Shotgun Hack Job: Budget DIY Home Defense

How hard is it to turn an old hunting shotgun into a compact home defense shotgun? Is it cheaper than buying a new shotgun? Is the end result "just as good" as a new shotgun? We bought an old 12 gauge pump and broke out the hacksaw and Dremel to find out.
Hardware used:
Winchester Ranger 120 12 gauge
HiViz Shotgun Compsight
Pachmayr Decelerator Recoil Pad
Nordic Components 45" Extension Tube Spring
A bunch of tools

[@nikwoac]

I enjoyed this more than 90% of the gun-related videos I've watched on KZbin in recent memory. You don't have to apologize for not being a professional gunsmith. This hobby needs more DIY and this sort of thing is not only entertaining to watch, but motivational as well. Good work.

[@LuckyGunner]

Thanks! I don't think of it as an apology. I just don't want to lead anyone to believe that I actually know what I'm doing or that they should follow my lead. I have a lot of respect for actual gunsmiths and the really good ones are true master craftsmen. I'm just a guy with a Dremel and a camera.

[@8mmmauserman]

Agreed. This type of video is really fun. When I make videos like this, I like to clarify that it is a guide as to what I did, and not a guide as to what you should do.

[@CarlPapa88]

@@LuckyGunner It's good to be humble. Happy New Year to ya.

[@darkprofit1137]

Yeahh u could compare that to the diy stuff the military has seen on rifles from other countries forces we the people could use that innovation

[@viks2009]

My maverick 88 was less than 200 bucks a few years ago. I’ve made a few modifications and love her. A few buckshot and a few slug shells and you are good to go. I’d put my life on my 88. You will never go wrong with a Maverick 88

[@alejandromaldonado3262]

Same i love mine. Maverick 88 is the best bang for your buck💯

[@luxnova8211]

Small woodworking tip if you want parallels end cuts with scrap. Just wood glue the butt of the stock to a sacrificial squared-off wood piece, clamp the wood piece to your fence or end guide on the miter, then cut. The wood glue is strong enough to hold the stock. Just make sure that the stock can rest flat on the miter bed when you glue it to the scrap. To make a decently square cut with a hack saw, use the vice jaws as a flat guide. Lay the barrel pointing downwards so the scrap end is held in the jaw, cut against the vice jaws with the hacksaw, then finish with final sanding.

[@LuckyGunner]

That's a great idea, I'll have to try it next time

[@shallnotbeinfringedamerica1683]

Oo that's genius

[@andrewallason4530]

Yeah. Being a fella of shorter stature (5’6” to you Seppos), I’ve always had issues with most firearms’ LoP. I have used wood screws which only go in an inch, to hold the flat butt end to a nice square piece of wood, and then clamped that to my saw’s frame.

[@dbel723333]

I use a metal screw type hose clamp. Put it on, tighten it down and put the blade against it when you start. Works every time :)

[@coreymaddocks]

Winchester 1200/1300 with "speed pump" are excellent shotguns and incredibly underrated. When I bought a new 1300 years ago I was comparing directly to a Remington and chose the Winchester. It's been a great gun for me ever since.

[@ragnarmjolnir9654]

Loved mine

[@mikewallace8087]

1300 years ago. take the humor.

[@TheNoColo]

Winchester 1300s are outstanding. Every bit as good as their competitors and my favorite pump. Cheers!

[@XDWX]

They are seriously the best pump shotguns. The SXP is the newer version and the FN P-12 is the same just rebranded.

[@westcoastwarriorsarchive7929]

im too young and heard about winchester shotguns too late to get one new but saw a bunch of videos talking about how good they are and have manged to track down both a winchester 1300 defender and a winchester 1200 with some kind of built in compensator/choke combo on the end of the barrel. havent fired the 1200 yet but the 1300 is definitely fast.

[@matthaught4707]

Is it ideal? No. Will it do work? Hell yes. Good job as usual, Chris!

[@immikeurnot]

Sure beats harsh language... Or the original 14.5" LOP and 28" barrel.

[@TheRedMekanik]

And there goes all the cheap old hunting shotguns, if they haven't been bought and cut already. Nice work on the conversion. That turned out nicely.

[@Predalien195]

Most cheap pump shotguns you can get an extra barrel for around $100 to $150 and save yourself the hassle.

[@tdb19872]

Bro, there haven't been any cheap shotguns in a long-ass time other than the Turkish stuff.

[@outdoorvideoswithbrad]

If you have to watch a video to figure this out there’s something wrong with you, no imagination lol

[@Predalien195]

@@tdb19872 Maverick 88's are a thing.

