[Kevinch]

A while ago, I picked up an old 12g 870 at the right price. The gun functions fine, the finish is not-so-fine. My intention has been to modify it & use it as an HD weapon. Finally, that time is arriving.

I will fit a magazine extentsion, a synthetic forearm with light, & a synthetic stock. I think the refinishing will be done at Mac's. Along with that, I'll be going BA/UU/R for both my wife & I. My question here concerns the barrel.

I haven't sorted the barrel length out yet. At a minimum I'll want it as long, if not slightly longer, than the magazine extension & probably no less than 20". The current barrel (now, I know this isn't how to determine exact barrel length but my rod isn't within reach) measures about 27 3/8" from the action & is a modified choke (stamped "MOD").

Is there any functional advantage to buying a new barrel, other than it being "new", as opposed to shortening the current barrel? I'm not really concerned about the 2-3/4" chamber. Unless I'm under the wrong impression (please correct me if I am!), shortening the current barrel & having it refinished at Mac's would save a few $$ over new that could be put to good use somewhere else. I've read the posts about using a heavy-duty tubing to correctly shorten a barrel, but is that the way to go?

Thanks in advance for the help.

[Stretchman]

My vote is a new barrel. For the money, it's probably worth it. Then you will have 2 barrels, and the other one can work for other things.

A 18.5 inch cyl barrel can be had for about 100 bux.

[Dave McCracken]

Short barrels are neither rare nor expensive. Save your present barrel for clays and hunting.....

[toivo]

Another vote for new. Not only will you have a nice clean barrel, but you'll have your old barrel as a backup or "sports" barrel.

[Kevinch]

Can any of you suggest sources for a new barrel?

[Blue .45]

I recently picked up a Mossberg Field/Security combo for $343. I got it primarily for HD, but I like having the long barrel for when I make it out to my brother's farm. My guess is, If you buy a second barrel, you'll have a nice combo for less than I paid. Here are some links to places you can check.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0005760212137a&type=product&cmCat=search&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&No=20&noImage=0&Ntt=barrel&Ntk=Products&QueryText=barrel&Ntx=matchall&N=4887&Nty=1

https://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/catsearch.aspx?c=2541&p=4817

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/model870_hag.htm

You can also check ebay.

http://sporting-goods.listings.ebay.com/Shotgun_Barrels_W0QQfromZR4QQsacatZ73955QQsocmdZListingItemList

mossberg also makes barrels for the remington 870. might be a little cheaper. scroll down to bottom of the page.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0005579212148a&type=product&cmCat=search&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=barrel&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=barrel&noImage=0