I was thinking about getting a used 870 and cutting the barrel down shorter. Where can I find out what the legal limit is. I don't want to be doing anything illegal, but I like the full size stock without the extra barrel length. it would be a truck/ snake gun.
mossberg JIC has 18 1/2" and i know i can buy that at the local shop so i would say that at least is legal??? thats in ohio though i would bet states are different but not sure
You should actually go at least 18 1/4 " due to Different ATF agents way of measuring...That is what They Told me at BATFE...better to be on the safe side, because the measurement is supposed to be from the breech Face, not the rear of the barrel which can vary between Models...18-1/4 to 18-1/2 " is A safe bet...I cut most of mine to 19 or 20" just in case it ever needs a recut!
18 inches is what the law reads...Canada will not let that gun in the country ,FYI.
Rich
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18 inches measured down the bore with the bolt closed for shotgun.
16 inched measured down the bore with the bolt closed for rifle. Are the legal minimum.
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Life is too important to be taken seriously.
The Mossberg barrel is 18.25 for a different reason. With a factory pistol grip installed the over-all length had to meet the 26" min.
-UR
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first time post: I have a Mossberg pump and a rifled barrel, dont care much for the rifled barrel but I need a short barrel for home defense, etc, what would happen if I sawed off the rifled barrel and shot buckshot/birdshot through it? clearly the rifling is toast but I dont care, it wont explode will it?
Thanks for the quick responses guys. I'm thinking a 870 express I believe they have a 26-28" barrel so I would be able to take off quiet a bit.
What would be necessary. Just hack saw and go, then file it down smooth.
I'd get it in a vice and cut as square as possible. Getting the bead on right is a stone b**ch for us guys without the right gear. Got help for my Ithaca from a machinist. Not too hard if you are chopping a barrel with a rib, though.
Or just buy another in 18" and have both. They are easily interchangable and if the ATF gripes, and they don't just shoot you, you will have purchased the barrel from a manufacturer instead of a bob job. They just cost about $100.
I was thinking about getting a used 870 and cutting the barrel down shorter. Where can I find out what the legal limit is. I don't want to be doing anything illegal, but I like the full size stock without the extra barrel length. it would be a truck/ snake gun.
I think a better bet would be to buy an 18.5" barrel for it, or buy an 870 express with an 18.5" barrel. You should be able to get it for under $300.
Last edited by perdidochas; 04-11-2008 at 10:18 AM.
Havlin sales sells Mossberg made Rem. 870 barrels at a very reasonable price.
Take a look.
Remington® 870 Accessories Headlined by the barrels that Mossberg® makes for the Remington® 870™, this section features both sporting and tactical items for your Remington® 870™ offered at bargain prices. Barrels are new, discontinued SKUs or surplus special order stock.
REMINGTON® 870™ BARRELS by MOSSBERG® Your Choice $89.99 Remington® 870™ Specialty 18.5” LE/Tactical Home Defense
Blue finish, cylinder bore rifled front and folding rear slug sight, 18.5”
Item: 870LE185 $89.99 Remington® 870™ Smooth Bore Slugster
Blue finish, cylinder bore rifled front and folding rear slug sight, 24”
Item: 870RS24 $89.99 Remington® 870™ Accu-Choke Vent Rib 28” Sporting Barrel
Blue finish, one modified accu-choke, 28” vent rib bead front and mid sight bead
Item: 870VR28 $89.99
I didn't copy all the barrels they offer...A.H
Last edited by ArkansasHunter; 04-11-2008 at 10:10 AM.
hmm, i just got an 870 today but it has 28" barrel. i think im going to order that first barrel there, the home defense one. looks pretty sweet, and under 100 bux.