Need Mossberg Barrel

Chad Young · November 12, 1999, 12:28 PM

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 · November 12, 1999, 01:57 PM

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 · November 12, 1999, 05:10 PM

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 · November 12, 1999, 06:57 PM

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=-

November 12, 1999, 12:28 PM	#1
Chad Young Senior Member Join Date: September 20, 1999 Location: Gainesville, FL Posts: 601	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!

November 12, 1999, 01:57 PM	#2
Libertarian Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 1999 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 2,117	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).

November 12, 1999, 05:10 PM	#3
Chad Young Senior Member Join Date: September 20, 1999 Location: Gainesville, FL Posts: 601	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?

November 12, 1999, 06:57 PM	#4
Hairball Member Join Date: January 29, 1999 Location: Floating on a rock in the pacific ocean. Posts: 57	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=-