Swapping barrels on a pump shotgun?

phydaux · March 8, 2011, 09:41 PM

I feel stupid asking this, but here goes - How hard is it to swap barrels on a pump shotgun?

Say I have an 870 pump 12 gauge with a smooth, 18 inch barrel, just a little something to keep nest to my nightstand for things that go bump in the night.

Can I then buy a 28" smooth barrel, and with "minimal effort" have a shotgun that I could then take duck hunting?

Then later swap that for a 24" rifled barrel to go deer hunting?

Thanks in advance,

phy

Rob228 · March 8, 2011, 09:49 PM

It takes about two minutes. All it takes is unscrewing the cap at the top of the magazine tube, opening the action and pulling the barrel out. Reverse the process to attach the barrel of your choice (This would be the process for an 870, it will vary slightly by model).

phydaux · March 8, 2011, 10:06 PM

Thank you.

zippy13 · March 8, 2011, 10:10 PM

With your new barrel, you might want to consider a Takedown case for your 870, it handles the action and several spare barrels in a package that's shorter than a standard case.

Scattergun Bob · March 8, 2011, 10:44 PM

If you have a magazine extension it takes a bit of time, however if you have a standard magazine is is simple matter of moving the forend to the half way point, remove the magazine nut, remove the old barrel, replace with new barrel, install and tighten the magazine nut, and back in business. There is a keeper that retains the magazine spring that makes it all very simple.

Good Luck & Be Safe

sirsloop · March 8, 2011, 10:47 PM

Two minutes if you gotta find a place to put your cigar down first

Charles Ellis · March 9, 2011, 10:13 AM

Or you could do what I did and look around for a used gun instead of a replacement barrel.I found that cheaper than replacement barrels,but not rifled deer barrels.I just bought a used 870 Wingmaster for $120.No way I can get a replacement barrel for that.

nogo · March 9, 2011, 11:19 AM

Hand tighten only--no tools.

zippy13 · March 9, 2011, 12:20 PM

I just bought a used 870 Wingmaster for $120.

Congratulations, a much better deal than a extra barrel, well done.

TheKlawMan · March 9, 2011, 08:59 PM

I thought I had a good deal on used Express 28" barrel for $85, but $120 for an entire Wingmaster is smooth. Good for you Charles.

March 8, 2011, 09:41 PM	#1
phydaux Member Join Date: October 31, 2010 Posts: 65	Swapping barrels on a pump shotgun? I feel stupid asking this, but here goes - How hard is it to swap barrels on a pump shotgun? Say I have an 870 pump 12 gauge with a smooth, 18 inch barrel, just a little something to keep nest to my nightstand for things that go bump in the night. Can I then buy a 28" smooth barrel, and with "minimal effort" have a shotgun that I could then take duck hunting? Then later swap that for a 24" rifled barrel to go deer hunting? Thanks in advance, phy

March 8, 2011, 10:44 PM	#5
Scattergun Bob Senior Member Join Date: February 29, 2008 Location: Nine Mile Falls, Washington Posts: 1,186	If you have a magazine extension it takes a bit of time, however if you have a standard magazine is is simple matter of moving the forend to the half way point, remove the magazine nut, remove the old barrel, replace with new barrel, install and tighten the magazine nut, and back in business. There is a keeper that retains the magazine spring that makes it all very simple. Good Luck & Be Safe __________________ First, with the most, WINS! Regards, Scattergun Bob Last edited by Scattergun Bob; March 9, 2011 at 08:41 AM.

March 8, 2011, 09:49 PM	#2
Rob228 Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2010 Location: Hampstead NC Posts: 1,450	It takes about two minutes. All it takes is unscrewing the cap at the top of the magazine tube, opening the action and pulling the barrel out. Reverse the process to attach the barrel of your choice (This would be the process for an 870, it will vary slightly by model).

March 8, 2011, 10:06 PM	#3
phydaux Member Join Date: October 31, 2010 Posts: 65	Thank you.

March 8, 2011, 10:10 PM	#4
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	With your new barrel, you might want to consider a Takedown case for your 870, it handles the action and several spare barrels in a package that's shorter than a standard case.

March 8, 2011, 10:47 PM	#6
sirsloop Junior member Join Date: January 13, 2011 Posts: 376	Two minutes if you gotta find a place to put your cigar down first

March 9, 2011, 10:13 AM	#7
Charles Ellis Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2010 Location: conroe,texas Posts: 200	Or you could do what I did and look around for a used gun instead of a replacement barrel.I found that cheaper than replacement barrels,but not rifled deer barrels.I just bought a used 870 Wingmaster for $120.No way I can get a replacement barrel for that.

March 9, 2011, 11:19 AM	#8
nogo Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2009 Location: central texas Posts: 215	Hand tighten only--no tools.

March 9, 2011, 12:20 PM	#9
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	I just bought a used 870 Wingmaster for $120. Congratulations, a much better deal than a extra barrel, well done.

March 9, 2011, 08:59 PM	#10
TheKlawMan Junior member Join Date: June 23, 2009 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 2,149	I thought I had a good deal on used Express 28" barrel for $85, but $120 for an entire Wingmaster is smooth. Good for you Charles.