Folding single shot project

[6011]

I bought an old Beretta 412 folding 12ga from Tradex a while ago. I want to chop it some to make sort of a camp gun type thing similar to those in these threads, only without the pistol grip:
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=360405
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=532623
I decided to post in here even though the gun is brown. I know there might be some people who would frown on my bubbaing plans but the gun is a bit beat up as you can see in the photos. There are some cracks behind the action that may need some attention, and some pitting on the action.

I am am pretty sure I want to cut it at 22" as this point lines up with the but plate when it is folded. In the photos I wrapped red tape at 22" and 18". Anny opinions on this would be welcome.

I have done a lot of searching on how to cut the barrel, not sure of the best way to re-crown it. I made a brass bead out of a screw as the gun came with some crappy fiber optic thing that I don't think was original. The thread was 3mm. I don't know if I should re-tap a 3mm hole or is there a more standard thread that is used for shotgun beads? Oh and as for the cracks, any opinions on what to do with the stock? I was thinking of trying to remove it to asses the crackage but I need some slim slotted screwdrivers.

 

[twistedbrilliance]

I used the pipe cutter from my plumbing kit left a very clean cut, no burrs then I used a half round file for the inner of the cut and flat for the outer. Then I re-blued it...Worked awesome.

 

[greyman441]

Your thread has inspired me to do the same with one of my singles, probably my cooey 84. Keep us updated on the progress, I love the look of these guns when there done.
If your gonna cut it at 18" make sure to add a 1/2" so there is no conflict if anyone asks.

 

[dogzilla]

I did that with a cooey .410 that had a bulged barrel. I cut it off at 18 1/4 put a new bead on it, re finished the wood and parkerised the gun and finally teflon coated the gun. I wish I'd done it years ago, I've been looking for a cheap 12 gauge to do the same thing. I would cut yours at 18 1/2, you are going to lose the choke anyway so you wouldn't be gaining anything by keeping it ar 22. If you want symmetry you could cut the stock back too, and then you would have a great truck/camp gun.

 

[sherlockbonez]

Have you shot this yet? I'm looking to possible add one of these to the safe. Is it reasonably sized when folded for a hard case? I may want to leave this as a truck gun. Also how's the recoil with such a light gun?

 

[6011]

I don't think I want to do a pistol grip. I have been toying with ideas on how to make some kind of telescoping or folding function to the stock it's self. I would then cut the barrel down to minimum length. I forgot to add that I want to make some kind of fitted case for it. I used to work at an aircraft hanger with sheet metal tools so I might be able to make a nice aluminum one. Or maybe wood. I might try the pipe cutter, I was afraid it would leave a too much of a burr on the inside that would have to be filed out.

I have shot it, maybe around 30 cheap target loads. When I first got it I took it up a mountain and shot it 6 times. It beat my shoulder pretty good. I got a slip on recoil pad and that helped. Last I saw there were still 2 on tradex, one 12 and on 16 I think. It does seem to be well made. I like how it cocks when you pull the action release. As for how small it folds, well the barrel is 27.5 inches long, add maybe 3/8 for the extractor and you can see how it folds in the photo.

 

[fat tony]

I bought myself a Cooey 840 in 20 gauge (28" barrel) and thought about doing this, however I tried it out with slugs and shot @ 25 and 50 yards, and it worked very nicely, nice accuracy fwii with Winchester foster slugs (about 4" from standing and I was not trying very hard), and I found the recoil VERY manageable , I took some measurements, it would be a little handier with a 20" barrel, as that would match almost perfectly the length of the receiver and buttstock, however I don't know what effect cutting off the choke will have on slug accuracy, and I find the balance to be very nice with the 28" barrel, I am wondering if the choke is helping in the accuracy dept. As it is now, I would not have any problems with shooting a deer for example @ 50 yards if I got a clear path to the target. Edit: maybe I need to get a really beat up one to experiment on for experiments with shortening the barrel. Best regards, Tony