Shortening Stocks/Opening Chokes

Hi - looking to get a ballpark idea of what pricing would be (or even if it would be advisable from a safety/shootability standpoint) for some basic gun modifications, as I am shopping for a new grouse/woodcock gun, and I would really like say a 16 ga SxS but of course finding something that matches all of the specs is a challenge (especially for me as I have a short LOP).

1) Cutting stock
2) Opening up chokes
3) Cutting down the barrels properly (e.g., chokes are correct type but too long)
4) getting a stock custom made or made to a spec. (to get LOP, DaC/DaH, etc. correct).

I'm frequently finding guns that are say, maybe they fit my LOP (or are close - i am short, and i actually would like to see some cut down examples but most ads aren't super forthcoming about this) and say I find that gun that looks like it would fit, right gage, weight, etc., but then it's got F/F chokes. Wanna be able to make better decision about should I get that one, try to re-choke, versus getting one that the stock doesn't really fit (at the very least too long) but the chokes/barrel length is what i want. Thanks!

cdb1 said:

What barrel length do you want?

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26” most likely. As short as 24” maybe but not any shorter.

George P said:

If you cut the barrel, you will have zero choke
If you simply cut the stock you will not only shorten it, but completely mess up all of the other stock dimensions critical to a good fit
A custom stock made to fit you will run 4 figures and up, depending on how fancy the wood

Fixed chokes can either be opened up or typically have choke tubes installed.
Go see a stock fitter to get your proper measurements and maybe a gunsmith/stockmaker can make some adjustments without the need to go custom. This isn't an AR so you might actually need a LOP longer than you think - the fitter can determine that

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thanks, and good call on the fitter. But it does burst my bubble a bit. Oh well bad news doesn’t get better with age (or expensive gun purchases and then expensive permanent mistakes)

I was thinking have it cut professionally by a Fitter not in my garage if that makes sense. $1k up is kinda a hard bargain. But my gun does feel a tad long for G&W quick shooting .

Local Fitter Renowned instructor called my browning cynergy with short pad 90% fit (during lesson not dedicated gun fitting) in summer too no heavy clothes. This was in the context of clays. I may have to pay him a visit soon and discuss this scenario.

but also to question your point About throwing off the Other stock dimensions.... Wouldn’t something like the different size pads mess it up similarly to what you describe? To clarify I was never planning on just whacking off an inch in my garage (and will likely be less extreme than that)