How to Cut Down a Remington Ribbed Barrel

Remington shotguns are popular for home defense as well as for numerous types of hunting. Several of Remington's shotguns come manufactured with a vent ribbed barrel, a barrel that has a flat metal rail positioned above it, useful for sight-work or other accessories. Many Remington owners like to shorten the length of their shotguns to make the weapon more suitable for home defense, or for use as a deer "slug gun."

Things You'll Need

  • Padded gun vise
  • Cutting fixture (fitted for your Remington shotgun)
  • Hacksaw
  • Flat metal file
  • Gun oil
  • Sandpaper
  • Lapping compound
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Instructions

    • 1

      Unload the weapon completely. Visually inspect the weapon to ensure that no live ammunition is present.

    • 2

      Secure the shotgun in a padded gun vise, leaving the barrel accessible for work.

    • 3

      Mark the point on the barrel at which you wish to make the cut, using a white wax marker. Make this mark at least 1/4 inch in front of a point where the vent rib connects to the barrel.

    • 4

      Secure the cutting fixture to the barrel, then cut the barrel at your mark, using the cutting fixture as a guide.

    • 5

      Apply gun oil to the barrel, then file the barrel, using a flat metal file, just enough to remove any burring left after sawing.

    • 6

      Apply lapping compound to the barrel, then use your thumb to rub sandpaper on the barrel rim in a circular motion, exerting pressure. Repeat for the front of the vent rib. This final step will clean up the cuts made by your hacksaw.