[@ryanespinoza7297]

@@tdb19872 academy is selling 18.5in barrel mossberg maverick 88s for $199. In stock regularly. Fantastic deal for a shotgun tougher than most

[@dcharlton07]

My dad got me the Winchester Ranger when I was 16 back in 1986, was my first gun. The thing just worked, never jammed, no failure to eject or extract, just worked every time. Thanks for the nostalgic walk down memory lane!

[@nonyabiz9487]

I did this many years back to a hunting shotgun back when "tactical" shotguns were very expensive but now you can get a Savage or Maverick 12 gauge for less than 200 bucks and they are surprisingly very decent too.

[@someguysomewheresouthern6290]

Awesome job! I’ve got an older Winchester 1300 “camp defender” model with a 22” barrel with rifle sights, holds 7+1, cycles quick and smooth. Not as beefy as my older 870 police magnum, but more fun to shoot.

[@Evergreen1400]

I’ve got an SXP defender which is pretty much the new version of the 1300. I’ve had it for about 5 years and love it. It definitely is a smooth action. If I shoot mine 1 handed the recoil is enough to cycle the the bolt back

[@jasonstewart3748]

Just got a new 1950 16ga ithica in box. Should i?

[@Evergreen1400]

@@jasonstewart3748 No don’t do it

[@jasonstewart3748]

@@Evergreen1400 I also have a 64 marlin 39a that I take canoing and when the weather gets real bad I switch to a model 16 crackshot. I know what I do is frownable but these things are still worth enjoying. I'm definatly not modifying the ithica in any way but I dont shoot shotguns and have nobody to heirloom them to. When I go I hope someone uses them like I do and saws off the ithica if it makes them happy.

[@Evergreen1400]

@@jasonstewart3748. That’s cool, I’m just giving you a hard time who am I to tell another man what to do with his property. I like using my stuff too, there’s some stuff I like leaving alone for safe keeping but besides that I like getting my funs worth out of my guns.

[@JackManiacky]

To make a square cut with the hacksaw, put the cut line flush with the end of the vise jaws. The flats on the ends of the vise jaws will guide the hacksaw.

[@luxnova8211]

Also, make sure to use either copper plates on the vice to not scratch the finish or better tip, vice down on the scrap part of the barrel.

[@RadDadisRad]

The tubing cutter will cut a nice concentric groove around the barrel. It’ll work better every day of the week and twice as good on Sunday vs using the shoulder of the bench vice.

[@luxnova8211]

@@RadDadisRad I don't cut enough tubing to justify buying one sadly. If I cut PVC, I just use one of the manual pipe cutters and that's about it honestly.

[@LuckyGunner]

That's a good idea. I also considered using either a big zip tie or a piece of copper pipe on the barrel as a guide for the blade, but I figured the groove from the pipe cutter would provide enough of a guide. I was incorrect.

[@troopin]

@@LuckyGunner a hose clamp makes a good guide. Used that and final square with a file

[@deanster3435]

Good choice, Winchester 1200's are great shotguns and are highly under-rated

[@matterickson5993]

This is awesome - older shotguns are much better quality but it is hard to find them in home defense lengths so DIY is potentially the only option available. Videos like this are a great resource, super cool to see the process.

[@michaelmcatee221]

I was literally bingeing lucky gunner videos when I saw that this was released 27 minutes ago!

[@LuckyGunner]

Merry Christmas!

[@jagg-justanothergunguy4505]

Looks like an 80s model 120. I owned one brand new in the late 80s. It was very reliable as an everyday hunting shotgun, but I found it to feel a little rougher than my previous Winchester 1200. I no longer have the 120. I don't recall when/how I let it go but I don't miss it. That being said it was 100% reliable. I used it nearly every day from September first until mid February when most of the bird seasons were over. I see no reason your premise wouldn't be perfectly effective. I probably would not go out and buy one unless it was a deal, but I did re-acquire my original 1200 and used it for dove season this year. Well, that and if I needed a defense shotgun I have a couple 870s I wouldn't hesitate to hack down or buy a barrel for. Your presentation is a hack job, but its a better done hack job than many you find on KZbin. I haven't looked for "any" pump shotgun, but I did recently note that Mossberg 500s are out of stock at most on-line sellers. The 500A in 12gage is probably my favorite hunting shotgun even over and above the 1200 Winchester.

[@lonewanderer3603]

I would have immediately gone with the mag tube extension, but this is a great build. One thing that is nice about 870 or 500, not sure about the Winchester's, is you can get 8+1 magazines.

[@tdb19872]

Sure, but you need a 20" barrel for an 8 shot tube unless you want it hanging off the end. Having to have an 18" barrel already sucks enough for a HD weapon.

[@javierpatag3609]

I had the exact same thought! Even with the cut down barrel, a longer mag tube can still fit. And the extra capacity can't hurt.

[@ryansmith5133]

@@Jscot1001 I love my M1300 defender, got mine years ago, had a guy offer me 1,000$ for it (got it for 325 and it’s pristine) one time when I was shooting the shit looking for M1911A1 grips, politely told him no and that it’s been the best damn shotgun I’ve ever had!

