[Hostile Amish]

I may get a Mossberg 590 with a 20'' barrel, and I know a gunsmith around my area. Would it be legal to get the barrel chopped to a nice 18''? Would it be legal for me to do it myself?

Thanks for the input in advance.

[Vegaslaith]

As long as the barrel length is at least 18'' and the weapon has an overall length of at least 26,'' you're safe as far as Federal (NFA) law is concerned. Your state may say otherwise. A class 3 dealer will probably be along to answer you better than I can.

[Leadhead]

I guess you will shorten and modify the mag tube as well and use the rear lug?
Might be easier to buy an 18.5" 590....

[Dave McCracken]

IMO, not worth it.

I've two Serious 870s, one with a 20" barrel and a 3 shot extension, one with a two shot extension and a barrel lopped off the the usual 18" and a skosh.

What I can do with one, I can do with the other.

And, I've done a lot with both. Since these also serve as venison tools and range guns, they have high round counts.


The shorter one, in low light training, has a bit more flash and roar.

The longer one is slightly more accurate with slugs, but the difference is about an inch at 100 yards.

In your shoes, I'd put the money into ammo and training....

[dogngun]

Not much point goind from a 20" to 18. Any barrel over 18" is legal, and you certainly can cut it yourself it you want with a hack saw.
I suggest you wrap duct tape right below the barrel where you want the cut, to give you a straight edge and keep the barrel neat.
Most guys cut to 18 1/2, to make sure you have legal length after you clean up the cut with a file and a stone.
Overall length of a shotgun must be 23" or more.

I would not bother.

mark

[monkyboy1975]

Personally, I would keep it at 20", that's plenty short and lopping an 1 1/2" really would'nt be worth the expense.

[rcmodel]

Overall length of a shotgun must be 23" or more.It must be 26" or more to comply with Federal law.

rcmodel