[tnstaafl]

Hi - I have a 12 GA, 6-shot, Mossberg Maverick 88 Security model - I replaced the original stock with a pistol grip - it lives under my side under the bed in a length of 5-inch PVC pipe that I attached under the bed, perpendicular to the edge of the bed. I don't shoot it too often - the recoil can be painful after more than a few shots.

I'm intrigued with the idea of creating my own SBS - I'm familiar with the BATF process to do this. What I'm wondering about is how much more recoil I can expect with something shorter? I was thinking about a side-by-side or an over-under model - something where I can get the barrel cut down significantly and replace the grip with a pistol grip. I assume that these types of guns are all 12 Guage? If not, would the right loads in a 20 Guage or a 410 have enough stopping power in a HD situation?

I'd appreciate any ideas.

Thanks!

[Deaf Smith]

Unlike TV shows, very short shotguns kick like heck! I mean kick badly, like a .44 magnum derringer. And my Mossie 500 has a short stock I made myself. Just got the regular stock, used a band saw and level as a guide, and cut it down a few inches. I then buffered the recoil pad to match and it works perfect. Just keep you nose away from your shooting hands thumb or it will smack your nose.

Makes my Mossie only one inch longer than my M1 Carbine, and it still has a usable stock.

I believe though you will have to contact the ATF directly for any how-to advice. To do this by internet guidence is to end up telling the AFT, after they arrest you, that you thought it was legal.

Deaf

[WoodenPlank]

Other than the legal wrangling, I doubt the ATF is going to tell you how to actually BUILD an SBS. My advice would be to look for a factory short barrel for a Mossberg 500 or Remington 870, and fill out your form 1 with the appropriate lengths for that barrel. Once your Form 1 is approved, and you have your tax stamp, purchase the barrel and swap it with the original one.

[-gunut-]

Originally Posted by Deaf Smith;

Unlike TV shows, very short shotguns kick like heck! I mean kick badly, like a .44 magnum derringer. And my Mossie 500 has a short stock I made myself. Just got the regular stock, used a band saw and level as a guide, and cut it down a few inches. I then buffered the recoil pad to match and it works perfect. Just keep you nose away from your shooting hands thumb or it will smack your nose.

Makes my Mossie only one inch longer than my M1 Carbine, and it still has a usable stock.

I believe though you will have to contact the ATF directly for any how-to advice. To do this by internet guidence is to end up telling the AFT, after they arrest you, that you thought it was legal.

Deaf

When you get down to pistol size, recoil is actually less than a full size shotgun. As for the NFA process, it is pretty simple to google. I posted how to in the 14" shotgun thread. My info will not get you arrested, as you need approval before you can chop your barrel.