Should I cut the barrel down on an 870 inherited from my grandfather?

[Rockminer]

So this shotgun has been around since my Grandfather passed. My mother had it and never even looked at it ( she's scared to death of firearms ). She told me I could have it because she knows i'm into firearms. I've taken it apart and cleaned it but there is some rust issues with it.









Most of it seems to be light surface rust to maybe a little bit worse except for the end of the barrel. It's the worst part of the entire gun. It feels pretty substantial and the pics are after I used hoppe's and some polish. I haven't went after it with any 00 steel wool or anything yet. I'm wanting to turn this into a home defender gun and replace the stock and fore grip ( keeping the parts for sentimental reasons ), add a mag tube extender and go with a barrel length of 18 1/2". I was going to buy an aftermarket barrel but after seeing the rust on the end I'm thinking about just cutting the existing barrel down. I really like the idea of having the gun complete ( at least the parts that count ), and am wondering if the end of the barrel is weakened enough by the rust to compromise the full length anyway.

I'm really stoked to get the gun up and running and even more so because it belonged to my grandfather. He was a medic and was on Omaha beach on D-day, was at the battle of the bulge and so on. The thought process is to buy another full length barrel if i decide to hunt with it.

Any reason I shouldn't cut the barrel down? I'm very mechanically inclined have enough tools to get it done. Also, I was thinking about sanding off the rust and rebluing the gun at some point, rust never sleeps you know

 

[dogslife]

Since it is your shotgun now, you can do whatever you want. For me, I would not if it were passed down from my grandfather. I'm a sentimental sort of soul I guess. For an HD shotgun I would just buy one ready to go if my finances permitted. If not, save or barter. I have acquired many guns over the years through trading and swapping other firearms or items. I wish I still had them all, but hindsight's 20/20. I made the mistake (for me) of having the barrel cut down on a Mossberg 500 for much the same reason as you are considering. I'd have been better off just buying the extra barrel for HD and keeping the 28 inch for hunting purposes. Best of luck in whatever you decide.

 

[Heespharm]

Barrels are cheap... Buy another one, cut that one down, have his one restored... 870’s are relatively cheap in the shotgun world so if you want a home defender I suggest you buy a new one outfitted for that or buy a bullpup kit and a used 870 like I did

 

[Phantomhive]

Don't, you can never put it back.

 

[73mountaineer]

If you really want to use it as a home defense gun, buy a 2nd barrel and cut that one down, not the original. That original barrel can be cleaned up and re-blued, no doubt in my mind. A vintage Wingmaster that belonged to your Grandfather should be cherished, not chopped, IMHO. As mentioned above, you can never put it back.

 

[cb91710]

Don't, you can never put it back.

This.

Also, keep in mind that if it is ever needed for self defense, it will be confiscated as evidence and held until all court proceedings are completed (your court date, or the date of the person you shot).
Even though you will get it back, I would not want an expensive, or heirloom irreplaceable gun to go through that.

Treasure the memory of your grandfather and get a cheap new 870 or 500 for home defense.
Not many of us have something from a grandparent that we can touch.



Some of us do

 

[Rockminer]

I never meant to insinuate that I wouldn't cherish it. The gun's never going anywhere, as long as I'm alive. You make a good point Rich, about it getting confiscated in the event it gets used in an HD scenario. I'll just get a different HD shotgun and keep this one as is. Maybe i'll try to restore it one day.

How bad does the rust have to get before compromising the integrity of the barrel? This is the concern I have with the gun.

 

[cb91710]

It's hard to tell without actually measuring the depth of the pits.
Those don't look bad to me, but there is a reason body shops refer to rust as "cancer"
I'd take it to a trustworthy gunsmith and get his opinion. Should be some good guys in your area.

 

[Phantomhive]

It's hard to tell without actually measuring the depth of the pits.
Those don't look bad to me, but there is a reason body shops refer to rust as "cancer"
I'd take it to a trustworthy gunsmith and get his opinion. Should be some good guys in your area.

Refer to my $66 thread, Reverse electrolysis will work wonders with out harming the steel. Wash and reoil the barrel afterwards.

 

[LittleLebowski]

I'd try PhantomHive's advice or have a gunsmith do it unless you would prefer a shorter barrel.

Barrels are expendable items and the important part is that you're keeping the weapon and remembering your grandfather.

 

[soccerguy83]

I would do what I could to repair the current barrel; a vintage Wingmaster is a thing of beauty!

 

[Mark_M]

I had a 30 inch barrel on my mossberg cut down to a 28 (full to modified). I know that's not what you are after, but I had it professionally done with a new bead sight installed on the end of the barrel. He rounded the end (crowned) but did not blue it for some reason. Looks like your barrel is not ribbed, neither was mine. Mine looks perfect, he did a nice job. Don't try a DIY, I've seen those before and I've never seen a nice one. My opinion of course. Nice gun. Enjoy.

 

[ketsco101]

Barrels are cheap... Buy another one, cut that one down, have his one restored... 870’s are relatively cheap in the shotgun world so if you want a home defender I suggest you buy a new one outfitted for that or buy a bullpup kit and a used 870 like I did View attachment 377138

Where on earth can I get a kit like that! Not to hijack, but that's sweet. As far as the original question goes, I agree, do not chop.

 

[OkieStubble]

Please do not modify the vintage Wingmaster. Is the stock wood on that? It looks black like it my be plastic. If it is wood the scroll work is beautiful.

 

[Heespharm]

Where on earth can I get a kit like that! Not to hijack, but that's sweet. As far as the original question goes, I agree, do not chop.

I think the company is called bullpup unlimited... Just google bullpup 870

 

[Lakebound]

I would never modify anything that was passed down to me from a loved one. It just won't feel right after you do it.

Frank

 

[LittleLebowski]

I would never modify anything that was passed down to me from a loved one. It just won't feel right after you do it.

Frank

Would you not change out the old tires on a vehicle that was passed down to you? Barrels are expendable items.

 

[MrMurphy]

I'd refinish it and keep it as-is, and buy a second 870 for hard use.

Yeah, you can chop the gun, but that's like taking your grandpa's 1966 Mustang, only owner, original paint, in 98% condition he willed to you, throwing spinner rims and a fuchsia paint job on it and a spoiler....

And yes....I know someone who did pretty much just that. The scene at the end of Gran Torino wasn't exactly all fiction.

 

[Rockminer]

Please do not modify the vintage Wingmaster. Is the stock wood on that? It looks black like it my be plastic. If it is wood the scroll work is beautiful.

Yes it's wood. I tried to get some decent pics of it.

 

[munichjoe]

Am also in the dont do it to a vintage Wingmaster club!

personally i have a wingmaster lightweight 20ga at home and a new bbl for that thing is almost 400....