H&R 20 gauge single shot barrel size

[stringtalker]

Hey guys, ive got a H&R 20 gauge single shot that im wanting to convert to a turkey gun. Ive had it for 36 years, so its a older model. What size does the barrel need to be to install remington choke tubes in this gun. Or will i have to use some other thread pattern, thanks

[firedup]

I tweaked up an H&R 20 a few years back. I had the barrel cut off pretty short so there was plenty of metal lift for boring an threading for a choke. A good smith can tell ya. Unless your a machinist, you will need to get it done professionally anyway. I went with the Invector type threads cause there are so many choke options available for that style.  Good luck how ever ya go.

[allaboutshooting]

Hey guys, ive got a H&R 20 gauge single shot that im wanting to convert to a turkey gun. Ive had it for 36 years, so its a older model. What size does the barrel need to be to install remington choke tubes in this gun. Or will i have to use some other thread pattern, thanks

I also have one of those older H&R "Topper" 20 gauge shotguns. That I purchased over 40 years ago.

Several years ago, I had the chamber lengthened to 3" (there's plenty of steel there for that) but left the barrel alone. Mine is choked full and does a good job with 3" Hevi-13 shells with 1.25 oz. of #7 shot. It also does well with the Federal Heavyweight #7 shot.

That may be something that you want to try before cutting and threading the barrel. I suspect that you'd need to have it cut pretty short, as was noted earlier, and that you'd need to have it threaded for either Win-Choke/Invector or some thin wall (not recommended) choke.

The H&Rs are really great little guns, simple actions and easy to carry. The only drawback to the older ones like yours and mine is that with a loaded chamber, if the hammer is struck hard enough or the gun were to fall on a hard surface and the hammer is struck, the gun can fire. There is no hammer block (transfer bar) on them like you find on the more modern version of the guns.

Thanks,
Clark

[R AJ]

Many of the 20 gauges single barrels are choked modified so if it is a full then it may be worth going to a 3" chamber anyway. If you go to both then you can buy a used one or new one in 3" with chokes for less than the alterations. You probably know that already and want the nostalgia factor.

[stringtalker]

My gun has a 3" chamber already, and its a modified choke. Ive been thinking though, my local gun shop has a 20 gauge mp18 baikal youth model that i think i will buy. The barrel is plenty thick so i think it can be threaded for remington tubes, what do you all think?

[allaboutshooting]

My gun has a 3" chamber already, and its a modified choke. Ive been thinking though, my local gun shop has a 20 gauge mp18 baikal youth model that i think i will buy. The barrel is plenty thick so i think it can be threaded for remington tubes, what do you all think?

I have one of those in 12 gauge as well. Just a couple of things you should know. It's a very strong action with a thick steel barrel as you stated. It has many safety features, cocking indicator, cock/decock feature, no exposed hammer, etc. that are desirable. I had mine threaded for Invector+ chokes without having to cut the barrel at all, and it is a shooter. You should be able to have it threaded for just about any thread type.

On the "be careful" side, the lever used to break-down the action is sharp and can really do a number on you, especially when the recoil sends it back into your middle finger. I've learned to keep a very tight grip on the forend.

The trigger on mine in very thin and not at all comfortable to shoot. It can pinch your trigger finger badly between the base of the trigger and the trigger guard, if you're just a bit low on it.  I'd check that on the one you may buy. I've not seen the 20s, so don't know if it's the same. Mine is a very early gun, 2001, and they may have improved both of those on these later models.

Mine has good wood, an engraved nickel receiver and a ribbed barrel, and back then it was a real value. It's still a lot of gun for the money.

Please let us know what you decide.

Thanks,
Clark

P.S. Since your gun already has a 3" chamber, you may want to try some of those Hevi-13 or Federal #7s through it. You may find that they work pretty well.

[SumToy]

cut the forcing cone and thread it for chokes.  Then go have fun.