Converting H&R 12 Gauge Single Shot to Survival Type Gun

[Cxgibson]

Hi Gang,

I picked up a single shot H&R single shot 12 gauge for $40 a while back. I'd like to shorten the barrel to 18.5" and shorten the stock a little (while still remaining legal) to make it something I can fit in my back pack or sling on my back when trekking through the bush as a survival type shotgun. I'd like to keep it as cheap a conversion (aka DIY) as possible, and make it as short as possible while remaining practical. My main thought was to saw down the barrel and saw off some wood, clean it up nice with a file, etc. I'm just wondering if the 18.5" cylinder bore I'll be left with will make it useless for hunting small game (or larger game if the opportunity arises). I usually carry some #4, #7, and slugs when I take it out (right now I'm hunting rabbit and bear). I have a pump action for when I go regular hunting, but I'd like this for when I'm out for a night or two and carrying around a backpack full of gear.

It could be a terrible idea, which is why I'm asking before I do anything stupid!

Thanks in advance for any info/opinions you are willing to share!!

 

[VancouverSkiBum]

Did that to my cooey. go at er! have fun.

 

[lone ranger]

Chop it !! Just chop it. LOL Now remember...hold on with BOTH hands especially shooting slugs or you'll look like a Cyclops.

 

[Cxgibson]

That looks great, what's the OAL on that, and how practical is it for hunting?

 

[lone ranger]

That looks great, what's the OAL on that, and how practical is it for hunting?

I made these 28 inches, and the barrels worked out to be around 19 inches. never hunted with mine, but they do have a very short range. Slugs were inaccurate at long distance. She's a Close range gun for sure.

 

[cyclone]

Just watch the "tang-release"....some shotguns are better candidates for the treatment than others!

 

[VancouverSkiBum]

OAL 700mm. Barrel is 21 inches. Just felt right for me. grip it tight more so with your left hand or you will get the release in between the fingers hard (if you're right handed). Aiming isnt that bad, just hold it far from your face and "feel" it out. may take some practice.

I used a dremel to get a nice even cut going, then finished with a hacksaw. Then filing with a bastard file. then a smooth one. then i used some small jewelry files to remove any burrs from the inside. finished it all off by sanding all the metal, and doing a black powder coat with primer.

Fits perfectly on the side of my 37L backpack. and taken apart easily fits inside a small bag.

 

[Stevebot-7]

Ohh, now I'm tempted to do this with mine.

Any of you guys use chamber adapters with your pirate guns?

 

[VancouverSkiBum]

i did for a bit, the novelty wore off. sold the adapter. if you're gona get one, get one that ejects the shell without having to remove the whole thing and poke it out.

 

[zuke]

I cut mine at 19 inch's, just in case.