[@bugman-ir8cw]

Why does an 18' barrel suck?....the tip of a pointed shotgun doesn't stick out more (or much more) than a pointed pistol.

[@DBONE117]

Mag tube extensions have a propensity of failure not normally seen in pump actions. Sort of like those rubber grips on pistols. Or buffers inside of them. Don't add another point of possible failure in my opinion especially on a defensive weapon.

[@3phemaral]

Spectacular video. I love your “intelligent amateur” approach to things. You look, listen, watch, and then go. You use all the correct terminology. I always know that whenever I watch your vids there isn’t any shell game or legendary expertise hiding in the background. I mean, damn…you made “just go get a shotgun” sound like a great idea! Masterpiece work!

[@crankygunreviews]

I'm literally doing a similar style build with a Maverick 88 20 gauge. 26" barrel, shortened to 18.5", removed vent rib, dropped a fiber optic front sight, pistol grip... I have seen a few older Ithaca 37 for a few hundred and trim it to make it better. I read some interesting stuff saying most people use the pipe cutter to get a score line that you can then use the hacksaw to cut in. I did that on mine, and mine was not perfectly flat either, that is why you leave it long so you have room to file it as flat as you can. I actually pried/ twisted off my vent rib supports, filed the spot welds off the barrel, cleaned it, degreased it, and cold blued it. The bluing looked great when it was first done, but around the spot welds it is a little more transparent, but it isn't bad. Ironically, after I trimmed my barrel, I found one on ebay for $100 (most were closer to $200 and up, but free is still better) I put a Hogue Tamer pistol grip, and a tru glow fiber optic clip on sight with a zip tie. Very low budget build, and it's super cool. Add a 4 round side saddle, and it makes a great, short, gun. I'm happy with mine.

[@jasonstewart3748]

Pre 75 ithica?

[@crankygunreviews]

@@jasonstewart3748 most likely- was well used, but was $600 and I couldn’t cut up a vintage Ithaca that cost that much.

[@jasonstewart3748]

@@crankygunreviews mine was given to me for watching the neighbors dog. I have no idea what its worth ive always hunted with pistols and .22lr.

[@jasonstewart3748]

Mine is a 16ga

[@daletractor6637]

This has old school American vibes, in a good way. We used to make what we needed in the garage. More videos like this please!

[@subdawg1331]

well done!!! Your videos from a few years ago inspired em to make a homestead defence shotgun. I could not afford (at the time) a manufactured one so I worked up an old rem 870 wing-master from the 70's that I purchased from a bud. OMG it out shoots all the new ones smooth , fast on target etc etc .. so this video is amazing brought back some impressive memories and thank you so much for this video but also for all the old ones

[@ScuffedEngineer]

A 70's wingmaster broken in is better than new shotguns today and built better as well. Honestly came out on top on that one for the price.

[@zachadams5022]

That flame out of the receiver at 10:24 freakin mint

[@thereindeertherabbitthebat592]

My father (rest in peace Dad 🕊️) , did this to an old Mossberg 600AT back in the day, except he was drunk as a Baldwin when he did it. He ended up totally butchering the gun in his attempt. Not only was the bbl cut at an angle (I'm assuming Dads surroundings were "browning out" as he committed to his cut) but he also cut the bbl at around the 15in mark... 😔 After my father's passing & the gun spending years in my Grandfather's possession, he told me the story of how he took the gun from my father when he was acting like a "drunk idiot" one night & how the gun got so jacked up to begin with. He told my dad that he'd give it back to him when he "pulled his head out of his @$$" (which never happened). Grandpa told me that if I bought a legal length of barrel for the old shotty then I could have it. After I bought the new bbl, I realized that there were still a lot of problems. Cartridge stop was bent all to hell, the hook edge on the right extractor was broken, the trigger group kept working it's way out causing even more jams. It looked like Dad repetitively tried to chamber a rock! 🤣 I eventually got it running great. It was def a fun little project. Don't give up on your old guns. They're still worth the effort, esp if they hold some sort of sentimental value... or a funny story.

[@zondorecords]

I inherited a 600AT from my dad also. Mine still has the C-lect choke on the barrel. I'm thinking of doing the same type of work Chris did in this video to it.

[@CVEIWKID]

Word

[@Inb4ending]

Haha awesome story

[@coolsnake1134]

Tips for cutting the barrel with a pipe cutter, those small tubing cutters will not do it because they’re small in order to fit in cramped spaces when doing plumbing repair and the blades are soft because copper is softer, what you need is a electricians tubing cutter that’s designed for metal conduit, Klein tools makes one and they sell them at Home Depot and most electrical suppliers, it will not cut it all the way through but it will score it enough where you can then snap it on the edge of the workbench

[@MrLikearabbit]

Great video as always. I think you are one of the best resources out there. I really enjoyed this DIY episode! Word working recommendation. Masking tape on your cut line on the stock will prevent the finish from chipping when cutting with a chop saw.

