Cut a 1947 H&R M48 Topper?

[evan price]

I just bought a 1947 dated H&R Topper M48 12-ga single shot for $100. It was my third choice out of a barrel of old singles. Condition is fair cosmetically and good mechanically. I was intending to cut it down to a 20" truck gun until I found out its age. Is there any particular collector value in one of these, I don't want to ruin it if it has any value over just being an old gun or something.

 

[Ron James]

I don't think you would lose a thing by cutting it down. The H&R Topper is neither scarce nor rare, the only way it would have any collectors value is if it were new in the box with all the papers and a note signed by Buffalo
Bill Cody.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

Cut it down and use it.

 

[goon]

You could cut it. But you'd lose the choke. If you sell or trade it and get a youth model, you'll get a 22" barrel with a choke.

 

[evan price]

Well, a good rubdown with mineral spirits got the grey crud off the wood and metal. What I thought was rust was dried old oil. Looks like nice quarter sawn walnut wood and lots of case color on the receiver still. And I got the ejector working! Nice shooter too. Now its almost too nice to cut.
Naaah. Chop chop this weekend. Pics later.

 

[Uniquedot]

I wouldn't cut it as those older guns have the twist type lever and folks find them desirable although they aren't worth much. I'd buy a new style gun and cut it instead or have a barrel put on it to my liking.

 

[Onmilo]

it has a lot of history as is.
Personally I would leave it alone & buy a newer gun to modify but it is your gun so do what you want...