Cutting double barrel shotgun down

hunter64

hunter64

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I have a 28" double barrel shotgun that I would like to cut down to 18" or so for close in upland game. The 28" is just to long and heavy to be hauling thru the brush. How much approximately would it cost to cut off then install a bead and I guess you would have to make a plug for between the barrels? Would it just be cheaper to find a shorter double gun?
 
hunter64 said:
Would it just be cheaper to find a shorter double gun?
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It would be if you sold the double that isn't working for you. Even without knowing what it is it's worth more in it's present condition than cut.

You will also end up with cylinder chokes in both barrels and there isn't much demand from short sxs with cylinder chokes.

What make of gun are we talking about? I would really hate to see a fine old double cut and its value destroyed. Seeing what some of the cowboy shooters have done to old Ithacas, Parkers and LC Smiths makes me heartsick.:(
 
There were some cheap Norinco short doubles out there for a while in 12 and 20 gauge, aroudn $300 +or- . I cut a cheap 20 gauge down to 20 in bbls for grouse and ease of carry. It didn't have much effect on patterning or POI for normal grouse ranges. Be careful that the ribs are solidly soldered in place where you intend to cut though. You will also need to attach a bead and find some way (epoxy works well) to fill the gap between the bbls and ribs at the muzzle end. bearhunter
 
"...cheaper to find a shorter double gun..." Likely and you'd have no choke whatsoever. Cutting double barrels requires a smithy who knows how to do it properly. Some double barrels aren't connected over their whole length either. One option, depending of the make of the shotgun, would be another set of barrels. Not that another set would be cheap.
 
Kind of figured it would be more expensive than it was worth. Guess I will be looking for a small double barrel in the near future.
 
i was planning on doing this to a single break barrel using a pipe cutter. do you guys think that will work ok? oh and the shortest you can cut your barrell to and still be legal is 18 1/2". and the total length of your gun must be 26"
 
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A pipe cutter partly swages it's way through the pipe, for it to work (after a fashion), the place on the barrel where you intend to make the cut would have to be a perfect cylinder (not tapered), and I'm guessing that part of your shotgun barrel is tapered. As the pipe cutter swages it's way through, you'll have a burr on the inside of the gun barrel. You'd be better off with a hacksaw and a file to do it, but what do I know.
 
I have cut back basket case singles and a cheap Spanish bulged double and have been happy with the results,although I wouldn't do it to a new or otherwise marketable shotgun.Bearhunter's advice on using epoxy sure beats the way I did my double (I whittled out plugs from steel). I used a vernier protractor to pick up the factory muzzle angle and did much careful filing to get the muzzle right,followed by polishing etc. I like the 20" length on a break action.
The single 20ga received a homebuilt ramp front sight with an Ithica slug sight insert (triangular Raybar) and an adjustable open rear, and while slug sights may not appeal to birders I am quite pleased with them.
Regards, Waba
 
fat tony said:
Well, I'm glad I included this: :) How do you find the Ithaca low light front sight as compared to the tritium sights? Heard the Ithaca sights are far more durable.
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I have never used a tritium sight, but if one had been in my parts drawer you can bet I would have tried it:) . I do like the Ithaca sight very much in that I can pick it up clearly under most conditions, especially in a "deep, dark woods" setting. That means a lot when you consider my eyesight as it presently stands virtually precludes the use of iron sights. As for its durability I take pains not to beat it around any more than I would any other sight:) , but seriously, a friend's 30 odd yr old Deerslayer is just fine, as is the condition of my own 28 yr old M37 slug gun's sight.
Regards, Waba
 
I have done a few of them :) singles & doubles & pumps.
A chop saw works best! Use a new blade & it'll cut right thru with-out heating the barrel.
My only recommendation is go 22" it's easier to swing & follow a grouse with a slightly longer barrel. If you feel it's to long you can always trim it a little more :)
My upland grouse gun is a 20" Ithaca pump :)
 
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