Shotgun question

[ch1ch2]

Some good advice above but I don't think it is exactly what you are looking for.

I also wanted a short DB shotgun years ago. Barrel length does effect pattern! I say go for it buy the gun and cut off the barrel. Be careful in cutting it off. Too short is illegal.
The correct way to measure the barrel length is on the inside of the barrel to the bolt face. With a double barrel shotgun you probably would not have the problem of cutting it too short as many bolt action gun people have.

 

[Trkrd]

I always just "wanted" a side by side also. So I picked up a CAI JW-2000 coach gun. At the time I think it was about $250. Have had it for about 6 years and no complaints. Only mod I made to it was grinding off the "made in china" stamp. (Kind of embarrassing) . Other than that I've had alot of fun with it.

 

[om21braz]

In my opinion, You should be good to go. Cut off the barrels square as possible, and carefully grind/deburr the ends and redrill and tap for the bead. All of this is within the capability of the shade tree gun mechanic. Obviously any choke will be gone, but you think they are both cylinder bore now. Make sure this is not some old Damascus barreled gun. But overall I think your plan is doable.

+1 Not a big job and for clay targets out to 30 yds - cylinder bore & # 8's is fine.

 

[rtimgray]

Thanks for the advice fellas. From what I can recall from looking at the shotgun, it didn't have damascus barrels or anything else remarkable. The stock has scratches and gouges and there was some surface rust on metal (no pitting). I imagine that the value on this gun has crested. I don't sell or trade guns, so when I buy one, I buy it because I want it, not for investment purposes. Certainly unforseen circumstances could change this attitude, but a $175 gun can only depreciate so much...

I certainly understand about the comments regarding pay more and cry once, but in all honesty, I doubt I'll shoot this gun more than 50 rounds/year. And that's also not to say that someday I will want to buy a nicer side by side, but that can wait until then. I will swing by the pawn shop next week and see if it is still there.

What's the best method for cutting? Cut off wheel? Sawzall? Bandsaw? My experience is that I get the bet results with a bandsaw, but maybe there's something I'm not thinking of as well.

Thanks again. Good luck and take care.

 

[brown40]

The savage/stevens 300 was a really common product back when--got labelled for Sears. They sold a bunch of them. I think if you give it some time a more traditional set-up will surface, where you don't have to hack it up, and its still legit--as manufactured. A lot more in 2 3/4", and not the same strength barrel--want to watch putting too much through old barrels; they weren't built to thump out big loads.

 

[om21braz]

Chop saw should allow for a quick, good cut and you can jig it to make sure of making a true cut. The barrels are fairly mild steel. I've never had any problems plunging a 1/8 end mill thru to port a shotgun barrel. One other note, I'd bring some spent hulls/snap caps before buying and make sure of function. If it is not working properly - it could cost more than you paid for it to repair.

 

[Trials]

A shotguns choke is defined by the shape of the barrel over its last 2 or 3 inches, if you cut a shotgun down in length, the first thing you are going to remove is the choke and that will make the weapon less accurate at distance. You might hit just as many clay pigeons, but it will be random coincidence rather than good shooting.

Shoot some paper targets before and after your modification and note the spread, you'll see what I mean :|

 

[HCJtractor]

As a longtime user of side by sides, I'll disagree with some of the advice. No way would I cut barrels Rechocking would cost more than the gun. And forget short barrels. But 32 is too long. 28" or maybe 26" but most are 28.
Go with a simple double without removable chokes. I prefer a 20 ga if rabbits are the game but either 12 or 20 would work. The old Stevens model 311 doubles were very basic but solid as a rock. I bet you could find one easily for 3 or 4 hundred on gunbtoker. I have a 20 ga Stevens give to me 50 years ago. I've carried it forever. It still will do all you want. These are pretty common. There also are done decent Spanish doubles, but look for a Stevens 311.

Sent from my iPhone using TractorByNet

 

[super55]

If you want a double barrel with a 16"-20" inch barrel than I'd recommend buying a coach gun or a cheap double barrel and cutting it down. At best you are going to have a novelty gun/home defense gun because the gun will most likely not pattern for anything past 15 yards. While it may look really cool the gun will have extremely limited uses.

If you are looking for a cheap double for hunting/skeet shoot I'm with HCJ on the Stevens double barrel with a 26" barrel is tough to beat. I have a 16 gauge side by side stevens that is now on its 4th generation in the family that is an incredible wing shooting gun. It is still one of my favorites for grouse and pheasants because it tracks so beautifully. CZ-USA makes a nice double as well but it's going to cost you 600+ for it new where as used side by sides can be found pretty readily for half that amount.

 

[crash325]

Many years ago I bought a side by side coach gun. It had exposed hammers, just like the old timer guns. Neat looking. At the time bought it no one wanted them. Only cost $69 / $79. They are still for sale, (rossie ?? ) but cost is in the $300 range. Shot barrels + major Kick. 50 Shots a day, doubt that any one would be up for that, unless they like pain.