Author Topic: 20 gauge - Cutting barrel to 18 1/2 inches? (Read 958 times)

Mrserenity · « **on:** August 30, 2004, 02:10:51 PM »

Hi, I have a 20 gauge Topper Jr. that I use for back up home defense. The guy at the gun shop said I should have the barrel cut down from 22 inches to 18 1/2 inches. I'm thinking cutting the barrel would improve maneuverability but the longer 22 inches barrel would have better sight (radius) to aim. Do you think the 22 inch barrel should be cut or left as it is? Thanks.

Markus · « **Reply #1 on:** August 30, 2004, 03:00:59 PM »

why don't you try handling it, unloaded of course, in it's area of operation. When you say home defense I assume you mean bad guys of the two legged variety. What is your primary home defense weapon? I cant see what it would harm to chop it but it also doesn't seem like it you accomplish much. At typical home defense ranges a more open would be ideal and the longer sight radius is not realy an issue. The real question is do you feel like a project or not?

HuntenNut · « **Reply #2 on:** August 30, 2004, 03:09:27 PM »

Also, what will you be shooting? Slugs, Buckshot?

If you cut the choke off the barrel and you are using buck shot, you may just pepper the guy with a couple pellets. Might be ok with a 12ga, but I think with a 20ga and buckshot, you would want to keep the barrel choked to concentrate the pellets.

I think you should cut the stock down rather than the barrel. I am not sure what the legal limit for minimum overall length is for shotgun, but as long as it has a "butt" on the end and measures long enough, it would be legal. This would improve maneuverability without affecting the choke.

Markus · « **Reply #3 on:** August 30, 2004, 03:19:39 PM »

Minumum over all length is 26". I think if you order a pistol grip from choate and keep the barrel at 22" it just barely makes it. That said the thing that would make it the best home defense weapon is frequent practice. The gun you grab when Your woken from a deep sleep better be something that's like an extension of you arm.

HuntenNut · « **Reply #4 on:** August 30, 2004, 03:27:43 PM »

I personally don't like the pistol grips. Too hard to aim. A short buttstock reduces OAL but still allows the weapon to be shoulder fired. Not the best fit, but we aren't talkin pheasant huntin. Also, a short stock short barrel could function as a nice bill club in the event you run out of ammo and the guy is still coming at you.

Definitely agree about the practice.

Probably the most important thing to practice with a single shot is reloading a quick follow up shot. Should be second nature and happen automatically after the first shot is fired. You can practice this with some snap caps.

Leftoverdj · « **Reply #5 on:** August 30, 2004, 09:16:28 PM »

Opinions may differ, but I would not swap the choke for a 3.5" shorter barrel. I'm pretty dubious of the whole home defense concept. The contingency is pretty remote and exotic firearms may not play well in court. A plain old hunting gun will serve just fine.

I have a house full of guns, including some modern military stuff, but what hangs over my bed is a Remington 870 with a 26" barrel.

Gun Runner · « **Reply #6 on:** August 30, 2004, 09:29:44 PM »

Ifin your gonna do it yourself, cut it 18 3/4 ins, use a pipe cutter. Nice even cut, then take a flat file and dress it up, then a round file to clean the edges inside of the bbl. Take a blueing pencel and touch up the end to prevent any rust. One other thing you might think of is, if you ever have to use it to protect you and yours (heaven forbid), a hot shot lawyer might try to make a case that you altered the gun for the purpose of killing some one (his client). I would recommend a pump with the second shorter bbl for slugs etc...just a thought .

Gun Runner

Brett · « **Reply #7 on:** August 31, 2004, 02:00:44 AM »

A single shot anything would not be my first choice of a home defence gun. Reloading it quickly in the dark while under stress and still half asleep would be more of a challenge than I would care to tackle. I'ld recommend looking for a good deal on a 2nd hand Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 pump with a short barrel. Both these guns are extremely popular and easy to find in the use gun racks. Also I would not recommend slugs or buckshot for home defence. A miss could easily penetrate interior doors and sheetrock walls possibly hitting one of your loved ones that your trying to protect. #6 Birdshot at close range will put any man on the ground.