Turning a 77/44 into a "Garden Gun."

[PJR]

A "Garden Gun" is a subgauge shotgun meant for the quiet elimination of small pests such as squirrels or birds at short range. I've never been impressed with patterns from a rifled-barrel but was wondering if it would be possible or advisable to have a smith bore out a 77/44 and turn it into a "shotgun" for use with .44 magnum shot cartridges. Anyone done it? Thoughts?

 

[wwb]

Not sure what the barrel length is on a 77/44, but if you convert it to a smoothbore and the barrel is under 18" from boltface to muzzle, you have just commited a SERIOUS federal offense.

That said, a reamer of the proper diameter with a leading pilot would take care of the rifling in very short order.

 

[Snake45]

I wouldn't ruin a 77/44 by doing that. For the use you describe, a good airgun will work even better. Or perhaps a cheap .410 shotgun.

 

[dfletcher]

A "Garden Gun" is a subgauge shotgun meant for the quiet elimination of small pests such as squirrels or birds at short range. I've never been impressed with patterns from a rifled-barrel but was wondering if it would be possible or advisable to have a smith bore out a 77/44 and turn it into a "shotgun" for use with .44 magnum shot cartridges. Anyone done it? Thoughts?

I'd prefer buying a single shot shotgun or a bolt action shotgun in 410. The 77/44 isn't exactly cheap to start with, boring out the barrel will cost a few $$$ too.

If you'd really like something handy, small and different how about this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xByrKFWqdJ4

 

[Jimbo357mag]

...Or perhaps a cheap .410 shotgun.

You could get a new H&R single-shot 410guage shotgun for about $150.
Death to squirrels. 8) 8)

...Jimbo

 

[rugerjunkie]

For close range "garden" work why not just use a 44 shot shell in the 77/44 as it is and be done with it. You aren't going to hurt the gun and it will pattern more than good enough at close range.

 

[Lloyd Smale]

Thats my answer.

...Or perhaps a cheap .410 shotgun.

You could get a new H&R single-shot 410guage shotgun for about $150.
Death to squirrels. 8) 8)

...Jimbo

 

[T.A. WORKMAN]

I wouldn't ruin a 77/44 by doing that. For the use you describe, a good airgun will work even better. Or perhaps a cheap .410 shotgun.

+1 Very good point!!
Keep your 77/44 as is!!!!
JMHO
Terry

 

[SteelShooter]

If you want a great "garden gun". Pick up a G2 contender and a .45/.410 barrel with choke and put a reflex sight on it.

Great varinator

 

[PJR]

Were I to try this it would be only after I bought a second 77/44. I've tried the shot shells in my current rifle and they don't pattern particularly well much beyond a few feet. Perhaps a .410 would be a better option.

 

[Fenring]

Taurus Circuit Judge.

 

[toysoldier]

I believe that boring out the rifling would give a poor pattern. .22 smoothbores are bored to land diameter, not groove diameter.
A .22 shotgun is VERY quiet. My Winchester Model 67 a delight, and, in the hands of my elderly cousin's wife, accounted for a lot of garden-raidng birds.
BTW, