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Posted: 11/9/2010 11:33:35 PM EDT
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I am wondering about SBSs. Are there resources to buy barrels for shotguns that are under the 18 inches mark?
How do most people make theirs? Do they buy the shotgun they want then cut them short or are there factory SBS models? Secondly are shotguns affected by the barrel lengths like AR15s? I know patterns and effective ranges are changed by the length. But are the functional differences? 12 vs 14? I guess I am wondering how best to choose what will fit my needs....mainly HD. |
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You can buy an SBS from a dealer or you can cutdown the barrel of a shotgun that you already have. Go to the NFA dealer nearest you and see what they have or google it and you will find lots of options.
I found a dealer near me and after a couple of phone calls made my order and applied for my stamp. I have an 870 with a 12.5 inch barrel. You can't get any shorter than that on an 870 without reducing the ammo capacity. I am quite happy with my 4 in the tube. I don't know what your goal is, but mine was to be able to turn in a doorway without raising the barrel. |
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Yes, there are factory SBSs available. I would think they'd hold their value more than one you made yourself, but they may also cost more the purchase. But my last Mossberg 590A1 factory SBS ran $400 - with GRS (front night sight) and speed feed stock - so deals can be had.
As far as finding a factory barrel - those are tougher. They can be found occasionally, but I usually see them as a used part where someone has swapped barrels out. So either look on the boards or plan to get yours cut (as noted above, AFTER you receive your Form 1 back from the ATF). As to length, I'll address two things here: patterns/ranges and functionality: Patterns/ranges related to barrel length - VERY little impact.
Functionality - that was hit on above - for a tube magazine gun, length is related to magazine capacity. My 14" Mossbergs hold 5 in the tube (5+1) - any shorter and I lose capacity. The sweet spot for an 870 (as noted above) is apparently 12-1/2" to retain the 4+1 capacity. Shorten either much more than that and you've also got to start worrying about shortening the forearm. As to other functionality ... shorter barrels make for easier storage and movement, but also make for louder flash and bang and higher potential to get body parts in front of the muzzle. Dependent on your needs as to if capacity or mobility is more important. Of course you'll rapidly reach a point where a double breakopen is MUCH shorter and simpler with little impact on capacity (I've seen some 2+1 pumps - way cool, but not much gain over a double capacity-wise with a lot more length and complexity). |
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