Cutting a Vented Rib Shotgun barrel

[OSUMG]

I cannot find a shorter barrel for my H&R Excell Auto shotgun. So unless anyone has an idea of where I can buy one, I need advice on how to effectively shorten the stock barrel...to about 21 to 24 inches.

Can you even cut a ventilated rib barrel? If so, how can I do it or would a gunsmith do it for me?

Any advice or suggestions? cutting or buying one to fit is appreciated.

 

[rcmodel]

I can offer no useful advice because I have no idea how a H&R Excel rib is attached.

On some guns, posts to support the rib are welded or soldered to the barrel and the rib floats in dovetails on the posts.

On others, the rib posts are part of the rib, and the whole thing is silver braised to the barrel.

But in any case, the barrel would have to be cut at a length that leaves a rib post supporting the front end of the rib at the muzzle.

But without seeing it, that's all I got!!

rc

 

[Kp321]

I cut at least one vent rib shotgun barrel per week, mostly Remington's. Like rc, I have not seen a H&R but the procedure should be the same. The barrel must be cut near a post. On a Remington, I first cut a section of the rib out, from post to post. I then cut the barrel approximately 1/8" in front of what will become the end post. This matches what the factory muzzle looks like. I then true up everything in a lathe but it can also be done carefully with a file. I make the initial cuts with a cutoff disk on my high speed grinder rather than a hacksaw. With a steady hand, this leaves very little filing to be done. You do realize you will lose all of the choke?

 

[OSUMG]

Thanks Guys! I do realize I will lose the choke, which sucks, but I am converting the gun to a 100% tactical shotgun that will mainly fire 00 buck, so no biggie there. I appreciate your input on working with the vent. Sounds like something I could do, but should probably take it to a pro so I don't jack it up. HAHA. I live in Ohio, or I would pay you KP to do it for me. How much does/should something like this cost?

 

[jmr40]

Gas operated semi-autos use pressure to cycle the action. Changing barrel length changes that pressure. If you cut it shorter it may be unreliable with some lower powered ammo.

I've done several pumps. Not sure I'd cut a semi-auto, especially one gas operated.

 

[4v50 Gary]

What kp321 said.

 

[Kp321]

OSUMG,
I normally charge $35.00 for a bbl cut job. Check postage rates (79562 zip) and send me a PM if you want me to do it for you. Would only need the barrel.
I have cut many Remington 1100's as short as 18" with no cycling problems.

 

[entropy]

Cut just in front of the post, and trim the rib back even with the post. I had to do this to an Ithaca 37 I bought from the shop I worked at; It was an eveidence gun, and it had been lopped off to just over 18" (I measured that thing so many times...) which left about 1/2" of rib floating in front of the post. I trimmed it back even, and put a Spark II front sight on. It's now my bedside HD gun.