Where to start with building a custom short shotgun - based off Rem 870 or Moss 500

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sogn

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Moncton, NB
So I was looking at the picture thread for short shotguns and I just love the look of them... I'm also looking for a bear country gun to replace my (long for me) 18.5" 12 ga.

Can someone point me in the right direction for getting started on budgeting and sourcing parts and maybe even a gunsmith to assemble a custom gun in the BC interior? I've never done more than buy stock guns and add some basic mods to them.

Also... how short a barrel would you go, and what type of sights would you want on your shotgun in the bush?

Thanks!
 
You can order an 8.5 from Dlask (Lower Mainland) otherwise you can get an 870 and a short barrel (12.5 or 14) from a number of vendors. For use-ability the 12.5 is pretty much the shortest practical length. Dlask makes 12.5 and 14 inch tubes too - you just slap them together. For a full on premium short shotgun TacOrd in Ontario is the king
 
I like the 14" personally. I keep an eye on my local gun store for a used wingmaster (better price there than on the EE). Have the barrel cut, beaded and Remchoked to about 22" and you have your hunting gun. Buy a 12 1/2 or 14" barrel from Dlask or on the EE and you have a complete, versatile rig. Buy whatever stock type floats your boat, and you're good to go. The worst time to pick up a used shotgun is right now though since everyone is gearing up for hunting season. I keep an eye open just as the season is coming to a close. You can get some good deals then
 
I don't know about the Mossbergs but short 870s are rather heavy for a hiking gun, especially with a ridiculously thick Dlask barrel.

I'd personally look for something like one of the short Fabarms, these are nicer guns than any {recent} Remington or Mossberg pump and they're much lighter, something like a Pistola should weigh less than 6 lbs!
 
dogzilla said:
The worst time to pick up a used shotgun is right now though since everyone is gearing up for hunting season. I keep an eye open just as the season is coming to a close. You can get some good deals then
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Thanks dogzilla, that's the type of info I need.

I'll also take a look at TacOrd and see what they offer.

The Fabarm Pistola I'll have to hold and feel to decide if it's worth that much more.
 
sogn said:
Under 1000. The lower the better without compromising reliability, but I don't care too much about looks and don't need any tactical accessories.
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I'de just buy a complete gun mate from the EE mate.

Mossy 14" for $525.

Fabarm 14" for $775.

Rem 870 14" for under $600.

Plenty on EE at the moment.
 
I found a well used Wingmaster (with ATI furniture) on the EE a few months back. Put a 12-1/2" barrel on it (from CanadaAmmo). Then a upgrade kit from S&J Hardware as well (not that it was unreliable but it's for bear country so splurged).

Don't know the exact dollar amount but I think I am under $500 at the moment. I plan to replace the buttstock with a Magpul version later on.
 
Mossberg_590A1 said:
If good quality and affordability are key factors, then consider a Hatsan Aimguard 14". For the money, they're an excellent value.
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With your name I would have thought you'd be recommending Mossberg...

I will check out the Hatsans too. Thanks!


Ghost~Rider, I'll consider that too, less hassle I guess.
 
With a million options its hard to tell where to start the custom short barrel game.
Why not start with a nice entry level short barrel shotgun from a sponsor who is known for great customer service.

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/foru...20-GA-14-50-INCH-SHOTGUN-with-Screw-in-Chokes


Here is a easy way to get into things and see what you like. All this with out dropping a grand on a 870 and bolt on stuff?
There are even a pile of cheap stock options for it and the sights do come off it it ain't t your thing.
It may be all you need or it may be a great place to start. Regardless you can always try it for a while and sell it on the EE. You decide what you want.
 
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sogn said:
With your name I would have thought you'd be recommending Mossberg...

I will check out the Hatsans too. Thanks!


Ghost~Rider, I'll consider that too, less hassle I guess.
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I would recommend the Mossberg 14" 590A1 at the original $600 price point but not the crazy prices they bring today. You could easily put together a 870 14" gun with aftermarket stocks for roughly $700 so I'd consider going that route instead.

CGN nickname aside, I'd recommend anything that works for a given situation which is why I recommended the Hatsan. Dirt cheap and reasonably good quality. For what you're looking for, I'd consider it near ideal.
 
sogn said:
With your name I would have thought you'd be recommending Mossberg...

I will check out the Hatsans too. Thanks!


Ghost~Rider, I'll consider that too, less hassle I guess.
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Although I own multiple 870 & 590 shorties, I also own some Hastans. They're like stripped down Fabarms. Slick action with nice fit and finish.

 
Of the two, Remington probably has the most aftermarket parts available. I personally have the Norinco HP-9, with a 14" barrel. It's got a +1 mag extension from S &J, OD Duracoat, Scattergun Technologies Ghost Ring sights, and Hogue stock/grip. I find it just about perfect for the bush/truck. It's a dependable and cheap alternative to a Remington. (Remington copy with a steel receiver). You may also want to look at Corwin Arms as they have some rather neat looking short barrelled shotguns.
 
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