I picked up a Mossberg 500ATP that was a former police piece that was retired. 18.5 with rifle sights and its fair share of bumps and bruises.
I plan to get some pics up in a bit to show what you can do with just a bit of time to revive a old tired piece to something you care about with little to no money.
Thus far I took off the stock and removed about 3/4" since the older butt pad had shrunk since the rubber is so old. It still fits the bill and reduces felt recoil but just shrank and for what new ones cost I am taking a pass on upgrading that.
Rounded all edges to fit correctly to butt pad and to receiver since they just have a 90 degree edge with 1/16" to 1/8" lip that did not fit nicely. This is a wood stock and forearm on this model.
Removed to mounting point for the magazine tube on the barrel and made flush with the end of the barrel. Did the math ahead of time to see if I could squeeze all 7 in there with the spring and it gives about a 1/4" after 7 in the tube. 2 3/4" shells if you are wondering.
I am trying to decide if I am going to be super cheap and machine a extension sleeve to extend the factory barrel tube or purchase a tube for the 20" full length tube models and cut it to required length. They run $27 on brownells. I am going for under $125 total in to the gun so this is not likely to happen.
I silver soldered on the mag tube mounting lug back to the barrel and had to realign the front sight as well since it was a bit canted.
Also plan to rework the wood stock to a nice finish and change the looks of the forearm.
The metal work will all get sand blasted and repainted to round out the rework.
Hope any other thinking of converting a 5 shot to 7 shot get the urge as well from this and take on some basic gunsmithing work. My goal is just for a beater shotgun that I do not hesitate to grab since I will not have much money locked up into and can refinish once it looks rough again.
Silver soldering is not hard just take a lil time and patience.
P.S. If anyone feels like donating a full length 20" magazine tube and spring to the project it will be greatly appreciated. I will pay shipping.
I plan to get some pics up in a bit to show what you can do with just a bit of time to revive a old tired piece to something you care about with little to no money.
Thus far I took off the stock and removed about 3/4" since the older butt pad had shrunk since the rubber is so old. It still fits the bill and reduces felt recoil but just shrank and for what new ones cost I am taking a pass on upgrading that.
Rounded all edges to fit correctly to butt pad and to receiver since they just have a 90 degree edge with 1/16" to 1/8" lip that did not fit nicely. This is a wood stock and forearm on this model.
Removed to mounting point for the magazine tube on the barrel and made flush with the end of the barrel. Did the math ahead of time to see if I could squeeze all 7 in there with the spring and it gives about a 1/4" after 7 in the tube. 2 3/4" shells if you are wondering.
I am trying to decide if I am going to be super cheap and machine a extension sleeve to extend the factory barrel tube or purchase a tube for the 20" full length tube models and cut it to required length. They run $27 on brownells. I am going for under $125 total in to the gun so this is not likely to happen.
I silver soldered on the mag tube mounting lug back to the barrel and had to realign the front sight as well since it was a bit canted.
Also plan to rework the wood stock to a nice finish and change the looks of the forearm.
The metal work will all get sand blasted and repainted to round out the rework.
Hope any other thinking of converting a 5 shot to 7 shot get the urge as well from this and take on some basic gunsmithing work. My goal is just for a beater shotgun that I do not hesitate to grab since I will not have much money locked up into and can refinish once it looks rough again.
Silver soldering is not hard just take a lil time and patience.
P.S. If anyone feels like donating a full length 20" magazine tube and spring to the project it will be greatly appreciated. I will pay shipping.
