Modifying shotgun barrel...

[Tyangelo]

A question for the elite...
After doing some research, I can't seem to find any information regarding guidelines on any potential modifications that can be legally done to a firearm barrel, other than shortening it.

I've got a pump Winchester with a 28" barrel that is a 2 3/4 fixed full choke. From my understanding the actual choke taper is only in the last couple inches on the barrel.

Being a machinist, I've been entertaining the idea of trimming off, or boring out the choke, and threading it to recieve a WinChoke or similar interchangeable choke system.

Is this something I can legally do, or something I would legally need to bring to a gunsmith?

[catnthehat]

Sure, actually I don't think you need to cut it, depending on the wall thickness you may be able to thread it full length.
I'm not a gunsmith however.
Cat

[Tyangelo]

Cat, what system would you suggest retrofitting? Ideally, it'd be nice to shoot slugs too.

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by Tyangelo

Cat, what system would you suggest retrofitting? Ideally, it'd be nice to shoot slugs too.

Well, it's more the thread you want to use than the brand of choke, if I get yopur question correctly.
Different brands make the same chokes for the same guns, Trulock and Briley are the most popular I think.
Carlsons also.
However, you can thread it for almost any brand if you can get the reamers.
I would contact Clymer and Pacific tool , and also Brownells as they likely sell for both brands of reamer.
Cat

[32-40win]

I'd be finding out if that barrel has enough meat in it, to take thread in chokes, first. Or if there is a choke that would allow you to use it.Some lightweight barrels don't have the meat to do it. I expect any of the choke companies can give you the thread size needed, and you can check the wall thickness and OD to figure out the rest. Gunsmiths that do chokes can give you the minimum wall req's to do it, that may also be found in searches probably. If it won't work, you can at least open a full choke to Mod or something more open if you like.

[Tyangelo]

I can just measure the thread on the choke kit I buy, and bore and thread it to size. Don't need to buy the reamer.

If I was to make it another type of fixed choke, open choke would be the easiest I assume.

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by Tyangelo

I can just measure the thread on the choke kit I buy, and bore and thread it to size. Don't need to buy the reamer.

If I was to make it another type of fixed choke, open choke would be the easiest I assume.

Opening up the fixed choke is far easier than installing a screw in, for sure.
I remember reading that the great Barney Hartman did it years ago with brake hones and a pattern board!
Cat

[roger]

maybe try to secure a barrell to 'test' this out with before going for it on the original one.
maybe a AO'er out there has a spare tube that would suffice..

[ACKLEY ABE]

Being a machinist ...if I were you I'd go to the next gunshow. You obviously know the Od and Id measurements of your bbl. Just find a set of Rem, Win, or what ever chokes for sale and machine your bbl to fit.

The rest of us have to go with suitable chokes for our shotguns..ie Briley, Rem, etc...You have the advantage of making the bbl work for the chokes, not buying chokes to fit the bbl.

I would check all of the specs for the firearm and the choke tubes before I did anything, though. Winchester would tell you if it was a suitable modification and whether it would be wise to attempt or they would not recommend it.

...or just buy a replacement bbl with tubes.....gun shows.....

[CantThinkOfAName]

Not that I know anything about shotguns or chokes... but if you can modify your barrel, you make your own chokes too. Look through your machinist handbook and find a extra fine thread that works and make ssomething that works.