Is an improved cyl 20" barrel ok for home defense?

F

Flaman

New member
Fellas,

I have a Remington Express 12 gauge shotgun (combo) which came with two barrels. One of the them doesn't use an interchangable choke system; its just a fixed 20" improved cylinder barrel with rifle sights. I want to use my
20" barrel on the 870 as a platform to build a tactical home defense shotgun.

My question: Most home defence shotguns these days seen to come with a "cylinder bore" barrels. Should I ditch my barrel and search for an 18" cyl bore barrel, or will mine be acceptable fot it's intended use?

Advantages/disadvantages of Imp Cyl and Cyl bore please...
 
It will work fine ! Inside the home you'll get small patterns because of the range [what's the longest shot you can take in your home ?] . In addition each gun is different as is each type of ammo . With a shotgun ,for any use , you should always pattern the load so you know exactly what's happening !
 
No problems with the 20" IC. All my HD guns are equipped thus. The nice thing about the rifle-sighted barrels is that you can get night sights if you want, no gunsmith required.
Very good advice above to pattern your gun and pick a load that works in your gun. Do not take other's advice on ammo selection. Each barrel is a unique creature.
Mike
 
Almost all of Remington's currently manufactured short barrels (18- 20") come with fixed improved cylinder chokes, they have been that way for several years now. IMHO it's a definite improvement, that little bit of choke (ten points or .010") helps even out patterns. It's definitely not a disadvantage, it doesn't constrict patterns enough to be a problem at short range simply because buckshot patterns at ranges measured in feet are going to be very small anyway.

As to building tactical shotguns, that's not really possible IMHO. You can build YOURSELF into a tactical shotgun shooter, but just bolting stuff onto a shotgun is not going to automatically improve your ability to use it. Take note of Louis Awerbuck's brief list of things actually needed on a defensive shotgun (basically: a stock short enough to be able to shoot it effectively, a good sling, sights if the shooter needs them, and a dependable white light source that can be switched on and left on) and concentrate more on learning to run the gun safely and effectively than on adding kewl accessories. Spend the $$$ on some training and then practice practice practice.

Stay safe,

lpl/nc
 
The 20 is just fine, may even be better than the 12 in that is kicks less but still makes a big (enough) hole!

Of course, for one using a 12, one probably wouldn't notice said kick in "all the excitement" anyway...

I would suggest that you sdd a pair of stereo electronic ear muffs (the kind that also BOOST sounds) to your self-defense gear for shooting inside your home...damage HIS ears, not yours. And locate the intruder(s) more easily using the muff's decible gain and stereo hearing.

These electronic muffs are great for WHATEVER gun you choose for home-defense, inside or outside. Shooting inside a building will be REAL loud.

-- John D.
 
I believe he is talking about a 20 inch barreled 12 guage Remington 870. Not a 20 guage.

I prefer the added manuverability of the 18.5" but its not that much longer and should work just fine. Mine has rifle sights too and I much prefer them to a bead sights because my accuracy with slugs in drastically improved.
 
it should work fine. remember a home defense shotgun is to use in and around your house, not to get them at 50 yards.
 
A 20" I/C barrel sounds perfect. I have a SxS double with I/C and Mod. chokes and wouldn't hesitate to use it. It's got 26" barrels, but no receiver to speak of, so it's probably about the same length. It's great for duck hunting, too!
 
Yes. One of my "Serious" shotguns uses that barrel. Works well.

I'll echo friend Lee. Become a tactical shooter by shooting. BA/UU/R....

Then, any shotgun becomes a great tactical tool in your hands...
 
It is a fine barrel. You can also use barrels backbored and modified by Has Vang whose shop is or used to be in Montecito, CA. I even have some of his modified barrels (most likely comped) sitting around.
 
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