5 Steps To Build A Side By Side Shotgun

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Building a side by side shotgun can be a fun and rewarding project for gun enthusiasts. With the right tools and materials, you can create a unique and functional firearm that meets your needs and preferences. Here are the 5 steps to build a side by side shotgun:

Step 1: Plan and Design Your Shotgun

Before you start building your side by side shotgun, it's essential to plan and design the project carefully. This involves deciding on the type of shotgun you want to build, the materials you'll use, and the features you want to include.

Consider the following factors when planning your shotgun:

• Caliber: What caliber do you want your shotgun to be? Common calibers for side by side shotguns include 12, 20, and 28 gauge.
• Barrel length: How long do you want the barrels to be? Common lengths range from 24 to 32 inches.
• Stock material: What type of material do you want to use for the stock? Options include wood, synthetic, and laminate.
• Action type: What type of action do you want to use? Options include boxlock, sidelock, and hammerless.

Choosing the Right Materials

Once you've decided on the design and features of your shotgun, it's time to choose the right materials. This includes the barrels, action, stock, and other components.

• Barrels: You can purchase pre-made barrels or have them custom-made to your specifications.
• Action: You can purchase a pre-made action or have one custom-made to your specifications.
• Stock: You can purchase a pre-made stock or have one custom-made to your specifications.
• Other components: This includes the triggers, hammers, and other parts that make up the shotgun.

Step 2: Prepare the Barrels

Once you've chosen the materials for your shotgun, it's time to prepare the barrels. This involves cutting the barrels to the desired length, threading the ends, and installing the chokes.

• Cutting the barrels: Use a hacksaw or a pipe cutter to cut the barrels to the desired length.
• Threading the ends: Use a threading die to thread the ends of the barrels.
• Installing the chokes: Use a choke tube installer to install the chokes in the barrels.

Barrel Preparation Tips

• Always wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with power tools.
• Use a vise to hold the barrels in place while you work on them.
• Use a cleaning rod to clean the barrels after each step.

Step 3: Assemble the Action

Once the barrels are prepared, it's time to assemble the action. This involves installing the hammers, triggers, and other components.

• Installing the hammers: Use a hammer installer to install the hammers in the action.
• Installing the triggers: Use a trigger installer to install the triggers in the action.
• Installing other components: This includes the sears, springs, and other parts that make up the action.

Action Assembly Tips

• Always wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with power tools.
• Use a vise to hold the action in place while you work on it.
• Use a cleaning rod to clean the action after each step.

Step 4: Install the Stock

Once the action is assembled, it's time to install the stock. This involves attaching the stock to the action and installing the recoil pad.

• Attaching the stock: Use a stock attachment kit to attach the stock to the action.
• Installing the recoil pad: Use a recoil pad installer to install the recoil pad on the stock.

Stock Installation Tips

• Always wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with power tools.
• Use a vise to hold the stock in place while you work on it.
• Use a cleaning rod to clean the stock after each step.

Step 5: Final Assembly and Testing

Once the stock is installed, it's time to assemble the shotgun and test it. This involves installing the barrels, action, and stock, and testing the shotgun to make sure it's functioning properly.

• Installing the barrels: Use a barrel installer to install the barrels in the action.
• Installing the action: Use an action installer to install the action in the stock.
• Testing the shotgun: Use a shotgun testing kit to test the shotgun and make sure it's functioning properly.

Final Assembly and Testing Tips

• Always wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with power tools.
• Use a vise to hold the shotgun in place while you work on it.
• Use a cleaning rod to clean the shotgun after each step.

We hope this article has provided you with the information and guidance you need to build a side by side shotgun. Remember to always follow safety guidelines and use proper techniques when working with power tools and firearms.