Value enhancements to NEF 12ga.

R

rugerdude

New member
Hi, my friend has an NEF single shot 12 guage shotgun that he never shoots because it is painful, and he just never gets the chance.

He wants to sell it and I have pitched him some ideas on how to up the value to something more than the 80 bucks it's worth.

1. Cut down the barrel to 18.5 inches or a little longer to keep the minimum length legal, and add a bead to make it look nice and re-blue the barrel end where it was cut.

2. Add some sling studs and a sling.

3. Possibly add a recoil pad and maybe refinish/touch up the stock with oil.

Any reasons why these mods shouldn't be made or any other ways to boost the value?

(I would have him say that it was the gun that assasinated Hitler in what was perhaps the greatest conspiracy of all time, but that would be lying)
 
I'd leave it alone and sell it as is.

Most folks that buy a NEF single want a cheap hunting gun. Thats what he has.

You cut the barrel down to 18.5" and you now have no choke. ( cyl bore).
This limits the gun to close range bird hunting and rifled slugs.

Sling swivels and studs won't add value. Thats like adding on a new cd player in a used car....most folks don't care.

You could refinish the stocks and touch up the metal...but is the time and effort worth the extra $10 you will get out of the gun?

My $.02
 
I'd get some lighter loads and learn to shoot it. The one here weighs 5 lbs, 9 oz. It's a 12 gauge that weighs what's about right for a 28 gauge with its 3/4oz payload.

Try some of the very effective 7/8 oz loads.

A good pad helps. So does two pads, one on the shotguns and one on the shooter. The old PAST pad here really cuts the kick when I benchtest or rezero.

HTH.....
 
80 bucks was an estimate (and a generous one too). I figure he can get a little more money from it if it's something that you can't buy from a store. you know, making it unique.

Honestly, people know they can go pick up a new single-shot at wal-mart for so cheap they shouldn't even bother with the used one, so I figure making it unique would make it more appealing.
 
Do you know anyone who handloads?

If you do, he could make some rather nice low recoil loads and your friend could keep the shotgun.
 
It might also make a good deer gun with buckshot.
You can also install interchangeable choke tubes and make it as versatile as any gun. Barrel length has nothing to do with patterns or power. There are lots of things you can do to personalize the gun. These things probably won't make it worth any more money, but the gun will be unique and fun.
Bill
 
Don't cut the barrel. Just have your friend do the following:

1. Check this link out for better barrels, different guages and even rifle slug barrels: http://www.hr1871.com/Support/accessoryProgram.aspx
2. Install a recoil pad
3. Only after your friend has every barrel he may want or need, file a tiny notch in the receiver to line up with the single bead site (accuracy improvement). Don't do this and then expect them to fit a new barrel.
 
Why not cut the barrel, if he wants a short barrel? With choke tubes, it will be as versatile as several barrels. Rifle sights are also an option.
Bill
 
WELL........, If it is done right, Cutting the barrel and recrowning it ( this is important) should run about $35.00. Sling studs. and sling will run about $18.00 to $30.00 depending on quality. A fair recoil pad can be installed for around $10.00. LET's SEE, we now have a minimum of $80.00 + $63.00 = $143.00 in an NEF single shot. Hmmmm. Sell or trade the thing and get what you really want. You will be much happier.
 
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