Swapping Model 12 barrels?

[pjones]

One of my first posts...

Been having severe difficulties with a Remington 870 Express Magnum, rather new shotgun but 16 years old. Less than 100 shots through it. The ejector spring broke on it so I need to replace it.

That being said, I compare this 870 to my dad's Model 12 and the difference is night and day. The model 12 has never had any issues so now I am thinking home defense. For home defense, I would like something that I can trust to not hang up on me.

I have been looking at a few models for Home Defense:

-Mossberg 590a1
-Nova Tactical
-Model 12 Winchester, with a cut off barrel.

I can purchase a good condition Model 12 for around $500 and use it for skeet/trap/clays and enjoy it. What I would like to do is purchase an additional barrel, and cut it off so I can also use it for home defense.

Anyone know if you could swap barrels on a Model 12?

[sd joe]

I believe you need to swap the whole barrel assembly, not just the barrel like an 870. I have several model 12's and don't see how you could practically do it nor have I ever seen one for sale.

[Jimmybacon43]

Is the 870 yours? If it is you could keep the 870 for skeet and use the model 12 for dedicated home defense.

[pjones]

I believe you need to swap the whole barrel assembly, not just the barrel like an 870. I have several model 12's and don't see how you could practically do it nor have I ever seen one for sale.

I actually saw a Model 12 barrel online that was damaged, that the seller stated could be still cut off and used as a turkey gun because the end of the barrel was the only part that was damaged. Last price I saw was for $25. However, I didn't think you could just swap barrels... Seem you are also under this impression.

[pjones]

Is the 870 yours? If it is you could keep the 870 for skeet and use the model 12 for dedicated home defense.

The 870 is mine, not really a fan of it but I'll see how it shoots after I get it back from a gunsmith.

Would prefer to not ruin a good model 12 and dedicate it for home defense, which is why I wanted to be able to do the barrel swap. After searching around, I might end up getting the Beretta 1301 Tactical or Competition for a home defense weapon. From what I've read online, its extremely reliable and shoots very fast with a low kick.

[White7]

I prefer the quality of old iron,,when you compare an 870 to a model 12,or a Model 31 or stevens 520/620,,makes the 870 feel like a cheap hunk a junk

My HD gun is a Stevens 620,,,also had a Remington model 31,,now thats a gun

[-hanko]

The 870 is mine, not really a fan of it but I'll see how it shoots after I get it back from a gunsmith.

Would prefer to not ruin a good model 12 and dedicate it for home defense, which is why I wanted to be able to do the barrel swap. After searching around, I might end up getting the Beretta 1301 Tactical or Competition for a home defense weapon. From what I've read online, its extremely reliable and shoots very fast with a low kick.

A 1301 is a fantastic weapon.

I prefer the quality of old iron,,when you compare an 870 to a model 12,or a Model 31 or stevens 520/620,,makes the 870 feel like a cheap hunk a junk.

Or, imo, an Ithaca 37.

The 870 popularity here is two fold...they're cheap, and many companies market useless tacticool crap for them. Visit the shotgun gallery here and you will see what I mean.

Were I looking for an 870, I'd look for an older used one.