I have been looking for a shotgun to turn into an SBS for a while. Have looked at every flavor imaginable, but could not make up my mind. My mind was set on an M4, but the 14.5" barrels are like hens teeth (I did not want to send a standard barrel to get cut, etc.).

I have been looking at older, semi shotguns. I did not want to nutter some of the old timers that I found. So, this landed on my lap today, perfect start! Unknown to me, I looked at the parts list and I'm missing 87 parts. I can't say its a sign, but find it interesting!

I will post as this build progresses. Main technical questions:

1. Good source of parts for these?
2. Anything that was different from the "military finish" and the commercial versions?
3. Who might be able to do the work on the barrel? (chop,etc.)
4. Any tricks or things I should be aware of when putting this together?
5. Suggestions/comments?




UPDATE: 1 March 2015

Yes, parts are EXPENSIVE. A beater is a LOT cheaper. Found the perfect donor, a bubba'd (seems like an ATTEMPT at installing a scope!) shotgun, with a pitted receiver. Most parts are usable as is, the handguard/forend has cracks but should be repairable. Never knew the rem-choke is soldered on (the threaded nut that the rem-choke screws into).







UPDATE 21 March 2015

Form1 has been in process for a few weeks, hoping to have it back in 3-4 weeks. Meeting with the engraver next week and heading to getting parkerized as soon as the form comes back.

Project receiver and donor gun have a S# variation range of 300K! Minor fitting issues with wood to steel, etc. However the trigger guard to receiver was horrible and had to do some fitting.
Not concerned with tool marks, as the parkerizing should take care of it. A lot of dents and nicks on steel surfaces, 70+ years of improperly sized screw-drivers are also apparent.
The worst screw was the one on the tang, it took me a lot of soaking with oil and patience to remove. Once I removed it, I re-cut the slot. I already have a NOS tang screw inbound, but needed something to hold the parts together while fitting them.
My goal was not to perfectly blend all the steel pieces, as in a high end shotgun; however, I did want for the parts to show proper fitting.

Forgot to grab "before pics"!

On the second picture, I lost sight of the rear of the file and took a little too much off from the rear of the receiver/handguard. While "overstated" on the picture, it is not that bad in person.




For the barrel, I did a test cut (past the 18" mark) and it worked out great. Measured the barrel at 12", 14" and 18" (depicted by yellow marks)
Fitted the mag-tube and hand-guard/fore-end and decided on the "perfect" barrel length for this project. Form1 set at 14".

I love Rem 11's/ A5's.  I'd love to build a "whippet gun" clone.





I'm no authority on SBS's by any stretch of the imagination, but I've heard going too short on the barrel can lead to cycling issues being recoil operated.  Using a 14" or so barrel should keep the chamber pressure at normal though, and I have no idea if the rumor of cycling issues is based on cut down barrels under 14" with the recoil system set for heavy loads or light.





Good luck!
 

Good call on the donor gun. I am shocked on the $$$ of used parts for these shotguns.

I just hope when the stamp comes, and I chop it down...it runs!!

Should be fine.



Random youtube vid for motivation

Thanks for the motivational posting! and more updates to OP.

Oh man, that thing is going to be pretty epic!  Great job!