Cut it or leave it? (resolved)

[badkarmamib]

I "inherited" a Stevens 77F 12 gauge, 1965 model. I determined that it is a full-choke, 28" barrel. It was in rough shape. Rust to the point of pitting on the barrel and receiver, gouges in the wood, action gummed up. I took it apart, cleaned it, rubbed the metal with gun oil and super fine steel wool, sanded and stained the wood. Still no beauty queen. Took it to the range to make sure it worked, check. When I got home, I noticed that the front bead is off center. I didn't notice it at the range, as I was shooting the berm and praying 30 year old shells in a 55 year old shotgun didn't rearrange my face.

I don't really care for shotguns. I have owned a few. Tried clays, turkey, dove, and small game hunting, meh. I have better options for HD. I hunted with the relative through marriage once, neither of us carried this. He started with the oldest family member that wanted one of his guns, and this was the only niche to fill when my turn came. I think every gun owner should have one. But, I don't know what to do with it. Again, it is rough, and not worth much, so I am wondering whether to leave it as-is, or cut the barrel to 18.5", drill and tap a hole in the center for the bead, and have a cylinder bore, for HD/woods walking/truck gun. Not looking for anyone to make a decision for me, just want opinions, and points that I haven't considered. Thanks.

 

[Lon_E]

Cut it.

 

[edwardware]

28" is looong for anything but reaching birds. I'd cut it to 18.5, drill/tap/epoxy on an XS Big Dot, review mechanicals, and have a nice shotgun for social work.

 

[bannockburn]

Another vote for cutting back the barrel to between 18.5 to 20 inches, installing a fiber optic front sight, maybe some sling swivels and a shotshell sling, and calling it a day.

 

[SixteenGauge]

If it makes it more useful to you, cut it. Those savage shotguns are a dime a dozen, not worth very much especially in the condition you describe it, and it sounds like it has little sentimental value to you. It's a good candidate for turning into a hd/woods/truck gun as you suggested. And I wouldn't worry to much about it "rearranging" your face, they are as safe to shoot as any other shotgun.

 

[JCooperfan1911]

After you’ve handled a 14” SBS, anything else just seems stupid.

You should get a stamp first, then cut it.

 

[badkarmamib]

Wow. Not exactly what I was expecting, but sounds like an echo chamber to my thoughts. I might have a project on my hands soon

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

I'd cut it down to 20" for what you want it for

 

[edwardware]

get a stamp first, then cut it.

If I was going to stamp, it would be a new/reworked (i.e. Wilson-built) gun, not an old one.

OTOH, the stamp costs more than any of my shotguns, including the short not-a-shotgun.

 

[JCooperfan1911]

I'd cut it down to 20" for what you want it for

Why 20” when 18.5” is handier?

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

I had a 20" barrel on a single shot 12 ga a buddy had a 18" barrel the 20 " barrel just swung and held a better pattern and was more useful as a field gun shot a lot of Squirrels with it even a few ducks

 

[Milkmaster]

I am not a big fan if cutting down old guns, but in this case you won't be doing anything to ruin the value etc. New short barreled pump guns are cheaper than ever. That's an option if you rather not do the work yourself. Otherwise, make the tool work for you!

 

[badkarmamib]

I decided to clone-ish the 77E, so went for 20". Well, measure, measured again, made a mark, realized I was thinking 18“ instead of 20" when I did the math. Reset, got it cut with a 32t hacksaw and a hose clamp as a guide. Filed and sanded the end, and cold blued. Taped a string down the center line, drilled and tapped for the front bead. Overall, pretty pleased with the outcome. Next and final step is to get some 77E sling studs. Thanks for the affirmation!

 

[GONRA]

GONRA would be happy to get this! Just leave it alone if it still shoots OK.

 

[I6turbo]

I wouldn't hesitate to cut it because I much prefer shorter-barreled shotguns. Keep in mind that a pump or semi-auto with a 24" barrel is about the same length overall as a SxS or O/U with 30-32" barrels. The 30 incher below has held out for a while but it's about to become a 19 with the requisite screw-in chokes.
From the top, 18", 19.5", 20", 30".

 

[Zebraranger]

I'd cut it too, nothing like a good HD shotgun. Turned out good.

 

[MacAR]

OP, you've done well. That old shotgun looks good!

Keep in mind that a pump or semi-auto with a 24" barrel is about the same length overall as a SxS or O/U with 30-32" barrels.

This ^^^

I'm going tomorrow to pick up my 1897 from the 'smith. It's lingered in cabinet for over a year, not being shot. Just don't have much use for a 30" full choke 12 gauge anymore. So, I had it cut to 24" and threaded for Invector chokes. Normally I'd have left it alone, being it was made in 1914; but it's been re-blued at least once, and the wood has been refinished a time or two. Not really any collector value left in it. Now, it's a much handier package that I can use for any type of hunting from dove to deer should I so desire. To me, making a gun you already own "useful" is money well spent vs. buying another "useful" gun and letting the others languish in the safe.

Mac

 

[bannockburn]

Looking good! That's some nice, quick work you made of that barrel! Like the 77E reference too!

 

[1KPerDay]

I don't really care for shotguns.


.

Does not compute

 

[1KPerDay]

GONRA would be happy to get this! Just leave it alone if it still shoots OK.

Too late

 

[badkarmamib]

Does not compute

Tell me about it. 1) I appreciate the versatility of a shotgun, but I prefer something I can tune loads to. and 2) I don't hunt anything except whitetail. Same reasons I don't own any .22s

 

[Frostbite]

Nice job, you did well. I prefer it this way.

 

[WestKentucky]

Best of both worlds, cut it and get it threaded for tubes. Makes it useful for game but also useful for defense. Realistically 2 chokes will do it all… IC for up close and dirty and “modifull” for everything else. On a gun like that, I actually like the dial-a-duck type chokes. I have a 20ga Mossberg with factory adjustable choke and I absolutely love that gun.

 

[badkarmamib]

Best of both worlds, cut it and get it threaded for tubes. Makes it useful for game but also useful for defense. Realistically 2 chokes will do it all… IC for up close and dirty and “modifull” for everything else. On a gun like that, I actually like the dial-a-duck type chokes. I have a 20ga Mossberg with factory adjustable choke and I absolutely love that gun.

Thought about it, but getting it threaded would cost more than the gun is worth. Might consider it later, or use that money towards a dedicated clays/bird gun.