Need Mossberg Barrel

[Chad Young]

I recently acquired a Mossberg/MAverick Model 88 shotgun in 12 gauge. It has a matte black finish and synthetic stock. It came standard with a 28" barrel with an improved choke (which can be swapped out). What I would like to do is locate a barrel that will permit me to modify this into a more useful home defense format. My questions are:

1. Where can I find a quality 18.5-20 inch barrel for gun? I prefer it to be rifled and include simple "iron sights."
2. Can I safely fire buckshot in the gun with this barrel?

Thanks!

[Libertarian]

1. Most gun shops that sell used guns are a good source for extra barrels.

2. Yes. A modified choke will handle buckshot fine. I would be wary of slugs that were not saboted, though.

You could have a smith saw off your barrel and put a new bead on the end for aiming. It would probably be cheaper than buying another barrel ($125 in most catalogs).

[Chad Young]

Thanks for your response on this matter. Let me clarify question #2 a bit. Is it safe to fire regular old buckshot through a rifled shotgun barrel?

[Hairball]

Yes, firing regular buckshot through a rifled barrel is just as safe as firing it through a normal barrel.

However, you will get some interesting patterns with a rifled barrel. Mostly "Dough Nut" style patterns will occur at a rather short distance. Like 10 - 15 yards I think.

-=Hairball=-