To SBS or not?

[bkjeffrey]

Ive rescued another 870 that is in dire need of an overhaul. The end outcome will be a firearm that can serve double duty between my nightstand and still be functional and fun at the range dispatching old televisions.

My delimma is this, to SBS or not. Ive always want an SBS for HD/PD. And 18.5" bbl works fine with this. Ive seen guys cut the bbl all the way down to the magazine tube cap, that looks real cool and Im sure that its handy in CQC/HD, but how effective would it be say 40 feet across the back yard.

It seems like 14" is the norm for SBS, but thats only 4.5" shorter than the legal 18.5 and is it worth $200 stamp and hassle to legally do it for only 4.5"? Does 4.5" make that big of a diff?

I guess when cutting a bbl down where do you draw the line between functionality and excessivly short? I dont mind going throught the loops to legally SBS this gun, but what is an acceptable bbl length and why do you think that length is ideal? Or is it even worth going throught the hassle for only a few inches? Thoughts????

 

[Snarlingiron]

So, let me see... you are going to spend $44.44 per inch to LOSE 4.5"????

Seriously, in the grand scheme of things, particularly the grand scheme of SD / HD, I really can't see how 4.5" less barrel is going to gain you any real advantage.

It will, on the other hand get you a lot of unwanted scrutiny.

 

[natman]

Cutting the barrel shorter than 18" only gets you any advantage if you plan to carry the shotgun concealed. Otherwise spend your money elsewhere.

 

[Leadhead]

If it wasn't for the extra cost and hassle you'd already have the 14" barrel and you'd be happy...

 

[Leadhead]

Carrying a 14" shotgun concealed is not that easy unless you like trenchcoats...better to just stick with a pistol.

 

[Leadhead]

Maybe 12.5 would give you a better cost per inch ratio.....

 

[oneounceload]

Maybe a Serbu would be the way to go........

 

[JImbothefiveth]

You probably wouldn't want the extra noise, especially for HD.

 

[CleverNickname]

Of all the $200 tax stamps I've paid for over the years, one of the few I regret and the one I regret most was the one to form 1 my 870 into an SBS.

Almost all 870 folding stocks are terrible to shoot, and an 870 with even a 12.5" bbl is still quite lengthy with a fixed stock. Plus you can't use a mag extension, so your ammo capacity is rather limited.

Any shorter than 12.5" and you have to get a gunsmith to cut and rethread the mag tube and get a folding foregrip, in addition to cutting the barrel.

 

[PTK]

I love my 12" 870 SBS. I don't regret it even one bit - and it still works for skeet (though I get odd looks)

 

[bkjeffrey]

All great responces guys. Really gives me a few different ways of thinking before I make my decision.....keep em coming.

 

[bkjeffrey]

PTK I really like that 12" bbl........good at skeet huh?

 

[PTK]

I'm not, but folks who are better than I have been able to get QUITE good results (one girl was 15/15 with that gun and Federal 2-3/4" 7.5 birdshot loads!)

What I enjoy is that the 870 as an SBS can have either a stock or a simple pistol grip. For long car rides, I generally have the PG on it and leave it in the car with the chamber empty (state law).

 

[Youngster]

Losing that couple of inches compared to even an 18" bbl makes a huge difference in handiness and manuverability, I believe most defensive shotguns would be factory offered in the 12-14" range if not for the NFA regs. I went with a 12.5" bbl with my setup but I think most folks would prefer the 14" just for the fact that you can run a flush +1 extension with it.

 

[JustinL]

I have a 14" 11-87 Police and I have to say it is a lot of fun and well worth the wait.

 

[Sir Aardvark]

I would love to be able to have a 14" SBS (California does not allow this).

This would be the perfect size for bringing to bear in a hallway for HD.

As it is now with my 18" shotgun, I can't really turn around well in confined spaces without bringing-up or lowering the barrel.

 

[jojo200517]

I like the wood with black fore grip on the shotgun PTK. Gotta ask tho, no sling for the glock, and no silencer for the shotgun?

 

[PTK]

Gotta ask tho, no sling for the glock, and no silencer for the shotgun?

 

[bkjeffrey]

I went to my class three dealer for some assistance in doing an SBS and he told me that I would have to "buy" a SBS barrel and he would have to keep it in his safe in the back until my paperwork is done???? I though that once I had my stamp in my hand then I could chop off said barrel to desired length???? Is this not correct? I dont wanna buy a bbl, I wanna make my own.......

 

[PTK]

I though that once I had my stamp in my hand then I could chop off said barrel to desired length?

Correct. File a form 1, wait for the stamp to come back, and then take out your hacksaw, files, and square.