Winchester Ranger Barrel for Home Defense

[Catbird]

I have an "el cheapo" Winchester Ranger Model 120 12 gauge shotgun that I purchased many years ago; it has a standard 28" barrel w/ screw-in chokes.

Rather than buying a new Mossberg 500/590 or Remington 870 with a short barrel (20" or less), I'm considering buying just a shorter barrel for the Winchester.

I can't seem to locate what I'm looking for - any suggestions would be appreciated.

FWIW, I only paid around $139 NIB IIRC for this shotgun, so I really don't want to spend a whole lot for the extra bbl.

 

[sm]

First thought that comes to mind is to contact Nu-Line. I don't recall if a shorter bbl than 26" was avail for that gun. I'd be honest and ask if they have a bbl someone ruined, could shorten to say ~ 20" and may still a POC of a point or 2...wide open wouldn't bother me at all. The only thing is the price is probably gonna be as much the gun was new. Aftermarkets like Hastings sure will be.

Honest, I'd be more prone to scew the cyl choke in, find a load that works for yardage needed. Hoard some cash, be patient, then find a used older 870 police trade in.

I personally understand the practical need for a shorter bbl. I also know and have used my 28" bbl with Nu-line choke "wide open" for a variety of "home needs", gun games, and the like. Because I could, I did, blue and wood stock gun, running and gunning...hitting and felling...'74 model Winchester, clad in blue jeans...gee the fella's with the trick gear and the right clothes hated me ...I wasn't "geared right" and took 2nd...well I won't argue that I'm not "geared right" ...but in general if I can see it--it's down.

Nuline Guns, Inc.
1053 Caulks Hill Road
Dept. 2800
Harverster, MO 63304
(314) 441-4500

 

[Dave McCracken]

First, ask Winchester....

Nu Line and Numrich are next.

A new short barrel for that Ranger may cost as much as another shotgun. I recently paid $40 more for a Remchoked 30" barrel than I did for #6, my most recently acquired 870. And at that I got a break on the barrel.

And while the Ranger is no 870, it's a good shotgun, albeit not as fashionable as a Loudenboomer SP Mag with all the trimmings. Enjoy it...

 

[Catbird]

Thanks for the suggestions.

This is what happened...
I was in DICK'S Sporting Goods today looking for a possible sale on a suitable new HD shotgun. They had two choices: a Mossberg 500 Persuader w/ 20" bbl. for $249 and a Remington 870 Express Magnum w/ 18" bbl. for $269. After a few minutes of deliberation, I decided on the Remington. I found out that their current sale is $15 off everything over $75 ($15 is better than nothing). I started filling out the paperwork when the salesman returned from the stockroom and said that the last one they had was the one on display. I said that the only way I could purchase it is if DICK'S would discount it. Much to my surprise they knocked off 10%.

So, the bottom line for the Remington was $229 plus tax.
($269 minus $27 minus $15.)

I don't know a whole lot about shotguns and current pricing, but this seemed like a pretty good deal (I hope I didn't make a mistake )

 

[ruger357]

Great price on a great shotgun. You did well, enjoy.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Catbird, good deal. Now BA/UU/R and have fun...

 

[Catbird]

Dave McCracken commented:

BA/UU/R

Err...uh...well...uh...huh? Could you please tell me what that means?

 

[Dave McCracken]

Buy Ammo, Use Up, Repeat...

 

[Catbird]

Gotcha...will do.

 

[foghornl]

Catbird:

I happen to be a Mossberg kind of guy, but $229 for a new Remmy 870 is a darn good deal.

The Mossys seem to "fit" me better, although that is a subjective, personal thing...Like what brand & color of car do you drive.

Anyway, great purchase. Run a bunch of ammo through it and tell us all about it. I suspect you will find lotza things to like about your new Remmy.

 

[Catbird]

foghornl -

It really was a hard choice for me to choose between the two shotguns. I liked the tang safety, the lighter weight of the Mossberg and IIRC, it held more rounds. The Remington had a slightly shorter barrel and I thought, in the end, I might prefer the heavier weight gun to help soak up some recoil. Like I said, it was a very hard choice.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Catbird, It was a Win=Win situation. Both good guns. While I hold the 870s most dear, the 500 series are darn good too.

Check the 101 series, it may help you in your quest for Shotgun mastery...

 

[Gunner45]

I got a Ranger 120 for my 16th birth day, and I am still shooting it 15+ years latter. Great gun, not preaty but a great shooter.

The next year when my brother turned 16, Dad got him an identicle Ranger 120. But that year was Winchesters aniversery or something like that so his shotgun came with the free slug barrel as well. I still feel jipped.

All my friends had 870s, witch I admit is a better looking gun. But at the end of the day I usualy had more birds in the vest than they did.

I don't plan to ever get rid of my 120. I may some day get an O/U for skeet, but other than that I haven't found anything that my old winchester won't do well.

Gunner45