Scattergun Technologies, value.... and legislation regarding shotguns....

Marion David Poff

Marion David Poff

Joined
Oct 8, 1998
Messages
5,403
Good Day,

It strikes me that I could take my shotgun and with the services of a local gunsmith, create a firearm that would be nigh unto as functional as one of the Scatterguns, for about $500 less, or am I missing something?

On the other hand, they are darn beautiful, how do they command those prices.

Convert me if you can....

Also, what are relevant laws should I be cognizant of when altering my shotgun? If you can provide the exact name(s) of the legislation or links to the text, that would be great.
 
To me it doesn't matter if you get the scattergun model or have your trusted smith do the modifications as long as the end result is a shotgun you can handle well. Word on the street is that the scatterguns are worth it. The only biggie for me would be the ghost ring sights and lots of practice.

Take care,

Brad
 
Originally posted by Marion David Poff
Also, what are relevant laws should I be cognizant of when altering my shotgun? If you can provide the exact name(s) of the legislation or links to the text, that would be great.
Click to expand...
For Federal laws, search the U.S. Code http://uscode.house.gov/usc.htm

If you live in Idaho, search the Idaho codes. http://www3.state.id.us/

As far as the Scatterguns go, they are beautiful firearms but I prefer a factory full stock, 18-20" barrel gun. My Ithaca has rifle sights but a bead is fine too. Whatever you're comfortable with is good. If you're on a budget, there are plenty of used pumps at gun shops.

If you need more info, go over to thefiringline.com and their shotgun forum.
 
Federal law re: shotguns - keep the barrel at least 18.00" and OAL at least 26.00". (NFA 1934)

If it's a pump, that's pretty much the only federal law you need to be aware of.

If it's a semi, per the 1994 Assault Weapons ban you can't have a pistol grip stock set in conjunction with a magazine capacity of greater than 5 rounds.
 
I too believe the complete Scatterguns as sold by Wilson Combat are way overpriced. I am a firm believer in their 1911 pistols, and that it is a good value to pay their pistol prices, but pump shotguns are not space shuttles, and there are good gunsmiths all over the world who can slick-up an 870. I do believe in starting with a Police model 870 or Marine Magnum, as opposed to the rougher Express models. My old Marine Magnum was slick and smooth the day I bought it, and it has a larger safety button and barrel from Vang Comp, a Scattergun Technologies follower, a Surefire Weaponlight fore end, a Scattergun Tech front sling mount, and a GG&G rear sling mount, all installed by me, and I am no gunsmith. I also removed the extended magazine tube and installed a standard spring, spring retainer, and magazine cap, so as to reduce the weight and improve the balance. I always have other weapons around, so I would rather have less swing weight than more rounds in the mag.
 
I look at several gun forums http://www.gunsamerica.com etc. and I found a pre-Wilson Scattergun Technologies Border Patrol model for $450. I also have a Gunsite made 870 (Vang-Comp barrel, night ghost rings, sling and light mount, large safety, action job) and I think for the money, $450 was hard to beat. I am an 870 fan (5 of them in the safe) and you could haave one made locally and have a gun that you would be happy carrying.
 
Despite some negative press, I liked my Mossberg 590. I had rifle sights on mine, with a large ring-type peep-sight in the rear. Nine shots, WITH bayonet lug. Truly a blind man's weapon. I loaded mine with eight rounds of Activ, a red plastic round that I believe is no longer made. I kept it cocked so all my wife had to do was "rack the slide."

I sold it to a friend, but if I needed a similar weapon again, I would buy the same model.
 
If I were you, I would either buy a 870 home defence with extended mag tube($300 in a local gun store where I live), or 870 police mag( a little more). Both come with a 18" barrel and take 3" mags. You can replace the stock and fore grip if you want. You can get a local gun smith to put on Wilson ghost rings, and will save hundreds. Another option is you can pick up a used 870 and send it in to Scattergun, and they will do a great job converting, and refurbishing it. I sent in my Dads 1964 Wingmaster 870 to them and they did a Great job on it. Pay the couple of extra bucks and have them put on the jumbo head safty. The locking "J" safty is not a good idea on a defensive shotgun. Hope this helps, Reagan
 
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