12 GAUGE, 18", FRONT RIFLE SIGHT, REM CHOKE (too tactical looking for my taste but i think can be changed)

870 EXPRESS BARREL - 12 GAUGE, 20", BEAD SIGHT, FIXED CYLINDER

870 EXPRESS BARREL - 12 GAUGE, 20", RIFLE SIGHTS, TG X-FULL REM CHOKE

870 EXPRESS FIXED CYLINDER BORE BARREL - 12 GAUGE, 18", BEAD SIGHT

870 POLICE BARREL - 12 GAUGE, 18", RIFLE SIGHTS, PARKERIZED (Fixed Improved Cylinder (No Choke Tube))

I also found one with the rib at 21"

870 EXPRESS BARREL - 12 GAUGE, 21", VENT RIB, TURKEY X-FULL REM CHOKE, MATTE

Too many options

View · by **Holland&Holland** on Sun Dec 04, 2016 2:25 pm

SO I think you answered your question. Probably cheaper really to just buy a replacement barrel. You will get a factory finish and it will be exactly what you want and you will still have your existing barrel to do whatever else with.

View · by **gun_fan111v2** on Sun Dec 04, 2016 10:05 pm

Holland&Holland wrote:SO I think you answered your question. Probably cheaper really to just buy a replacement barrel. You will get a factory finish and it will be exactly what you want and you will still have your existing barrel to do whatever else with.

I think you are right. I'll probably start with a fixed choke bead sight (upgraded with XS bead) and later if I need it pick up a rifled barrel with rifle sights or even that scope mount...