Would cutting down this barrel work?

[surplus-addict]

My father has an old Mossberg 5500 MK-II semi-auto 12 Gauge that he has absolutely no use for. I mean none. He's already got a hunting shotgun, so he doesn't want another one. He was wondering if he could safely (and by that I mean have the gun not blow up AND be reliable) cut down the barrel to 18.5" for a behind-the-door HD gun. Would this even work? The gun is all scratched up and he got it for $90, but mechanically, it's like new. It sat in a guys enclosed shed for like 15 years and got bumped, dropped, and dinged a lot, but it's been fired once I believe. Would the gun function reliable with only a 18" barrel, or would it not feed/eject? ANY information appreciated!

 

[Fred Fuller]

Cutting down the barrels on gas-operated shotguns can cause problems with reliable functioning, as your question seems to indicate you understand. I don't know anything much about the 5500, it was a pretty short-lived model in Mossberg's line. I generally don't favor cutting off functional shotgun barrels as a rule, it's a one way trip and can't be undone.

I see Havlin's offers several shorter barrels for the 5500 for $50- 70, including one with rifle sights- http://www.havlinsales.com/.
24” RS
CYL BORE
BLUE
RIFLED SIGHTS
SMOOTH BORE
SLUGSTER
$69.99

They have some parts as well...

 

[surplus-addict]

Yeah, I'm not too thrilled with the idea either, but he was interested since he doesn't have a HD shotgun yet. I'll relay what you told me to him, thanks!