NEF Project...

[David4516]

I've got an H&R/NEF single shot 12 ga, and I'm planning on shortening the barrel and stock. I know that min length is 18 inches (i'm going to go for 18 1/2 to be on the safe side), but I'm not sure how it is measured. Does the 18 inches include the chamber?

Also, I hear that overall length should be at least 26 inches. If I cut the stock where I want to, my overall length should be about 31 inches, so I should be safe there, right?

I'm doing this because I want a short, light gun that takes down easily (the NEF is pretty darn easy, just one screw). It's going to be my "camp" gun. My plan is to take it apart and stuff it into my Backpack. On some trips I might be hiking a bit, so small and light is a good thing. Another advantage to useing the NEF for this project is that fact that if I mess up, getting a new barrel will be cheap and easy...

I think it might also make a good emergancy gun. I've seen "12 ga flares" for sale at the local sporting goods stores. They sell little flare pistols that are made with these things in mind, but I'm wondering if they would work out of a regular shotgun?

 

[Edward429451]

I think it might also make a good emergancy gun. I've seen "12 ga flares" for sale at the local sporting goods stores. They sell little flare pistols that are made with these things in mind, but I'm wondering if they would work out of a regular shotgun?

It's my understanding that these flares will lodge and burn in any barrel tighter than a Cyl Bore...

 

[Dave McCracken]

I've run across at least a dozen of these projects over the years. Done well or done horribly, they resulted in light woods runners that carried great, kicked like Heck, and were more fun than one would think possible.

The legal bore is measured from the face of the breech. With the action closed and an empty chamber,stand the weapon on its butt on the floor. Drop a thin dowel from the muzzle until it stops, mark it at the muzzle, remove and measure it from the end to the mark. This HAS to be at least 18". Ask Randy Weaver.

Note....

Leaving a few more inches on the barrel really doesn't turn this into a pig. With the stock shortened to fit Son as he was 3 years past, his with 28" barrel runs 5 lbs, 9 oz and 41" O/A. A longer barrel means less muzzle jump,less noise, less flash, and you'd still have some choke.

Forget the flares. Not good for the gun.

If I were doing this project, and I might do one similarily since Son has moved on to full size, I'd not crop the barrel, tho I might take some of that Full Choke out.

I'd hollow the stock, pack it with supplies appropriate to the mission(s), get the trigger right, zero with slugs and pattern it with ammo from 00 to 6s. Maybe a spray on paint job, camo for the area, and set up with studs for a sling.

Have fun....

 

[jmcc11]

I have been thinking about a very similar project. I also think a useful (and cheap) addition to the gun would be to mount a weaver scope base on the forend to mount a light in a quick detatch 1 inch scope ring. It could come in handy around the campsite after dark.

 

[David4516]

"studs for a sling"

Thats not a bad idea, I'll add that to the list...

jmcc11, Your flashlight idea is interesting. If you go ahead with your project, would you please report back and let us know how well it works?

 

[David4516]

I'm also looking at the bead sight on this thing...

It looks like it would just screw right out of the barrel. So after I cut it (the barrel), can I just drill a new hole and screw it (the sight) back in? Will shot get suck in there if I do? This is probably a dumb question, please forgive me. I know alot more about rifles and handguns than I do about shotguns...

 

[Dave McCracken]

The new hole has to be tapped for the threads on the screw. Shot may not get stuck, but you REALLY do not want the sight base to protrude into the bore.