[@LuckyGunner]

Thanks for the tip. I probably would have done that if it had been a nicer stock and if cosmetics was more of a priority with this project. I've found that with a quality fine-tooth blade, the chipping is minimal, though

[@davidenorth]

I have done this with a Mossberg 500 and two Coast to Coast hardware store pumps(Mossy 500.) All three were cheap gun show finds for $140-150 each.

[@cowboyjim2770]

in Canada we aren't too picky when it comes to shotguns for home defense ( not my family anyway), if it shoots and cycles we're happy.

[@KeninMT]

You Lucked into THE SMOOTHEST AND FASTEST pump gun ever mass produced in the United States. Your model was produced in the late 1980s. I have the same gun. I bought a spare barrel via ebay a number of years ago and had it cut at 19"and threaded for screw in choke tubes, preserving the 28" hunting barrel. The action is fast enough that I competed in Skeet with it for several seasons. The only weak link in the gun is that sometimes the firing pin can bend. It's easy to assess, take out the pin from the bolt and roll it on a flat surface. Keep a spare on hand.

[@Quality_Guru]

I am impressed since most of us don't have expensive shop tools to use and the best part is that you got to retrofit an old shotgun to modern defense standards while saving some cash.

[@lukecrew1214]

Back in the day when we were young and everything was like a loaded gun. This guy has the most pragmatic videos on weapons.

[@JohnD357]

Been there, done that with an old Sears Ted Williams I bought in the 1970s, which is actually a Winchester 1200. Worked out well. One thing on getting the barrel length right. A half-inch too much is fine. A half-inch too little means federal prison. 😄

[@MrDmthomp32]

Giving a like and a comment just by seeing the title. Very excited!

[@mgreen7063]

I went the gunsmith route, taking an old Win 25 12 ga I got for under 150 and having a smith chop the barrel to 19, reblue and rebead it for a bit more than 150. I'm very happy with it. I sold my dressed out 590A1 for way more than this one cost. I got to know my limitations trying to cut another one down a few years ago w a pipe cutter. Didn't work for me either, but shortly after that the pump broke and there were no parts to fix it.

[@RangerOfTheOrder]

I love the way the vent rib looks. It makes it stand out.

[@zachm7955]

I really love my Winchester sxp defender. The action is smooth. It's lightweight. Only downsides is shell capacity and it's Turkish made. But can be had for around $300

[@DLK262]

I’m actually looking to get one myself.

[@XDWX]

Nordic components makes tube extensions for your SXP. It's the same as the 1200/1300 and FN P-12. You do have to remove some dimples from the mag tube though.

[@r1w3d]

I feel stupid for not remembering my SXP defender was made in Turkey but thinking about it, it makes sense. I'll be honest I loved that $300 shotgun when I had it about a decade ago and it was so smooth and reliable. I can't say they are all perfect but I had no problems pumping probably 1,500 shells through mine the whole time I had it. Occasionally I'd buy shells from certain brands it didn't like but they were crap ammo anyway. Not sure how much they cost right now but for $300 it was a solid purchase for a fun 12 gauge.

[@zachm7955]

@@r1w3d What problems did you have with certain shells?

[@robbie0884]

Love my sxp as well..3k rounds and no malfunctions and the action is sooo smooth! 👍

[@alexb2417]

honestly very satisfying to watch

[@r.l.royalljr.3905]

Or if you've got a little more budget, grab something like a Mossberg 500 Field/Security combo that has the 18.5" and 28" interchangeable barrels. But this works too.

[@GaMeRfReAkLIVE]

Seems more like a "ive got it laying around" kind of jop

[@yepyep1013]

That’s if you can find one that is not being price gouged. Seems like a lot of Turkish shotguns flooding the market. They r ehh..

[@darbyheavey406]

This is not a hack job. This is a nice workmanlike job.

[@josephruiz7233]

0:39 to 0:43..........Mossberg Shotgun Quality is absolutely FANTASTIC!! They're a bit over priced because the demand for them. Remington went out of business.

[@jaythemachine3845]

Remington went out of business??

[@hammerheadms]

I converted my old Mossberg 535 for home defense use. I ordered a 20" cylinder bore barrel and a 7 shot mag tube from a 500, and put them onto my old receiver. Works awesome. On the down side it cost me almost as much as a new "budget" shotgun, but at least I am familiar with this gun's function, and I didn't have to wait to find one in stock.

