Gunsmithing Shortening a semi-auto shotgun barrel (non-NFA)

[Mister Ridge]

I understand that on some semi-auto shotguns, shortening the barrel can affect reliability with light loads. Is there a way to correct this? The gun in question would be a Winchester Super X3/FN SLP and the barrel would go from 22" to 18.5"

 

[Jackalope]

That’s not a very drastic change. My guess is it’ll be just fine.

 

[MK20]

With that gas system you will be fine. Once the gas has energized the system, it will cycle unless you get really crazy with it like cutting the barrel off 1 inch past the gas port. Recoil operated is a different story though.

 

[BullGear]

Thinking outside the box, why not sell that shotgun and buy one that meets your new criteria?

 

[Mister Ridge]

Thinking outside the box, why not sell that shotgun and buy one that meets your new criteria?

What might you recommend?

 

[BullGear]

What might you recommend?

What's the 18.5 in barreled shotgun being used for?

 

[Mister Ridge]

What's the 18.5 in barreled shotgun being used for?

Range toy, when I'm not bird hunting with a 26 inch barrel, deer hunting with a 22 inch rifled barrel, or trap shooting with a 30 inch barrel.

Oh, and it'd be nice to be able to mount a red dot without having a rail permanently mounted to the receiver.

 

[BullGear]

Benelli makes a few nice shotguns with an 18.5 inch barrel and of course, Mossberg.

 

[Mister Ridge]

Benelli makes a few nice shotguns with an 18.5 inch barrel and of course, Mossberg.

Noted.

 

[sboone]

Avoid mossberg semiauto shotguns for anything more than just range fun. The most reliable one ive had experience with still required a detailed cleaning after 4 boxes of shells. Most of them are single shots based off the 4 Ive messed with.

 

[sanpedroranch]

I just did this. Used my metal chop saw and stayed ahead of gas port. Had to hand file about 1/64” (debuting more than anything) to get vent rib absolutely flush and had no issues.