Shotgun Barrel Length

[fallen1817]

Hey everyone, I have a Mosberg 400g, and I am going to get the barrel opened up from a full choke to a modified choke, and I was wondering what the ideal length would be for a bear defence gun/bird gun... I don't plan on making it a complete tactical shotgun, just something to take fishing and camping in the mountains for some peace of mind.

The barrel is currently 28" I believe.

[catnthehat]

Yoiu won't be able o cut the barrel the any great amount, because the choke is very short in a shotgun barrel.
You would be batter off getting a short barrel for bears and keep the 28" opened up to a modofied.

Cat

[DeNomad]

Bear spray and your 28" barrel. What Cat said sounds good too.

[fallen1817]

I figured that may be the case. Would shortening it down to approx. 22" and getting it threaded for chokes be an option? I don't know much about shotguns. Still learning

[ShawnM]

You're getting your cylinder choke "opened up" to a modified? You have that backwards man. Modified is more constricted than a Cylinder...

Why put a choke on a SP shotgun anyway?

[fallen1817]

Originally Posted by ShawnM

You're getting your cylinder choke "opened up" to a modified? You have that backwards man. Modified is more constricted than a Cylinder...

Why put a choke on a SP shotgun anyway?

SP shotgun? Don't know the term.

And yeah, I may have it backwards. It's an old shotgun from the 70's, and I have to open up the choke so I can shoot steel out of it, as the lead compresses when it hits the choke (or so I was told be the minds on here and CGN).

It may be a modified choke and I am opening it up to a full... Not sure.

[Salavee]

Cut 'er to 22 inches and use slugs or SSG. Used one for years. For your purpose it will definately do the job.

[Ironcowboy]

Unless there is sentimental value you might consider selling it and buying a mossberg 500 combo. They are relatively cheap and then you have the best of both worlds. I have a 12g pump in a 28" with threaded chokes or a 18 1/2" smooth. And it also comes with standard stock and a pistol grip. I think they are in the mid to low $300's. They also have the rifled barrel option. I love it birds in the fall and its shortened up for the backpack this bear season just in case! Probably after all the work is said and done, you will break even on replacing rather then working an old gun.