[PR660]

(In CA) I have a Belgian A5 with 30" barrel that would be a bit cumbersome as a defense gun. I don't hunt or shoot regularly anymore and I'm considering shortening the barrel to use it as a defense weapon along side an O/U and side-by-side in different areas of the house.

1) Is this a good idea?

2) If so, what would be a good length for quick and easy maneuverability in the home or perhaps, out of the car trunk?

3) What are the legalities involved in all of the above?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Russ D]

Shotguns aren't inherently designed to have the original barrel shortened. That said, legally, unless the ATF changes my mind AGAIN, sometime soon, AFAIK, minimum barrel length is 18 inches.
Not that I would advise cutting down a barrel, see if you can find an 18" barrel which will fit.

Of course, you have solid hearing protection set up, for when you start blazing away indoors, with those shotguns, right? Because without serious ear protection, you can cause deafness, broken eardrums, even minor concussions, and bleeding from the ears.

 

[Stamps6]

Lol I shot a 20ga inside a 50 yard by 100 yard empty warehouse and I thought my eyes were going to pop out of my head! It’s not a good idea to shoot any gun in an inclosed area. It’s far more than you think it will be. If you cut down that Belgium Browning, you’ll be ruining a classic and fine shotgun. The value will drop faster than Biden approval rating.

 

[RMLamp]

The A5 uses a moving barrel to eject the shell and send the bolt back, you may have cycling issues with a lighter barrel. You might have to play around with the friction rings or spring to get it to run smoothly.
Personally I think you shouldn't mess with shortening the barrel, buy a new gun and don't butcher that classic Browning.

 

[PR660]

The A5 uses a moving barrel to eject the shell and send the bolt back, you may have cycling issues with a lighter barrel. You might have to play around with the friction rings or spring to get it to run smoothly.
Personally I think you shouldn't mess with shortening the barrel, buy a new gun and don't butcher that classic Browning.

Thanks all. I was planning on acquiring a second (probably Japan) barrel to mod, but the cycling issue would a problem as I don't have the luxury of experimentation.
Getting another firearm is easy for most. Lautenberg Amendment stole my 2nd Amendment rights...

 

[Alan R McDaniel Jr]

I would NOT cut the barrel on that shotgun. Wipe it down, put it in the safe and forget about modifying it AT ALL...

In my experience, an 18" barrel on a shotgun is useless. I consider 21" as short as I would go to keep any kind of control over the shot column, IF you just have to have a short barrel...

IF you just have to have a short barrel, go down and get a Rem 870 and start buying alternative barrels...

I have a Rem Mod 11 (pretty much the same as a Browning Auto 5) that has a riot barrel (I think it's 20"). It works great. Make sure your recoil buffer is in place and friction rings are in proper order. I used to know and care what that order was but I don't any more...

The difference in pattern is significant between an 18" barrel and a 22" barrel...

Alan

 

[Alan R McDaniel Jr]

... Lautenberg Amendment stole my 2nd Amendment rights...

Well, Thanks for sharing that little tidbit.... I think it applies to a bit more than just purchasing a "another" firearm....

Alan

 

[fixitfred]

Thanks all. I was planning on acquiring a second (probably Japan) barrel to mod, but the cycling issue would a problem as I don't have the luxury of experimentation.
Getting another firearm is easy for most. Lautenberg Amendment stole my 2nd Amendment rights...

I'm a little slow and sometimes needs things explained to me. What I understand so far is you have admitted to violating the law and are in possession of several firearms. Is that violation a felony or just a misdemeanor? I might recommend to the moderators and admins to contact the authorities and provide them with any information they may have on you and to cooperate fully in any investigation.

 

[Popeye]

The Lautenberg Amendment makes it a felony for anyone convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence such as an assault or attempted assault on a family member, to ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms or ammunition. The purpose of this Amendment is to get and keep firearms out of the hands of those individuals with domestic violence convictions.

Its probably unwise for you to post anything about firearms you possess.