Cutting down your barrel

[Marquezj16]

I have a Beretta A3901 that I want to customize and make it a HD gun. First thing I want to do is take to local gunsmith to cut the barrel down from 28" to 20". My question is, does the action get affected by shortening up the barrel? What type of sight can I put on it besides a bead?

Thanks in advance.

[zippy13]

With gas operated shotguns (the A3901 is a gas gun) changing the barrel length alters the gas pressure. Will a barrel with vents sized for 28" function reliably if it's cut to 20" without altering the vent area? There is no way I'd alter a gas HD gun's barrel length unless I really knew what I was doing. I've seen references to barrel lengths and corresponding vent areas for R-1100s, but not for the Berettas. If you're determined to cut barrels, get a pump action gun. What's wrong with a bead sight on a HD gun -- it's probably going to be a point-and-shot situation, anyway.

[chack]

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=453961

Firesights install on the rib with no gunsmithing and do a great job gathering light. great shotgun sights

[Bubba in c.a.]

I have an old garcia barretta that i `ve been thinking of chopping down for decades! Any responsible gunsmith willing to do the work should be able to tell you if it will work or not.

My non-professional suspicion is that the short barrel would not eject birdshot, but might very well work fine with full power buckshot and maybe even with reduced recoil. but, with a semi there is not much reason to go reduced recoil.

If you gun has a vent rib, you don`t really need a site for close quarter, but a fibre optic one can be had that is held in place magnetically.

[PJR]

Are you sure you want to do this? First of all you'll seriously compromise the value of the 3901. Secondly once you add in the cost of the barrel cutting, gas port opening and the aftermarket sights for the vent rib you'll be money ahead if you sell the 3901 and buy an HD gun. Also, the 3901 only has a 3 shot magazine even with the plug removed and removing it is not that easy.

I'd also consider just using the gun with the longer barrel. I've used hunting/target guns for HD purposes (including a 32" Krieghoff trap gun) and I'd rather work with the longer barrel than chop a perfectly good sporting gun.

[jmr40]

I've done this several times with an inexpensive pump. Wouldn't think about it with an auto, especially one where replacement barrels are so expensive. Can't say for sure how it would function after, but I do know a Remington auto will no longer cycle anything but the heaviest loads with a shorter barrel.

[Marquezj16]

Sounds like more research is needed. First step would be for me to talk to the gunsmith. Nothing wrong with bead sight, I was asking for more sight options. If it can't be done or cost more than the price of the gun, then I'll look at other options.

Thanks for the info.

BTW, I do have a 870 Express HD. It works great but kicks like a mule with HD loads like the Winchester PDX.

[TheKlawMan]

My synthetic 870 Express was knocking the snot out of me with Wal Mart target loads, until I spent $20 on a Remington SuperCell recoil pad at the suggestion of Zippy13. (I probably also learned to hold the gun properly.) Since then I have tried a few different loads of buck and slugs, as well as some PDX courtesy of a local leo, and it wasn't that bad even with an 18" barrel.

[Marquezj16]

I swapped the stock with a Shurshot stock and it comes with the Supercell recoil pad. It's much better than the original stock. However, compared to the Beretta, it definitely has more recoil.

I also have a PA-08 and in stock form, it absorbs the recoil much better than my 870.

[TheKlawMan]

Not sure but I think shureshot may manufacture the synthetic stocks for Remington.

Of course the 3901 has less recoil, being a gas semi. I didn't know the PA_08 would have less recoil than an 870 synthetic as they are both pumps. Does it have a wood or synthetic stock and what is the barrel length

Are you sure that you need be that concerned with the felt recoil of a HD gun which is desiged for getting off just a few rounds in an emergency. The prevailing wisdom that I have heard, and it may be untrue, is you would be so pumped full of adrenalin that you are unlikely to notice the recoil. Then again, I suppose the additional recoil might interfere slightly with time getting back on target.

Some suggest the easy solution for that is reduced recoil HD loads, Whether or not that is a good idea you can read about on one of many HD ammo threads.

[PJR]

If the HD has too much recoil I'd suggest selling both it and the 3901 for a Remington 11-87 Police.

http://www.remingtonle.com/shotguns/1187.htm

[g.willikers]

Another consideration, when thinking of cutting down a shotgun barrel, is where it will shoot, afterward.
Not all barrels are completely straight down the entire length.
The muzzle will be in alignment with the chamber as it came from the factory, but there might be places along the length that are not.
So, be sure it is, where the cut is made, and that can be very difficult to measure.
Unfortunately, the only way to find out for sure is by shooting it, after the cut is made.
If it's off very much, the barrel will have to go back to the smith for an attempt at straightening, at more cost.
Even at the expected distances for HD, any gun should be accurate.
Just a thought.

[Marquezj16]

It's gonna come down to how I feel after talking to the gunsmith. I'll have to see also about cost. I can get a replacement barrel for around $200 + s/h so it is not an end all if cutting down the barrel does not work.

The PA-08 has a wood stock with a 28" barrel. And felt recoil is less than the 870.

However I'd like to keep the topic about how cutting the barrel affects the cycling action.

Thanks again.

[Marquezj16]

I bought a new shotgun instead for less than the projected cost of cutting down the barrel and having the work done by gunsmith.

[zippy13]

A wise choice!

[Chilli9880]

I agree with Zippy. I bought a Mossberg 500 Persuader, pistol grip, 8 round capacity for $300 out the door. I would stare at it everytime I went in and finally a year after gazing at it so much, they owner dropped $50 for me and walked out with. I got the gun for a freaking steal. Congrats Marquezj16

[seansean1444]

no idea about the gas system thats why id go with a pump or something like siaga.. and for the sights id recommend ghost ring sights

[Marquezj16]

I bought this instead. I will get to shoot it Sunday.

[ripnbst]

Nice choice on the new gun. I just picked up a Weatherby PA08 and have been happy with its fit/finish. Getting out to shoot it this weekend.

As far as cutting the barrel on the semi Beretta, I wouldn't. Cutting a barrel is irreversible and makes that barrel about worthless for re-sale. Do they make HD barrels for that gun? I'd just buy the new HD barrel if it exists. It will save you money in the long run.

[Marquezj16]

I also have the PA-08. It is a great gun to shoot. Fit and finish like you mentioned screams high quality! It is so smooth.

As far as the Beretta barrel. I'm not cutting it down. I've looked for other barrels and the shortest I could find is 24" right now I'm looking for a rifled barrel but it's sold out from Beretta and those that had them in stock is asking the price of the shotgun.

[Sphawley]

I have a set of ghost rings on my SuperNova tactical...they are pretty sweet to have when looking down the barrel!

[Dave McC]

Good move. Now go shoot the new shotgun until A, it feels like a body part and B, you know it will work when and if you need it to.

[Marquezj16]

Dave - believe me, come Sunday, I will be one with the force!

[Dave McC]

Excellent.......