Wich barrel to cut?

[tote4570]

I just purchased another barrel for my 870 express super mag. I am planning on having one of the barrels cut down to 19" and re-threaded for remchokes.

I am wondering whether to cut the original barrel with the smooth rib, or the new one that has ridges on it.

 

[rcmodel]

Either one have a rib support post 19" from the breech face??

rc

 

[tote4570]

Both. The only difference I can see is the rib is thicker on the new one and there are ridges on the rib.

 

[rcmodel]

Any differance in weight?

If one is heavier then the other, I would cut it and save the lighter barrel for hunting.

rc

 

[tote4570]

They both feel the same. I'm wondering if the thicker rib makes the barrel stronger. I'm also wondering if two barrels shoot different even though they are same length and chamber.

 

[rcmodel]

No, a rib adds no strength to a barrel.

Only way to see if they pattern any different is to pattern test them and see.

rc

 

[dprice3844444]

figure how much it will cost to have the service done vs new 20 inch bbl with remchoke

 

[oneounceload]

there are ridges on the rib.

So, one is a solid rib along the barrel and one is a ventilated rib?

 

[tote4570]

New barrels with 3 1/2 inch chambers seem to be in the $200 range. If I can get the service done for $100 or less then its a good deal.

 

[Uniquedot]

There is an 18.5" Remington 870 barrel that is threaded for remchokes and it runs about $167.00 from midway as i recall, but it is not ribbed. There is also an 18.5" remchoked barrel available from Carlson's with a chrome lined bore. These are 3" chambers though.

 

[tote4570]

Yeah I saw all the 3" chambered barrels. I'm pretty set on the 3 1/2 though.
No reason, just because.

 

[Fred Fuller]

Far as I know, if you want a short 3.5" chambered barrel, the DIY route is your only option. But I don't keep up with what Big Green is doing with the 3.5" guns.

Given what a rib is useful for, I'd be prone to cut the original barrel with the smooth rib and use the (likely more visible) full size grooved rib for wingshooting duties.

 

[rcmodel]

I'm pretty set on the 3 1/2 though.

Thats crazy talk right there!!

There is no logical reason for a 3 1/2" 12 ga, unless you are a goose hunter and have to use steel shot.

It is a total waste of perfectly good shoulders and shell length for no good reason in a short barrel HD shotgun.

Use 2 3/4" shells.
Your mag will hold more of them!
And your body will thank both of us!

rc

 

[76shuvlinoff]

Use 2 3/4" shells.
Your mag will hold more of them!
And your body will thank both of us!

rc

With my mucked up shoulder a few quick 2 3/4 slugs or 00 out of my 870 can make my eyes water. There just are not any 3.5s in my future.

 

[rcmodel]

Try a box of 2 3/4" Magnum turkey loads out of any pump shotgun and see if you still think you need a 3 1/2" chambered gun!

I betcha you will re-think that 3 1/2" thing you set your mind on!!

rc

 

[tote4570]

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to shoot both barrels tomorrow after deer hunting. Should be able to flush up a couple of birds and see which I like better.

I know I don't need the 3 1/2 chamber but I just want to be able to shoot anything out of it. Not that I will.

 

[303tom]

Cut the NEW one & save the original..................

 

[lemaymiami]

Tote, before chopping either of those barrels.... an 18" barrel with improved cylinder using ordinary 2 3/4" 00 buck rounds is a devastating home defense tool. You can reach out for longer shells with greater power - but the ordinary shells will perform as needed for real world close encounters. Put all nine pellets of 00 buck in the core trunk area of a human and it will end the argument right there (that's actually one of those "ask me how I know" propositions...). That's the exact load I carried and used on the street where it counted for some years... I'm pretty sure that plain, bead sighted barrels for 2 3/4 or 3" rounds are well under $150 from most vendors..

 

[tote4570]

I do understand the logic of not needing 3 1/2. I happened to get a great deal on a 3 1/2" barrel and three chokes for $100 and some .22lr. So that is really the main reason for using a 3 1/2" barrel.

 

[Kp321]

Measure the diameter of both barrels at the cut point. Cut the larger one, if there is a difference. Not all older barrels are thick enough to install Remchokes.
BTW, I will do the job for $50.00 plus shipping. PM me if interested.