[@BobbieJuanKenobi]

I agree that Remington has plummeted in quality, but I beg to differ on Mossberg. 590/590a1 specifically haven't slipped a lick since forever. This looks like a fun project, but I wouldn't turn my nose up at a new Mossberg for $450. Having said that, you can get a Mossberg 88 for around $200 and it will keep up with any shotgun you can name!

[@basshnter1997]

I have a 500 I bought new in 91 and an 88 new in 2016 for $179 out the door. Comparing the two, Mossberg has significantly improved the fit and finish on even there cheapest guns. Seeing a recent video on KZbin proving the 88's reliability I see no need to cut up and old shotgun. Especially when the maverick 88 is still around $200.

[@TheGV50]

TFB James Reeves performed a 500 rd torture test of a Mossberg Maverick 88, it passed with flying colors! I have complete confidence in Mossberg's present pump shotgun lineup!

[@LuckyGunner]

@Kenneth Evans Unless something has changed recently, most of their parts are made in Torreon, Mexico. They are assembled in Texas. Not that that is inherently bad -- they've been doing that since 1989 and most of the shotguns they've made since then have been great. But just to be clear, "produced in the USA" is a relative phrase. Mossberg is probably still making the best new pump actions on the market. Most of them will probably run fine. But from speaking with shotgun instructors who see dozens of shotguns come through their classes every year, they have noticed more students showing up with brand new Mossbergs that don't make it through a whole class than they saw in previous years.

[@shgdf]

@@LuckyGunner you say older guns are better, either (specially) Remington or Mossberg. Could you specify up to what year, approx? I'm looking for a first shotgun and I would appreciate more info on that. Thanks

[@boatbikemike8571]

Just finished my version of this project. It was a lot of fun. I got an early 80’s New Haven by Mossberg dept store bird gun, bought a made in china 18.5” threaded barrel, upgraded the safety assembly with new tang switch, spring and ball, new mag spring, installed an AIM Sports forend with pic rails and mounted a Fenix weapon light. Still fine tuning the stock length.

[@jameslooker4791]

Mossberg Maverick 88s are $200-300 guns that are available in just about every standard length. The combination packages of 18" and 28" barrels with a 5 round magazine tube are usually around $250 and never stay in stock long.

[@LuckyGunner]

Those are a solid choice for somebody who just wants a shotgun. If you actually want to shoot your shotgun regularly, the Maverick 88 is not as durable as other options.

[@jutde]

I recently picked up an 88 Defense with the 20" barrel and extended mag tube for $260 used. I'll be putting the barrel and mag tube on my 500 (because I prefer the tang safety on a defense shotgun) and using the slug barrel from my 500 on the 88 as a dedicated slug hunter, and it was barely more expensive than getting a defense barrel for the 500 these days.

[@booth5578]

@@LuckyGunner it's literally the same gun as a 500 just with a single piece forend and a crossbolt safety It's not less durable by any means

[@PyroXXman]

@@booth5578 It’s not the same gun, it’s manufactured by a completely different company that Mossberg owns. Maverick Arms is the manufacturer of the Maverick 88, and completely independent of Mossberg they manufacture their shotgun barrels, chokes, stocks, and conversion kits. Significantly different gun, even though it may seem similar.

[@booth5578]

@@PyroXXman all mossberg and maverick Bolts,triggers,and barrels are made in Torreon Mexico then shipped across the border 90% of mossberg production is made eaglepass tx including the receivers

[@efficientinthefield]

Fun video. I might do this to an 870 Express Super Magnum that doesn't see much use these days. 🥳

[@advhawk6455]

As always, well done. Between revolvers and chopped-down 12 gauge pumpers, I'm starting to think you have an old soul. Welcome to the club of well-heeled walnut-and-blued-steel gentlemen who refuse to engage in the tacti-cool Call-of-Duty delusion that we will be attacked by a platoon of armored Ninja bears at any moment.

[@FishFind3000]

Also depends on what you watch. Ever since I started watching Yellowstone my itch for a lever gun came back.

[@Mrtrollgood]

Ok boomer lmao

[@bushcraftnorthof6012]

These are such an underrated shotgun! I have a Ranger 120 as well. It's been shortened, plastic furniture added, sling swivel mounts, and let me tell you. It's a SHOOTER! Using pull-rack technique, I can dump the mag about as quickly as a common hunter using his autoloader shotgun. My gun runs flawlessly, eats anything, doesn't make me worry dragging it all around the Northwest Territories, and it's super easy to strip and clean. Such a great little shottie. Unfortunately, you've just made them desirable and probably more expensive/harder to find. Secret's out. Take care.

[@Swishersweetcigarilo]

I wish military surplus was still a thing. I like buying up old cheap guns and cleaning them up.

