Hi all-- new to forum

[funny book flapjack]

Hi everyone,

First post on THR. Just wanted to say hi & thanks. I've learned enough lurking here to know that I have much to learn. I also have a few questions.

I'm working on building up my collection this year. I have a few handguns, & am now going to start on shotguns & rifles. I'm not new to shooting shotguns-- I'm a Georgia boy, 'nuff said-- but I don't currently own one. So here's the deal:

When I told my Dad I was about to pick up a new 870 Express, he told me not to bother, just take his 12G. He hasn't used it in 20 years, & he'd rather I have it.

So-- it's a Winchester model 120. I've done enough searches to know that the 120 is Sears's Plain Jane version of the 1200, & from what I've read all basic parts are compatible with the 1200/1300 equipment.

I know for a fact that this gun has less than 500 rounds through it, 'cause most of em were from me as a kid 25 years ago. It's barely broken in. But it's been sitting in a closet since then. Not fired, but not cleaned either.

The barrel is long (probably 26" or 28", I haven't measured), & the surface is rusty. Everything else actually looks pretty good at a quick visual inspection.

The only use for this gun in my home will be HD, & I would much prefer an 18"-20" barrel.

My main questions are:

1. With a light brass wool & oil cleaning, is this barrel still safe to use, or should I switch it out with a new barrel to be safe? It looks like it's all just surface rust. No big chunks, peeling, or anything like that.

2. I know many will scream blasphemy, but if I'm not going to hunt or shoot clay, is there any real reason not to cut this barrel down shorter? $150 for a new one ain't gonna break me, but why pay it if I don't really need to? Is there a real functional disadvantage to a barrel that's been cut to 18" over one that was made that size, when it would only be used close quarters?

3. How long of a mag extension can you go with when you are running a short barrel? I know Choate makes up to a 5 round extension, but do those work on 18" barrels?

I plan to keep this gun very simple-- short barrel, Choate mag extension, shell side saddle, & eventually a flashlight (MAYBE). I've never been one to care about cosmetics & mall ninja add ons, I just want it to function properly when I need it to.

Thanks again for all of the info provided at THR!

JD

 

[Dave McCracken]

Welcome aboard,JD.

Before any alterations, shoot the thing plenty. Your results from modifying this will be better if you first pay some dues shooting it.

Short barrelled have more blast and flash,which is bad for a new shooter. Adding a mag extension adds much more weight forward, increasing fatigue and making it harder to hit with.

After some trap, skeet, starlings, etc, you'll be in much better shape to take advantage of any mods or accessories you plan.

That barrel should be safe, If the rust is deeply pitting the metal, let a smith decide.

As for lopping off the barrel vs buying a short one,no big downside if the job's well done.

18" barrels work with two shots extensions max.

HTH.....

 

[eden892]

Welcome, I recentley wandered onto this site also it,s great,good people.
Winchester went out of business march 31st you might not want to cut off the barrel or alter the gun too much. Everything with winchester stamped on it seem's to be going up in price.You might want to go to a few gunshows and look around for a shotgun already set up like you want for a reasonable price. I,m from Ga. also, Eastman gun shows has a website for Georgia shows and puts on good gun shows.Good Luck.
Mike

 

[El Tejon]

Welcome, new friend.

 

[funny book flapjack]

Thanks guys!

Dave-- I do plan to BA/UU/R quite a bit before any mods. I was mainly concerned with whether I should replace that barrel first (for safety), & if I did I would just buy a shorter one, since that's what I ultimately want.

Not too worried about fatigue from the weight of the mag extension (I'm a 6'5" 250 lb. weight lifter), but I understand that changing configurations will affect accuracy until I'm used to it.

eden892-- that's a good point about Winchester. Don't know that this barrel will ever really be worth anything since it's been neglected, but ya never know. Sad commentary on the state of things when a company with Winchester's history goes out of business.

Thanks again,

JD