OK, so I just order an 870 Express with synthetic stock and an 18" cylinder bore barrel.  It will be the base gun for an SBS build.  This is neither my first tactical shotgun nor my first Form 1, but I have never done an SBS before.

I am going to order the Speedfeed 13" pistol grip stock for it, and my local smith will cut and crown the barrel and reinstall the bead for $65.  I have cut down shotgun barrels myself before with hack saw and file, but this guy has a lathe, and I bet the result wll be worth the price. The question is, what length?  I need to decide before I can submit the Form 1.  Here are the pros and cons as I see them now, but I am hopng some of the folks here can offer more insight:

12.5" -- flush with the mag tube.  Looks bad ass.  Shorter OAL, which is plus.  May present slight danger of getting fingers amputated.  Likely not compatible with Surefire Foreend, or at least will look weird.

14" -- Standard length for SBS 870's.  Compatible with Surefire Foreend.  Maybe a little safer.  Longer OAL is a negative.

What are your thoughts?  Any relevant experiences?

Thanks.

Both !

I listed the 14" barrel on my Form 1  (34" OAL) and I am prepping a barrel to cut down to 12.5".

I figure full stock = 14" factory RS barrel
Birdshead grip = 12.5" barrel.

Once you have the approved Form 1 you can install different barrel / stocks.

My Form1 is pending as of 10-25-2006 so it shouldn't be much longer !

I have one @13.00 with a bead sight one @ 14.00 with rifle sights and one @ 7.00 with a bead sight