[@bebop_557]

This is such a classic American video, buying an old Winchester and sawing it down in your garage. Go Chris! Benelli Nova is in the $400 range and comes with a lot of the features you'd want in a defensive shotgun. It's probably my favorite of the plain jane stock, cylinder bore pump shotguns. I'd absolutely throw it into the category of best guns for ballin' on a budget.

[@ETTW69420]

Started a project just like this not too long ago. Maverick 88, cut down the barrel with a $3 hacksaw to 20". Added a fiber sight and shell holder on the stock. Got a surefire mounted 6 o'clock and I'll have a sling on it shortly. Awesome idea.

[@KamikazKid]

I did something similar awhile back, found an old Maverick 88 someone had tacticool'd up with a collapsible stock, pistol grip, chinesium shell holder, and this god awful over barrel picatinny rail that had a ridiculous height over bore. I removed the picatinny rail, replaced the trigger springs, added a pump that had picatinny for a flashlight mount, changed the grip, took down the old finish & the rust to cerakote and added a fiber optic bead sight. I'll never get my money back out of it, but that's ok I'm happy to have a nice pump that I know will run.

[@dvig3261]

The maverick 88 for $225 came with the 18" barrel, is exchangeable with the Turkey barrel. It has the longer magazine and has the mosseburg quality. Great starting point.

[@hersh328]

The vent rib on that short barrel looks slick! That with the original wood stocks makes this a really beautiful little shotgun.

[@spiritualawakenings6251]

That is amazing. Who would ever have thought about sawing off a barrel and stock.

[@markcoffman9522]

To add magazine capacity without modification, use the new shorty shells. May require an adapter, especially for the Mossbergs, but you get 8 or 9 rounds without a mag extension.

[@SauceLip]

I loved watching this video. Nothing better than diy garage projects.

[@Lazarus745]

Just get a Maverick 88. Still available under 250. Gun runs reliable and shoots anything. This is a great option for budget home defense. I even saw a deal recently for a combo with both a 18" barrel and 28" barrel for under 300. You can't beat that.

[@randomidiot8142]

This. It's a better deal than chopping an older gun barrel for sure. Sometimes you get the extended security mag tubes also.

[@elblancobasura]

Yep. Did this with a Mossy 28" 500 marked "Santa's Christmas special" years and years ago that I found at a pawn shop for $150.00. Terrific.

[@mnrodriguez]

Great job! Just a a tip: if you put masking tape around the stock before you cut it, it will help with avoiding chips!

[@darkgelfling]

Don’t apologize for not being a professional gunsmith. I think you did a fantastic job cutting this down and making a defensive shotgun out of it. I have been in the firearms industry a long time and I’ve seen some real nightmares come into my shop by DYI guys. If you walked in with this I would have assumed it was done by a pro. I’d also like to say there is something nice about the older shotguns and they turn out to be very excellent home defense guns win modified a little. I’m thinking it has a lot to do with they are heavily broken in. Most of these old shotguns will work horses. Back in the 70s and 80s guys would buy these guns and they would use them for everything and all the time it was rare that these guns would be safe queens. As alway great video keep it up

[@drazman9]

I loved this job! I hope one day my country will allow at least shotguns to be a home defense option!

[@jshepard152]

No Shotguns for Old Men

[@michaeloreagan9758]

I just got a mossberg 500 with an 18 inch barrel for $150 at a gunshop. It pays to shop around

[@jakashh]

I got a Winchester 1200 defender for $250 at a pawn shop. 7 round tube and 18” barrel from the factory, pretty much good to go as is.

[@ratagris21]

A good buy.

[@ClarenceCochran-ne7du]

Did this with a Montgomery Wards Shotgun I inherited from my Grandad. It's a Semi Auto, and the biggest problem is the magazine tube is pinned to only accept 3 shells (for bird hunting). I could get the pins out, but then I'd need to find a longer spring for the magazine tube. On a shotgun from the mid to late 60's that I'm not sure who made it for Monkey Wards, so for now I'll leave it. I used my Milwaukee Cut Off Saw to trim to 18 1/4 ", filed the burrs smooth and then sanded to get rid of any tool marks and then hot blued the whole barrel, and a few other parts after drilling and tapping for the bead sight. I wish it had been a pump, but even 3+1 of 3" 00 Buck ought to make an impression on an intruder. Nice job on that old Winchester.

[@0dayExploit]

Thank you for the continued shotgun content Chris, and hot damn that was some good shooting. Good to see someone who can run a pump

[@LuckyGunner]

Thanks!

[@ericlondon5731]

It is 'fun' to watch someone else struggle with one of the things I get paid to do for the last 20+ years. You are far better than most at what you did. You would be shocked at the models I have had to 'fix' after someone else's' abandoned attempt.

[@matthaught4707]

Also this is probably gonna inspire me to finally cut down that old 20ga singleshot I've got in the back of the safe. Been meaning to do that for years, but never quite got around to doing it.

[@LuckyGunner]

Do it!!

