870 rabbit barrel

[BigGameHunter]

I have a significantly shorter barrel on my remington sportsman 58 than I do on my 870. I don't want a 30" barrel in the woods for rabbits so I was wondering if I could use the sportsman barrel on the 870. The only difference is that the sportsman 58 has 2 gas ports.

Would that cause a problem with the gases hitting the wood on the pump or the shotgun tube and leaving marks or even if hot enough cook off rounds in the tube. These are just thoughts that I considered. I have considered in the past threading slugs into the holes to uses it without concern however in a pinch if I am only going to shoot it less than 10 times would it be ok to do with the sportsman barrel or is it not a good idea? Thanks.

 

[3macs1]

I have a significantly shorter barrel on my remington sportsman 58 than I do on my 870. I don't want a 30" barrel in the woods for rabbits so I was wondering if I could use the sportsman barrel on the 870. The only difference is that the sportsman 58 has 2 gas ports.

Would that cause a problem with the gases hitting the wood on the pump or the shotgun tube and leaving marks or even if hot enough cook off rounds in the tube. These are just thoughts that I considered. I have considered in the past threading slugs into the holes to uses it without concern however in a pinch if I am only going to shoot it less than 10 times would it be ok to do with the sportsman barrel or is it not a good idea? Thanks.

I have never done it but I know years back guys would switch them all the time. I don't recall them making any mods or plugging the holes either.
Hopefully someone with a better memory than mine will chime in. I would try it just to see what if any effect the holes make.What could it hurt??

 

[BigGameHunter]

the holes would sit flush with the barrel tube and ring essentially sealing them. I was more worried about a minute hole diverting gas into my face or leaving burn marks on the stock. Otherwise if it is not a big deal and the 870 if it does actually seal the holes it would be good for me as I would not have a few options. I planned on eventually tapping my 870 30" full choke with 2 gas ports and use it on the 58 as it is a neat action.

My buddy has an old rem 308 (woodsmaster maybe)with the same action and I just love the older rems, wins, savs, etc. The ones that aren't the same as every other gun. Same idea but different lines, designs, material, fit and finish are all different. Anyways if someone could chime in with a definate yes or no that would be great. To help I am using winchester low brass target loads as rabbits only need minimal 12 gauge loads so the pressure will be on the lower end.

 

[3macs1]

the holes would sit flush with the barrel tube and ring essentially sealing them. I was more worried about a minute hole diverting gas into my face or leaving burn marks on the stock. Otherwise if it is not a big deal and the 870 if it does actually seal the holes it would be good for me as I would not have a few options. I planned on eventually tapping my 870 30" full choke with 2 gas ports and use it on the 58 as it is a neat action.

My buddy has an old rem 308 (woodsmaster maybe)with the same action and I just love the older rems, wins, savs, etc. The ones that aren't the same as every other gun. Same idea but different lines, designs, material, fit and finish are all different. Anyways if someone could chime in with a definate yes or no that would be great. To help I am using winchester low brass target loads as rabbits only need minimal 12 gauge loads so the pressure will be on the lower end.

See everyone as you know goes the other way converting a 870 barrel by drilling to a 58 . What about sealing the holes with glue and a metal tape since it is a known drill size and would be easy drilling to bring it back original.Solder would be too permanent

Just asked another old fart buddy of mine who had the 58's and he said he always permanently filled the holes with Devcon when using a 58 barrel on a 870.