DA 12 Ga Backpacker long barrel fabrication?

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Mr.Ejuice

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Hey guys, I'm relatively new to the sport of shooting and a fairly handy guy so I figured I'd try my hand at some simple gunsmithing - so far my experience solely consists of making newly purchased guns just plain old work. I bought a Dominian Arms 12 gauge Backpacker based solely on price point for camping and a basic bush gun, and I came to the realization that the short barrel may not get snagged in the bush, but makes for a lousy range and clay gun. I like versatility and had the thought - the barrel looks stone-age simple as far as machining is concerned, and being a take-down break action, an interchangeable long barrel struck me as a great alternative to buying a whole new shotgun. Looking online yields zero useful results to simply buy one, so, quit the taking and get to the point:

How does one go about fabricating a new shotgun barrel? Here's a picture of the stock barrel so you can have some idea of what I'd be replicating.

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I have access to a lathe, small benchtop mill, drill press, general shop tools, and willingness to learn.
 
Google cooey model 84.
Classic Canadian Single shot shotgun with nice walnut, case hardened receiver, clay and bird friendly swing and can be had for $100-$150.00.

This one in the video is a bit rough to say the least...... think less then $100.00

[youtube]IvH_ePhkDmc[/youtube]
 
I guess to answer your initial post a forge would be a good place to start.... :)
The Cooey's are a pretty sweet Canadian single shot shotgun.
 
Seeing as you have access to some great modern tools check out this movie of an old school gunsmith.
I think you will enjoy it....
[youtube]lui6uNPcRPA[/youtube]
 
Barrels can be had rather inexpensively, but the block beneath, where it engages the receiver, is where the work will be. The DA does look like a Cooey, but do some research, see if they are similar and one can be converted.
 
I wasn't suggesting using the Cooey barrel on the Norinco..... just use the Cooey..... :)
An easier project would be to thread your backpacker for a really long cylinder choke!
 
I don't think there's enough meat at the muzzle to thread it for chokes without worry, unfortunately or that would be an easy stop gap for the lousy range. Also, do you figure I could lathe the barrel out, mill the attachments out, and oxy-acetylene weld them all together them heat treat the assembled barrel? I notice the original is one milled piece, but I don't have access to equipment to do that.

One last note, I had a quick look at H&R's website - it appears they cater to much higher-end shotguns, and I'd most likely be looking at easily the cost of the original shotgun to get a barrel made to fit it.
 
Use your backpacker for what it was designed for. Buy a real shotgun for your shotgun needs and have both in a configuration that will be superior in their way.
 
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