H&R Single Shot

[diverwcw]

I've been considering the purchase of an H&R single shot shotgun with the specific intent of cutting the tube down to 18.5 to 20 inches. I've been surfing You Tube and some of them are just totally badaxe. I'd like to get the 10 gauge but due to ammo costs will likely get the 12 ga.

Any personal experiences? Is this an easy project to complete in my garage? What about the front sight? I don't have capability to drill and tap for the front bead so are there any after market set ups for a front sight?

[89 Vision]

Hey! I bought an H&R a few years back with the exact same intention. I was actually planning to cut off about 2" from the stock to make it even more handy. I ended up selling the H&R before I got a chance to finish my unholy project. I felt kind of bad about cutting it down as the shotgun handled quite well the way it was. In addition, recoil is substantial coming from such a light gun. I figured if I cut the barrel down even more, the recoil would only increase. I imagine with a sissy pad it will be bearable, but even target loads were bruising me up pretty bad. YMMV. The CG'er I sold it to had the intention of adding barrel inserts and shooting 9mm/.22lr, another very cool thing you can do with these.

[gun toting monkeyboy]

I know there are a couple of guys on youtube who have decided that the single shot shotgun is their ideal, end of the world gun. But remember, they live in the woods on the East Coast. The conditions that they have are nothing like anyplace out here in California. Keep that in mind. Also, before you break out the hacksaw (or pipe cutter if you actually want to do it right), try shooting the gun first. You may find that the handling isn't all that bad as it comes from the factory. And also remember that as the other poster noted, the felt recoil on these is significant because of their light weight. Chopping off some barrel, and possibly some stock will only exacerbate the problem. And no, sticking some brass tacks in the stock will not add enough weight to change anything. They usually only tend to make you look like an internet wannabe who has built his whole channel around the idea that the most primitive firearm he can get at the store is somehow immune to the breakage problems faced by more complicated firearms that have more moving parts.

-Mb

[not-fishing]

I wouldn't screw with it. Get a double in a 12.

I've owned the H & R in a .410 can't hit anything and a 20 hellacious recoil - think very light gun

Get a double or a pump - you won't flinch so bad.

[dangerranger]

I cut a 20 ga down to 20" that had a barrel bulge. I used rifle sights from my parts box. I had to make a front sight to get one low enough. I cut one almost in half that was from a marlin 60. Both sights were bonded on with some left over Accura Glass. It shot great, but It Was LOUD! I was surprised at the difference 4" made. even with no choke it worked well as a quail gun where shots were under 30 yds. It also shot slugs and buckshot very well. The others are not kidding about added recoil and added report! DR

[wolfy]

Might want to chEck out some older mossberg bolt actions. Often you can find them for 100-150. I use mine as a single shot plus it handles great.

[surplus-addict]

Okay, if you're not a *****, cut down a 12 gauge. They are AWESOME

BUT REMEMBER OVERALL LENGTH!!!!

This includes the stock and the barrel! It must be over 26" overall.

After all, you won't want to end up like Randy Weaver...

[BlairB]

I am having the same debate right now. Picked up an old Stevens that has seen some use over the years.

Surplus-addict have a photo of yours?

[JagerDog]

Why? A cheap pump is much more functional. Only folks I know with a single shot who actually use it are dog trainers.

[surplus-addict]

I am having the same debate right now. Picked up an old Stevens that has seen some use over the years.

Surplus-addict have a photo of yours?

Don't own one personally, my uncle does though. It's just a standard H&R 12 gauge, cut down with a 20" barrel to keep it legal with the OAL.
Fun gun to shoot, that's for sure. Kicks like a mule and destroys everything
It's definitely a fun gun, not a serious one.

[diverwcw]

OK, seems my questions and curiosity have been answered. I have a few shotguns right now, I guess if I really need another one, I'll keep my eye open for either Turner's or Big 5 when they have the Coach Gun on sale.

[gun toting monkeyboy]

As wolfy noted, there are lots of old bolt action shotguns out there for cheap. I tend to try to pick them up on gunbroker for under $100 if I can. They tend to have a bit more mass to them than the break action shotguns, and frequently have a tube magazine that holds and extra 2-4 rounds. Much better than a single shot. The only model to avoid is the J C Higgins Model 583 12 gauge. Several versions of that one were recalled by Sears. Google it to get the exact details. The other versions of that, and the same model in other gauges are good to go.

-Mb