[Zeke Menuar]

Hello All

What is the most cost effective way to get a 20-22" barrel for a Western Field 550( or a Mossberg 500) that is threaded for Winchoke tubes. What would a gunsmith charge to cut down a longer barrel and thread for Winchoke tubes?
I would like to have a shorter barrel and the flexibilty of choke tubes.

Thanks

ZM

[Dave McCracken]

If you look at tubed barrels, you'll note many of them are reverse tapered, so the muzzle has enough metal to support the tube threads.

The barrel can be shortened to whatever legal length, but chances are the Winchokes need more metal.Best check with your smith.

I did this to an Express barrel, and the smith had to use the old Truchoke threading, .795"X 44 TPI.

In your shoes, I'd spring for a new barrel.

[Sunray]

If the barrel doesn't have a vent rib it'd be relatively inexpensive to have a smithy cut it. A vent rib will add to the cost. The machining will be another story. Most smithy's will have a package price for this work though as it's a fairly common job. Grab the yellow pages and call around, assuming there are smithy's in your town, and ask. No smithy's means you start messing with shipping etc.
If there's no rib, a machinist could do it. It's just cutting a tube and threading the barrel. No big deal. Do not use a machinist if there's a rib. Not all ribs are attached for their whole length and improper cutting can bugger the whole thing.