How to shorten Shotgun barrel ?

[Davis0023]

I am thinking of shortening a shotgun barrel. How to do it? If there anything g to know? Do you just cut it off at desired length? I know it seems like a simple Simon question, But I really don't know the answer, Nor do I want to completely
Ruin a barrel. Any tips will be appreciated. I did try to find this previously asked/ answered and could not. Sorry if its a repeat question.
Thanks

 

[AllenM]

Dont go shorter than 18.5 inches then take a pipe cutter to it

 

[Colt556]

After measuring about 12 times I used a band saw. It only took about a minute to cut through the soft steel and it did a better job than I would have done with a hacksaw. After cutting the bbl to 20" I cleaned up the muzzle with some emery paper and then steel wool. I cleaned it up with some acetone and then cold blued the end. Didn't turn out to bad IMO.

 

[AllenM]

After measuring about 12 times I used a ban saw. It only took about a minute to cut through the soft steel and it did a better job than I would have done with a hacksaw. After cutting the bbl to 20" I cleaned up the muzzle with some emery paper and then steel wool. I cleaned it up with some acetone and then cold blued the end. Didn't turn out to bad IMO.

Is that for going shorter that 18" or would that be a pre ban saw?

 

[Colt556]

Is that for going shorter that 18" or would that be a pre ban saw?

 

[CountryBoy19]

Dont go shorter than 18.5 inches then take a pipe cutter to it

Are you suggesting the pipe cutter or to stay away from a pipe cutter?

I've never seen a shotgun barrel cut with a pipe cutter that turned out nice. A pipe cutter, by its very nature, deforms the metal, pushing a rim of metal down small than the barrel diameter creating a "lip" at the muzzle. This is no good. Second, most of the time the rollers on a pipe cutter will leave, at a minimum, some sort of trace around the muzzle from where they "rolled".

I would recommend cutting it with either a saw and lightly deburring the muzzle, or using a lathe. I would rather "cut" the material than to "deform it by means of pressure" if it was my shotgun.

 

[AllenM]

Are you suggesting the pipe cutter or to stay away from a pipe cutter?

I've never seen a shotgun barrel cut with a pipe cutter that turned out nice. A pipe cutter, by its very nature, deforms the metal, pushing a rim of metal down small than the barrel diameter creating a "lip" at the muzzle. This is no good. Second, most of the time the rollers on a pipe cutter will leave, at a minimum, some sort of trace around the muzzle from where they "rolled".

I would recommend cutting it with either a saw and lightly deburring the muzzle, or using a lathe. I would rather "cut" the material than to "deform it by means of pressure" if it was my shotgun.

As far as the pipe cutter is concerned, sorry I disagree. depends on how fast you try to cut through

 

[tom1025]

I agree with AllenM, I have cut at least five barrels with a pipe cutter. Just take it slow and you will end up with a nice clean cut. You can also use a chop saw with a metal cut off wheel as well. Either way just be sure to take your time and cut slow.

 

[Fordtough25]

Is that for going shorter that 18" or would that be a pre ban saw?

Good one! I've used a pipe cutter and a hack saw, both worked great. Use a vise and be steady, and cold bluing works well as said already. Just measure 3 times before you cut!

 

[Hiserman79]

Band saw, or metal chop saw my preferred method.

 

[Hookeye]

What? Nobody mention the D word?

 

[Mrmonte]

+1 for the pipe cutter! You can check out the barrel I cut in AllenM's INGO Advertiser forum. Its the 12ga Remington 1100. Turned out real nice. I decided against re-choking the barrel as this is primarily a HD type shotgun.

 

[95wrangler]

So where do you measure from to the end of the barrel you want cut? The front of the chamber or is the chamber included in barrel length?

 

[Bikerdad61]

Is that for going shorter that 18" or would that be a pre ban saw?

With a follow up like that this is the first thing I thought of.........

 

[Sniper 79]

just torch it off and leave all the jaged slag on the end

 

[printcraft]

just torch it off and leave all the jaged slag on the end

This /\

Kind of get that "Road Warrior" thing going on.

 

[davedolli]

I have cut a few to 18.5" for HD with a metal chop saw, worked great.

Dave

 

[chezuki]

So where do you measure from to the end of the barrel you want cut? The front of the chamber or is the chamber included in barrel length?

From the breach face with the bolt closed.

 

[roisigns]

Make sure it is long enuff.

 

[92ThoStro]

I got mine already cut to 18.5" by previous, previous, owner, the problem is the bead. I can't tell if the hole is threaded as the metal is so thin, but it looks threaded. I tried to get a universal bead with different thread sizes, and none of them fit! It is not ribbed and has no dovetail either so I have no sights, but the hole is lined up perfectly, so it's still easy to aim in full sun.