To Cut or Not to Cut

[esswiz]

I have two Remington 1100 Magnum shotguns. Each has a 30in Full choke (not screw-in) that are marked 2-3/4 and 3in. One is a plain barrel the other is a VR. These were popular configurations 20 years ago when they were produced. I am considering having them cut to approximately 28in (based on VR post location) and threaded with "Tru-choke" system. Both barrels have at least an outer diameter of .833 so this shouldn't be an issue. I will loose the factory ramp that the plain barrel has under the sight bead, which cannot be relocated The VR barrel of course will have the rib cut right at the end of the barrel instead of being sloped toward the muzzle. I've been told by a few that this will ruin the barrels as far as being original (Never planning to sell them anyway) and others have told me that cutting them to 28in or even 26in would be the best thing that I could do for use or resale. These are my everything guns (duck, geese, pheasant, trap, short range coyote, etc). I'm not planning to buy any specialized skeet gun, or Sporting target gun, so save those comments for another thread.. I believe this to be a cost effective plan, but IS THIS A GOOD PLAN?

 

[proud2deviate]

A lot of folks here will tell you it's a sin to cut down a barrel, and I tend to agree. Chances are, you'd have no problem selling one or both, and putting the funds towards a factory barrel in the desired configuration. When you factor in gunsmithing costs, choke tubes, etc, you might even come out a few dollars in the black.

Of course, my opinion in this matter is pure conjecture, since I have no experience with the guns or barrels in question.

 

[Fred Fuller]

Price it out and see how it works. It's been a while since I had any barrel work done, but it might be you can get a factory barrel in the configuration you want for about the same or perhaps less money.

Were I you, I'd use a company that does nothing but this kind of work for the conversion- they'll likely do a better job. I've always used Colonial Arms (now in Bay Minette, AL) since they were a hometown company when they first opened their doors- they started in Selma, AL and I didn't have to mail stuff to them. There are other companies that specialize in shotgun barrel work, like Stan Baker, Briley, Seminole etc.

BTW, the 'bead block' can be either relocated or replaced if you want.

Selling the original barrels intact might net you an even break with less hassle than going the 'smithing route. But you won't know until you price it out and see...

lpl/nc

 

[stevehaun]

I don't think you have to cut the barrels to have choke tubes installed. They just bore them out and cut the threads. If you don't cut the barrels, your ribs and bead will be intact. Longer barrels are becoming more popular, especially in the clay-busting world.

 

[Pete409]

Used barrels of various lengths for the Rem 1100 are quite commonly found in the For Sale ads on gun boards. The prices are usually pretty reasonable.

I think you would be money ahead to shop around and buy a used barrel of the length you want that is already threaded for choke tubes. Then you can sell your present barrels for almost as much as you paid for the used barrel you bought.