[@la_old_salt2241]

NO! Don't do it. Find one that's a little ruff cosmetically and do like Chris did with this one. Get it black cercoated and be happy.

[@matthaught4707]

@@la_old_salt2241 Oh, 'a little ruff' doesn't even begin to describe the condition this one's in ;) I'll be harming no collectibles on this venture.

[@jeepman19]

When you cut finished wood, use blue painters tape to prevent the edges from chipping

[@pjm204]

Nice work. I think the only thing I would have done differently is to cut it at one of the supports for the vent rib. Sure the barrel would have been longer but I think it would be more aesthetically pleasing. (I realize that's not the main goal)

[@Werepie]

Absolutely agree, would have looked a lot cleaner!

[@zinospinedi3227]

You are with Paul Harrell and Hickok 45 my favorite Gun Channel. in terms of professionalism i think your are ahead of most of All channels on YT. Follower since 100k, keep up the good work!!

[@JackManiacky]

My first covid project was doing this conversion with a 1924 Stevens. It's nasty. Bonnie and Clyde status.

[@Scarecrows399]

The 120 is a fantastic shot gun every bit as good as a 500 or 870

[@Mudmoto_Marine]

Chris Baker: Time to carefully cut this barrel down to 18.5" ATF: *peeks over fence* Hey guys come look at this Chris' Dog: *pants nervously*

[@ed4709]

You really can’t beat the smooth action of and old Winchester pump! Very reliable and fast!

[@mozzberg590]

Waiting on part 2 of this build. Awesome stuff

[@gregraines8082]

I did the same thing with my 1975 Remington 1100 but found an 18” barrel on eBay. With a removable recoil pad and the original 28” barrel, it can convert from home defense to hunting or skeet/trap in no time. The 12 gauge shotgun is really the most versatile platform out there. And hey, it’s not a scary black gun. Just an old geezer with a shotgun. Great video….

[@jakedistlehorst6190]

Love me some lucky gunner ❤️

[@bluemonday09]

I had an 18.5" 120 ranger next to my bed for many years that solved a lot of problems when something got in the cattle pen or hen house. The action on those Winchesters is smoother than an 870.

[@michaelfredrickson1050]

Great video with some wonderful ideas. I just picked up a 60’s Winchester pump for $150 at my local gun shop. Its in really good shape and works perfectly-Im thinking its a perfect candidate for this exact build.

[@matingram6718]

Keep those shotgun vids coming. We love them. You do a great job.

[@CiviTac]

That's a sweet gun but I have to say that a mossy 590 is a much better use of funds. More capacity and already set up out of the box. If youd picked that gun up for 200 out of a pawn shop I'd agree with your assessment. Guns are too expensive now. I've become a buy once, cry once gun buyer due to the climate

[@wesley_makes]

Lucky Gunner ammo really does ship quickly! I just bought 1,250rds of 12Ga and a few days later, right on my porch.

[@pray4mojo35]

I have an old hand me down Ithaca 37 and wouldn’t trade it for anything.

[@NoWr2Run]

TD, I have 2 37's & like you wouldn't trade them for anything. love the ray bar & THEY JUST FIT ME PERFECTLY.

[@Perry2186]

yeah i love the M37 the bottom ejection is sweet

[@justinpennington7682]

I have a 37 its great . But it's a pain in the ass and complex in comparison to win or Remington to disassemble

[@w.webster2102]

I applaud your work, as a gunsmith. The first thing about being a gunsmith is the ability to make tools work as needed and only buying specialty tools when required. I will however say this, a new 590 is still a better base than that Winchester. Mossberg quality now with the 500 series, is still better than the newer Remingtons and any budget Winchester from the 80's up. Nothing against the Winchester but it's not the same quality, the one you built is on par with the Maverick series. They are both solid budget shotguns and reliable but they are budget. I don't know where you live but that shotgun in my area is $150 all day long in the condition you found it, but every area is different. In the end you are correct that's a great HD setup but depending on one's area there may be better options for the cost. Regardless keep up the videos and good work.

[@bubbabiker5653]

A while back I converted a 1970's vintage Remington Wingmaster 12g 2 3/4" into a self defense shotgun. It was a fun project. Most expensive part of the conversion was the Choate magazine extension.

[@rotaman8555]

My closet gun is a Winchester Model 12. It has seen field use, so I got it cheap. I’ve installed a titanium firing pin and new springs. It is as slick as greased lightening, handles like a dream, and will slam fire in a controllable manner if needed. It holds six rounds in the tube. I love it. I’ve seen Remington Model 70s at gun shows and pawn shops for $300 or less sometimes. Just like you did in this video, they can be brought into service as excellent defense guns with little cost and effort.

[@vykoden9462]

For those of us who aren't DIY'ers, what would this work typically cost through a gunsmith?

