Can anyone answer these questions about the TRACKER II?

[Ridge Runner]

I was looking at the Tracker II in NEF's catalog and wanted to know the following:

Can is shoot non-slug shotgun shells? Will this hurt the barrel?

If I send my barrel in to NEF, will they tap and drill it to accept a scope mount?

Is the barrel thick and heavy like the slug guns?

Can I replace the sights? What do you recommend? Options?

Thank you. I thought if I could use it for shot and slugs, it would make a good gun for a BOB.

[gimphunter]

No, no, no and no. Sort of.

It will shoot shotshells, but not well. Shotshell patterns are bad, I've heard, with doughnut holes in the middle. It would not hurt the barrel.

NEF will not drill and tap a Tracker II barrel. Most gunsmiths will not drill and tap the 12 ga. Most gunsmiths will D&T the 20 ga.

The barrel is tapered, not thick and heavy like the bull-barreled versions.

Some have replaced the sights, but I don't know the details.

I have a scope on mine, a 20 ga that my gunsmith drilled and tapped for me, and I like it.

When is the bugout? I'd hate to miss it.

[Ridge Runner]

It sounds like I should get a pardner and shoot slugs out of that instead

[Cookiemann]

If you want a 'do all' barrel, you should order the Tracker I barrel from the factory.  You can get the 20ga and have it D/T'd for a scope or receiver sights.  It's smoothbore so it will pattern for shot shells and you can use the 'cheaper' rifled slugs for bigger game.  I took a small buck with mine this year at about 70 yds.  Easy to carry and real balanced at 24".

That's Tracker I, cylinder bore, 24", with sights

cookieman

[MSP Ret]

Cookieman has  picked out the perfect gun for you ridgerunner.  The 20 gauge Tracker I with iron open sights, a peep sight, or even a low power scope looks as if it would fit all your requirements, from squirrels and partridge to deer and even a Maine moose in an emergency....<><....

[Ridge Runner]

If you want a 'do all' barrel, you should order the Tracker I barrel from the factory.  You can get the 20ga and have it D/T'd for a scope or receiver sights.  It's smoothbore so it will pattern for shot shells and you can use the 'cheaper' rifled slugs for bigger game.  I took a small buck with mine this year at about 70 yds.  Easy to carry and real balanced at 24".

That's Tracker I, cylinder bore, 24", with sights

cookieman

Wow. Thank you. That sounds like it would fit the bill.  Will they D&T it at the factory, or will I have to have a local gunsmith do it?

[Cookiemann]

Unfortunately, they will not do the D&T at the factory.  I think it will run ya maybe $30 or $40 to have a gunsmith do it.  Depends on the area you are located.  Up here, Gander quoted me 40 but I know I can beat that with a private Smithy that I know.

[Cookiemann]

If you want a real 'Do All' and easy to pack, then check this out.

http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Shotguns/pardnerScrewIn.aspx

All you would need to do is get the sights put on.

My thought was to get a PolyChoke II on one of these.
Cookie