870 question

[labradigger1]

Hi, I have an 870 express in 12 gauge. I picked up a nice 20 gauge barrel recently with the ball detent the same as my 12 gauge barrel. I am wondering if I could install the 20 ga bbl on the 12 ga receiver and change the bolt and carrier to a 20 gauge. The 20 ga bbl fits perfectly but the bolt obviously doesn't lock into the extractor groove.
Just wondering if I can make a 20 ga by changing bbl and bolt assay?

[Rustyleee]

Unless you got an old barrel the size of the receivers is different as well. A 20 ga is smaller.

[labradigger1]

The receiver end of the 20 ga bbl is exactly like the 12 ga bbl

[725]

I think the receiver itself is a little smaller on the 20 vs the 12.

[Mk42gunner]

I seriously doubt if it will work, and I don't feel like digging out Grandpa's 870 to play mix and match with the little 20 ga Express.

Going from memory the 20 ga bolt is smaller so it won't fit on the 12 ga action bars, and the shell stops that are supposed to be staked to the receiver probably won't work with 20 ga shells in the magazine. The magazine tube on the 12 is larger than the 20, so I am surprised the 20 ga barrel even goes onto the 12 ga receiver. (I did go peek at Grandpa's and compared it externally with the youth model 20).

Frankly, I think you will be money ahead to find some one selling a 20 ga gun that will work without any doubt than trying to make aswitch gauge gun out of a working 12 ga.

Robert

[rking22]

You most likely have a "std wt" 20 ga barrell. They used to make a 20 on the 12 ga frame, but it used a different mag tube and would not be worth the effort or cost. Certainly not a kitchen table conversion. The new 20 LWs are a smaller frame and those barrels are loose in the 12 ga frame. 20s are nice, keep your eyes open and you should be able to pick up a nice used LW Wingmaster in the 350$ realm. and , folk with the standard weight 20s will pay good $$ for extra barrels, especially if it has a rib.

[El Bango]

Too many headaches for an inferior end product.

[GhostHawk]

Which is why I have Rem 870 Wingmasters in 3 guns, 12, 16, and 20.

Wonderful shotguns, rock solid dependable. But switch guns they are not.

Try H&R single shots if you want to do that.

[Hardcast416taylor]

Got 3 of the 870`s in my safe. Two are old model 12 ga., the other is an old standard weight 20 with a deer barrel. Don`t see any sense to trying to play " SWAP THE BARREL"! If that is an old std. wt. barrel, there is a market in selling it. Otherwise I would recommend visiting a few gun shows for a used 20 gauge 870.Robert