coop,
That shouldn't be a problem, since that is what they put on the USH Deluxe (checkered) and the Limited Edition (not checkered) that I have. The 20ga USH forend is included with the barrel from H&R/NEF, of course that is the walnut stained pallet wood. I'm sure for a small charge the laminate could be substituted if you ask at the time of ordering. You won't be disappointed with a 20ga USH barrel.
If you want a USH barrel you might want to call and see if they have any in stock at the moment, because they are going to a new rifling in 2008. The new slug guns are called Ultra Heavy and Ultra Light, 22" long (instead of 24"), all on SB1 frames, even the 12ga Heavy according to what I have read. The Heavies will also have thumb-hole stocks.
Of course with the new ownership, things may change before coming to fruition. Time will tell.
2008 slug guns: Information from Sports South.
H&R 1871 INC
H&R 20 Ga Slug Hunter/22" Rifled Barrel/3" Chamber/Laminated Thumbhole Stock
SPECIFICATIONS:Mfg Item Num: SB1T92
Category: FIREARMS - SHOTGUNS
Action :Break Open Action (Single Shot)
Gauge :20 GA
Barrel Length :22"
Capacity :1
Chamber :3"
Length :
Weight :
Drop :
Stock :Laminated Thumbhole
Finish :Blue
Related Items:
SSI# MFG# DESCRIPTION
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52899 SB1S14 H&R SB1-S14 ULTRA LGHT 12 3IN 22RB WAL
52900 SB1S24 H&R SB1-S24 ULTRA LGHT 20 3IN 22RB WAL
52901 SB1T98 H&R SB1-T98 ULTRA HEVY 12 3IN 22RB THS
52902 SB1T92 H&R SB1-T92 ULTRA HEVY 20 3IN 22RB THS
http://www.internetguncatalog.com/details.asp?ItemNum=52902