Shortening a 12 ga SxS

Arcosdad

Arcosdad

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Comox Valley,Vancouver Island.
Hi all,
With winter coming I'm looking for a few projects. Would like to "create" a coach gun from an old but sound SxS, eg Suhl. We have basic metal working tools like chop saw, disc polisher, solder and welding gear, etc. My concern is about the weld that holds the rib on and the barrels together. I've seen one where the post-cutting cavity between the barrels was simply packed with JB Weld. Others say it must be silver soldered. Has anyone done one of these or have any info or guidance?
If anyone has an old SxS they would like to part with let me know. Doesn't have to be pretty.

Thx!
A/D
 
Normally on side by sides built pre 2000 the two barrels and the bottom and top ribs are joined by ordinary soft solder after very precise alignment to assure that both barrels will shoot to the same point of aim at a specified distance, usually 40 yards. Cutting to shorten them will leave a void at the end where moisture can enter to allow rust to start. This must be filled with solder, ensuring that it bonds with the existing solder while not disturbing the barrel alignment. Careful work can produce a secure, clean attractive result, most attempts scream “bubba was here!”.
 
As Ashcroft said, soft solder on those, I have done a couple Stevens, that turned out good for truck guns.
JB weld ?? Not likely, rust and crap maybe. But you need something to keep the solder in place.
I had one home brew come in, when he chopped it too short, the barrels sprung apart up to the lump.
There are some jobs you don't take on.
You have to stay over 18 in , 20" is a good number
Than you have to figure out the thread on the front sight, or get a new one.
 
I'd say you're better off just buying a cheap factory coach gun rather than risking butchering something you could otherwise just sell. Once you cut off those barrels it's basically worthless.
 
Thanks for the input guys, much appreciated. I think I'll buy an old Suhl, then decide if I can bring myself to cut it! Short shotguns of all descriptions sell at our gun show so doubt I'd lose much if I get something for around $350.
 
I did this with a CIL sxs 12ga. I actually used a cold saw chop saw (carbide tipped blade) to cut the barrel. Had very little clean up to do with a file and fine emery cloth after. I did fill the void between the barrels with JB weld and believe it or not used a sharpie marker to blend in the Colour. 2 years later it still looks good, you have to look close to see it and it’s easily touched up if needed , And yes I do shoot it. The only thing I didn’t do myself was drill and tap for the bead. I had a gunsmith do that for me because he had the tools I did not .
 
Albertapete said:
I did this with a CIL sxs 12ga. I actually used a cold saw chop saw (carbide tipped blade) to cut the barrel. Had very little clean up to do with a file and fine emery cloth after. I did fill the void between the barrels with JB weld and believe it or not used a sharpie marker to blend in the Colour. 2 years later it still looks good, you have to look close to see it and it’s easily touched up if needed , And yes I do shoot it. The only thing I didn’t do myself was drill and tap for the bead. I had a gunsmith do that for me because he had the tools I did not .
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While I am not a Fan of the JB Weld application, all in all in this case I can see it a certainly uncomplicated solution appropriate of a inexpensive Gun. Well done !

Cheers
 
One thing I meant to mention is I cut my gun to the minimum 18.5” and for this gun it was a mistake. It made it two short and I think I would have been happier with 20” or even 22” . 18.5 looks cool but 20 or 22” is probably more practical.
 
Albertapete said:
18.5 looks cool but 20 or 22” is probably more practical.
Click to expand...
Naw, this is The More practical lol ..hmm, looks like they forgot to fill the gap, dam amatures!
Killingthemsoftly.jpg
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