OU shotgun - threading for chokes

Grodz

Grodz

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Montreal, QC
I have a 1959-vintage Browning Superposed Field Over/Under shotgun with fixed Full and Modified chokes.

I'd like to have the barrels shortened (which would remove the existing constriction) and have it threaded for removable choke tubes. This would increase its versatility (ex. for skeet, slugs, etc).

I'm thinking of using Winchester/Mossberg/Browning-Invector removable chokes, for compatibility with other shotguns.

Is there a good gunsmith in Canada who could do this work? Ideally, one near Montreal, but I'm also willing to ship the barrels to get the work done.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.
 
The barrels are so thin on that model you can not install tubes. The chokes themselves can be opened up to anything you want. Skeet I and Skeet II if you want. If you cut the chokes off it makes it a very short range gun with a poor pattern. You can shoot slugs through it fine the way it is.

Because the barrels are so thin at the muzzle, even if the chokes are opened up I would advise you do not shoot steel shot in this shotgun.
 
Hello Guntech,
Thank you for your prompt reply.

That puts a damper on my plans. Part of my requirement is to have shorter barrels (between 18.5 and 20"). Are there other models of OUs whose barrels would be thick enough for this type of modification (short barrels, threaded for choke tubes)?
 
I have spoken to one gunsmith that, can do and has done, screw in chokes on a Browning Superposed Lightning. His speciality is high end shotguns. However, I am not certain if you could shoot steel through it with the chokes.

You might just consider getting another gun because it is not cheap.
 
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Hello Sandroad,
Thank you for your advice. I'd be interested to contacting your gunsmith and seeing what is feasible. Depending on the price of the modifications, I'm prepared to go ahead with modifying the Browning Superposed (which I generally like and would prefer to keep if it could be improved to meet my requirements).

I'm not considering shooting steel shot. Only lead shot, buckshot, and slugs.

Otherwise I'm considering other shotguns. I'm discussing this option in detail in another thread:
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=320585
 
Cutting the barrels back that short may give you enough metal for some makes of choke tubes..

At the present length when Browning fitted the barrels they often filed the barrels thinner where they touch.. so much so that in threading one barrel the threads may distort the other barrel.

Who ever wishes to tackle this job will have to have the barrels on hand and carefully measure to see if they can install a particular thin wall tube or not. An expensive shotgun to replace barrels on if screwed up.
 
Good day Guntech,
Another option I'm considering is to purchase a Stoeger Condor Outback (which is pretty close to the end-state I'm trying to achieve).
http://www.stoegerindustries.com/firearms/stoeger_condor_outback.php

However I don't like the fact that the trigger is non-selective (ie. first shot is from the bottom barrel only, without the option of selecting the top barrel first).

Is it possible to modify the Outback to become selective? I assume so, since the Stoeger Condor Deluxe is selective.
If so, can you recommend a gunsmith who could do this work?

Thanks again for your assistance.
 
If you have a micrometer or good set of calipers you can measure the outside diameter of the barrel(s). The only tubes that may work apart from Brilleys are Tru-Choke thin walls. For them to be installed safely the OD of the barrel must be at least 0.815 inches provided the OD is concentric with the bore.
 
Grodz tell me this is not a 20 guage you are going cut down. Even if it is a 12 why not just sell it and buy the Stoeger. It shouldn't matter if the trigger is selective if you have screw ins. Just position the chokes accordingly before you set out. JMHO
 
It is in fact a 12 gauge.

Indeed, I was considering the option of selling the Superposed and buying an Outback. However I expected that the cost to modify the Browning would be less than to purchase the Stoeger. I also have to get the Browning evaluated to determine which is the best option.

I could always try to anticipate which barrel I would fire first in the Outback, and position the shells and chokes accordingly, but I'd prefer to be able to select the 1st barrel "on the fly".
As well, I suspect that slugs fired from the top barrel would impact closer to the point of aim, so it would be advantageous to be able to select the top barrel first when use of slugs is required.
 
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