[@grantgauvreau2744]

Probably a few hundred.

[@michaelrodriguez8345]

I used this video for modifying my old stevens shotgun for home difference. Im really happy with it. Thanks

[@thefridaynetwork]

Cool. But does it take Glock mags?

[@JJoker69]

Lol....you Glock guys......always looking for the sure shot bahaha if only🤔

[@michaelmcatee221]

That takes me back to 2012, a simpler time.

[@Hogheadsforbreakfast]

I have an old Winchester model 120 in 20 gauge that was my dad's. We got it in a pawn shop in the early 90's for around $120. It outlived the man and is still a smooth cycling shotgun. The quality of the older guns was definitely better than today's standards.

[@KingPhilipsRideshare]

Shotgun gang unite

[@andreivaldez2929]

"Poor gang", more like, judging from your profile picture.

[@JJoker69]

Come on man........ "Gangs" are frowned upon these days..... and where did you find 410 shells?

[@KingPhilipsRideshare]

@@andreivaldez2929 hey cmon jack poor kids shoot just as well as white kids - Joe Biden

[@andreivaldez2929]

"If you didn't get your prison sentence extended by Kamala then you ain't Black!"- Joe Biden probably, idk

[@KingPhilipsRideshare]

@@andreivaldez2929 true even if no one said it

[@maintenancemafia]

Winchester shotguns have some weird comb that makes them kick harder than any other shotgun i have ever owned

[@JustSumGuy01]

You forgot to put an extended tube

[@BeefNEggs057]

Pretty cheap and would give you more shots. No brainer. I did it to my dads hunting Shottie - easily reversed for hunting (I didn’t shorten the barrel).

[@JJoker69]

@@BeefNEggs057 Keeping it the way your Pops left it, Props Brother 👏 👌 when you chop/ hack/ molest..... you can't bring them back, I'm not knocking....to each his own, I'm a sentimentalis, and would rather hold on to heart felt memories and share them and pass them along, those last longer than ANYTHING material can, you can buy what you want.....Can't buy those missed memories ..... HEY....take care and God bless everyone!

[@BeefNEggs057]

@@JJoker69 Thanks man. Good words! God bless you too

[@ETHRON1]

As someone who works on guns and customizes my own...I have to give you an A+... nice job, will add it to my Playlist...

[@User-nx7rs]

Me personally I would have just bought another barrel to shorten or a factory 18.5 inch barrel and a another buttstock to shorten and put the original barrel and stock away in case I wanted to put to factory condition to hunt with.

[@robertclymer6948]

Good video and info. I'am currently doing this to my S&W 3000 shotgun. Only thing left is replacing the spring and trimming the butt stock down 2 inches. Thanks for sharing.

[@AmethystRebellion]

Hi Chris, if you see this thank you in advance for your time reading my story. :) Back in 2021, I achieved a life goal and got my license to carry in July and in early August, I found the Sig Sauer P239 in 9mm on Gunbroker for a really good price! With the original box, manual and extra magazine! The icing on my First Time Gun Owner Cake? It had the two tone finish I wanted! My first gun is my dream gun, and I've wanted it for the past 10 years! I have named her Henrietta after the main character from the anime Gunslinger Girl who uses the exact same pistol, and I'm NEVER selling or trading her! Got another magazine (3 more to go), and extra recoil springs from Sig's website as well! Now to break in the holster with leather conditioner and take more lessons in the summer! Love from Pittsburgh PA Chris, keep up the great content!

[@JoeO.]

Since Norm Abram doesn’t post home defense DIY videos, I’ll take this one. Strong work!

[@jamesboothjr8783]

I am overjoyed to see an old shotgun being used.

[@bobsundquist2039]

I have a couple of these. I have run a lot of rounds through them with no issues.

[@Nick-hm9rh]

Really love this. Shotguns are so fun to play arround with. Love the overall retro vibe. Doesnt need any modern equipment in my opinion

[@EvanDickersonM81]

Hey look this is what I did to my first shotgun. Picked up a 200$ 870 and cut it down. Added a mag extension and side carrier all for around 300$ total. Still love how butter smooth it is with the many hundreds of rounds I've put through it.

[@moparmagnum928]

Thanks for all the info i just shortened my barrel to 18,5 inch on my mossberg 835 woodland camo from 1998 for home defense and it looks awesome. i am from south america and really like your channel i really learn alot from you . many thanks

[@1791Actual]

So many people forget about or discount the usefulness of the Winchester pump 120 and 1200 and even the 1300. They're phenomenal. I bought one in the early 80's and it still runs flawlessly. I has a 28 inch barrel the the Winchoke system. Many years ago I got a Defender barrel at a swap meet for home defense use and a mag extension... and not some modern measly +1... It takes 2 minutes to swap format between home use and hunting.