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Hey Crew.
I know some of you Guys are way better educated about guns than I am. I have a question. I own several Winchester model 1200 12 gauge shotguns. Two of them are tactical models with the 8 round tubes and 18" barrels. One of them is a stock 5 round model 1200 with a 30" barrel, 2 3/4 chamber. What is the shortest factory barrel that will fit the stock gun. Everything I find 18" long will only fit the guns with the extended mag. I really hate to cut down a good barrel. Thanks in advance.

Hey Tim,

I asked one of my NRA buddies your question, he provided the following:


Contact Midwest Gun Works and ask them what you want to know. They stock a lot of Winchester barrels in all lengths. They should be able to tell you what is the shortest barrel that will fit your stock gun.

Midwest Gun Works, Inc

1101 Mason Circle Drive South

Pevely, MO, 63070

Tel: 636-475-7300

Fax: 636-475-7303

customerservice@midwestgunworks.com

Hope this helps

I believe 18" is the minimum legal barrel length for a shotgun, 16" for a rifle, anything shorter requires ATF approval and a tax stamp. Local laws would also apply.

Frank

Thanks For All The Great Intel Guys!
I called Midwest Gun works, Great Guys but no barrel for my gun.
I did find a 22" deer-slug barrel local and did some trading.
Sure was happy to find the right barrel for my shotgun and the fellow I traded with needed a long barrel to hunt ducks!
Don't you love it when a plan comes together!
Thanks again.

P.S.
18" is the shortest legal barrel for a shotgun, but I'm just as happy with the 22" slug barrel!

An option if you want to go smooth bore again is find a stock long barrel and have it cut to 18.5". if you need tighter than cylinder bore, there should be enought meat to get it cut for removable chokes, or if you only need one type, you can have the end pressed for your favorite choke.

Right now I'm set as far as barrels to guns.
I'm satisified I've got the right setup now but will retain all this info for future reference!
Thanks for all the help!