Mossberg 500 Project- Cut It Shorter Or Not?

[rustyiron]

I've just discovered this forum. Looks like a great source of information.

A few months ago I came across a Mossberg 500 really cheap. Not something I needed, but a great deal. Mechanically sound, but beat up. I decided to make a refinishing project out of it; not cost effective, but something to pass some time this winter.

It has a 24" smoothbore slug barrel (no choke at all) with rifle sights. I'm considering shortening it to 18.5". I would like to keep the rifle sights. Is there any great disadvantage to shortening it? I know in theory a little velocity and sight radius will be lost, but will it really matter much? I figured it could still be used for a slug gun in this configuration, although I really have no need for a slug gun. Since it doesn't have a choke, it doens't seem to useful for many other purposes anyway. I thought maybe it might be better for HD if it was cut.

If I do cut i, what is the proper way to do it? Just a hax saw and file maybe? More importantly, from what reference point is the lenght measured from? I certainly do not want it too short. The barrel has "24 inch" printed on it, so it will be obvious it has been shortened. Is there any potential problems with this?

I have already removed the sights to clean up the metal. The front sight was either brazed or soldered on and it took a lot of heat from a propane torch to get it off. Will lead solder be adequate for reattaching it? Or would silver solder or brazing be significantly better?

I don't want to turn it in to one of those "tactical" shotguns, but I would be interested in any tips or cusomizing ideas.

 

[P95Carry]

Welcome here Rusty!

I have a Mossy 550C .. and have long considered just this route. So far not gotten to doing it. Someone else will have to provide barrel length info ... on the basis of assessment on auto loader pistols .... tube length includes chamber ...... I guess right now to play safe I'd measure from the breech face.

The foresight thing tho .. lead solder . NO-NO!! ..... only silver solder or better. the tensile for lead solder is pathetic!!! It is most important if silver soldering or brazing to take great care with prep'ing .. so as to get right first time. This means too using good flux. Max heat for short time is always better than inadequate heat for ages!

Your propane torch is probably too low on heat and so silver solder had been used I reckon .... much better a properly sized and adjusted oxy/acetylene flame IMO.

I may yet do mine .. thinking of it mostly as an HD gun...... tho as is ... and 20G, it is quite fun to use for skeet.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Welcome aboard, rusty. I kinda wish you'd found us before starting on your project.

Legal length is established as the distance from the breech face with the action closed to the closest part of the muzzle.

Sights aren't important on a pure HD shotgun, a bead works fine. But, every Home Defense shotgun is also a Community Defense shotgun, in case we have to militia things up and protect our communities.

Also, while lots of HD shotguns have the shortest possible barrels, 24" is not that ungainly. Handling in tight places can be aided by lopping off an inch or two of stock wood and mounting a good pad. Best length of pull for a "Serious" shotgun runs less than a recreational shotgun.

You may want to adjust the stock and then do a walk through to see if the barrel really needs cutting. I've cut a couple and had others cut, and mostly regretted it.

If you do cut it, I suggest about 20" for length. A little less flash in low light.

HTH....

 

[TarpleyG]

Well, I cut one down a while back. To get a good cut, "mark" the circumference of the barrel with a plumber's tube cutter. It'll dull the blade but you can get another one cheap. The length is usually measured with a stick down the barrel with the action closed up. You'll have to guesstimate from the outside though. After you get your mark, use a new hack saw blade and go slow. If you have a radial arm saw or a mitre saw, use it with a metal cutting blade for faster results. Either way, you'll have some filing and sanding to do afterward. Use cold blue to finish it off.

GT

 

[StuporDave]

Why not just buy the 18.5 inch barrel for the 500? About $63 online. I got mine for $35 (used) on eBay. That way you don't have to worry about cutting it properly and you know it's legal. Also leaves you with two barrels to switch whenever you need/want to.

Dave

 

[P95Carry]

Why not just buy the 18.5 inch barrel for the 500

Dave ... why is it the simplest and most obvious solutions sometimes seem so elusive!!

Off course ... has to be way to go.

 

[rustyiron]

Why not just buy the 18.5 inch barrel for the 500? About $63 online. I got mine for $35 (used) on eBay. That way you don't have to worry about cutting it properly and you know it's legal. Also leaves you with two barrels to switch whenever you need/want to.

I've already considered that and still might do it. This is pretty much just a project to work on. I don't "need" a slug barrel and that's what I've got. Shortening it would not cost me a dime. I'd just like know what I would really be losing if it were shorter. Keeping the original sights, it would essentially still be a slug barrel, but shorter.

Where can I get one for $63? How much for shipping? Starts to approach what I paid for this.

 

[StuporDave]

Cheaper than Dirt lists them for $63 and change, but they're out of stock right now. You could probably find them at a similar price with a quick internet search. Check eBay too. I got mine for $35 (used).

Dave