Sawed-Off Shotgun...?

[CGRifleman]

Is a vent rib barrel that's been sawed off to 18-1/2" safe to fire?

Recently I got my hands on an 870 20ga that had some serious Bubba-smithin' done to it. To be fair, they did about as good a job as could be expected with a hacksaw and a file... I've already ordered a longer replacement barrel, but I'm wondering if it's worth the time to clean the rust off the cut barrel and keep it.

 

[gp911]

If the barrel has no other damage like bulges, etc, then it should be safe to use that barrel. It may work just fine, or if the end cut has issues from being pinched in a vise or just cut poorly the pattern may be poor or just way off the point-of-aim. I'd give it a try if everything else checks out.

 

[Fred Fuller]

Measure the barrel again, either by putting a steel tape measure down the bore, or a dowel. Measure the barrel length from the muzzle to the face of the closed bolt to make sure it is within legal limits in your state as well as over 18" as per federal law.

If it's of legal length and still needs work to clean up the muzzle, make sure there's enough 'meat' there to allow for squaring the muzzle. If all else is OK with it, it should be good do go. The vent rib itself should be cut back to the first 'post' supporting it, if it's not fully supported at the muzzle.

Consider installing a bead on the rib, if the barrel patterns evenly. It's still useful, even in its abbreviated state. Remington makes a 'Junior' version of the 20 ga. 870 that has an 18.5" barrel and a 12" LOP stock - with an extra stock cut down and fitted with a good recoil pad, and the barrel you have fitted for choke tubes, your 870 might be just the ticket for a young shotgunner to get started with.

See
http://www.remington.com/en/product...s/model-870/model-870-express-compact-jr.aspx

 

[oneounceload]

There are two measurements you need to verify - the 18" minimum Fred mentioned and the 26" overall length to meet Fed requirements. Otherwise truing up the muzzle (if necessary) can be done

 

[jmr40]

I've bubbaed a couple.

On an 870 if you cut on a rib post like you should you will either be 21" 19" or 17". I always cut at 21" in case I messed up I could get a 2nd try and still be legal. Never had a problem. I always used one of the fiber optic sights that clamps on the rib for a sight. I have one with 2 dots side by side for a rear sight. It is as accurate with slugs and those sights as the slug barrel I have with factroy iron sights.

 

[rallyhound]

I did exactly that at the 19 inch rib