What to do with a 32" Japanese A5 bbl?

[Stefan]

Could the 32" barrel (fixed full choke) of Japanese made A5 be cut back to 28" and have chokes made for it? ie: Would there be enough steel int he barrel?

Thanks ,Stef

 

[Grouse Man]

Yes.

 

[12magnum]

Yes. That would be your best choice.Cutting from 32" to 28" would put you into the bore and having it sized, reamed and tapped would give you one fine shotgun. I had a japanese 32" full A5 and the barrel length makes it unwieldy.

 

[Jeff Mulliken]

I have factory 12 ga A5 barrels in every length from 32" down to 26". I like them all but the old fashioned 32" is just plain neat on a long gun.

The 32" barrel may be inconvenient in a small blind but IMO on a Magnum the longer barrel offsets the weight of the receiver and the solid butt making the gun handle better and swing smoother.

A cut down plain barrel will be muzzle light and flighty on the heavy receiver. A rib adds 4 oz and makes for better handling in a short barreled A5.

Jeff

 

[madtrapper143]

I had my Jap A5 32" barrel reamed to IMP/MOD. The 32" just swings so nice on waterfowl. Still shoots great patterns of steel. The cost of cutting and reaming and threading chokes (when done right) is not cheap. Don't forget that when that barrel is cut the vent rib will be without the solid portion on the last 3". That's what makes the gun look finished, without it, it will look cut. Just my two cents.

Darryl