Ok...I've seen enough of these postings to know that I NEED a chopped down gun like this one. The problem is though, I have 2 410's...one is too nice to chop, the other is too old and I can't get myself to take my hacksaw to it. I have a Cooey model 840 16 guage that I'd be willing to chop, but does anyone out there have any insight about my chances of bleeding when I fire it? I want the pistol grip, but that tang looks oh so close to the meat between my thumb and index finger. The cgn'ers on here that chop down a 12 guage to a pistol grip are a lot braver than I am.
When it comes to chopping back older shotguns, beware. Few seem to realise that most of the shotguns on Tradex, and lots of older shotguns in general, are chambered in 2 1/2 inch. These guns should not be fired with 2 3/4" shells. The increased pressures generated when the shell crimp has nowhere to properly open into is the cause of the more noticeable felt recoil. Add to that the reduced weight available to absorb this additional recoil, and you're creating a real knucklebuster in every sense.
But this is trivial compared to the real danger. Many, if not most, 2 1/2" chambered shotguns were never proofed for nitro (modern smokeless) gunpower. The pressures generated by these powders, compared to the pressures generated by the black powder charges that the guns were built for, are in the neighborhood of
2 times as high. On top of that, old guns sometimes harbour weaknesses due to damage and corrosion. Just to be certain you're being foolish, throw in the wrong length of shells as mentioned above, to jack up the pressures even more. Sound like a candidate for a Darwin award? You betcha!!
Are low pressure, 2 1/2" shells still available? Yes, but you won't find them at your neighborhood hardware store, or at most gunshops, for that matter. 2 1/2" black powder shells are REALLY tough to find these days. Reloading is a good option, but you'd better know what you're doing. Use of black powder requires more prompt, better cleaning, too.
This isn't quite the same as tinkering with your Grampa's old Chevy and posting pics on the 'net so everyone can see how clever you are. Get your facts straight before you start playing with fire(arms)!!
Having said that, there are suitable, older guns to use as a platform for such projects. Know which they are before you start, or I'll be seeing you in hell!!
(ETA: Not picking on you, perryb, you seem to know better.)
Beautiful job.
