I just bought (Two days ago) a .223 heavy bbl and a Sportster 17 with the intention of shortening both to ~18". I also want to get a 357 bbl and shorten it. I plan to put (Either make or buy) small straight-wristed wood stocks on them with enough height in the comb to use either optics or iron sights comfortably. I would like to put together a nice Handi Rifle/shotgun "kit" of various calibers/ga that could be easily taken for a day out in the field that would cover various needs. I have an old Topper 58 in 12 ga that I may try to find a 410 bbl to fit.
I'd like to have a good selection of rifles/shotguns that myself, my wife, son and friends could all shoot comfortably.
Not quite sure exactly how I'll do it, but a few thoughts:
All bbls ~18"
Holosite on the 357 bbl.
3-9 extended eye relief scopes on .223 and 17hmr bbls mounted far enough fwd so a hammer extension would not be required (And so that they could use low rings).
22lr bbl fitted with iron sights.
Shotgun - 20" 12 ga with poly-choke (Already have) and 18 1/2" 410 bbl. cyl bore (Recoil pad on this frame).
So.....three frames, six bbls, and various forends to fit each. Almost anyone can shoot all but the 12 ga comfortably (Light loads help though). Broken down, the bbls would be in one short hard case, back ends of the guns in another (Foam inserts to hold everything snug). All shoot easily available ammo, and a day's supply for all would fit into two 50 cal ammo cans.
If I get the above kit the way I want it, I can think of at least 15 (Probably more) other guns I have that it would take the place of.
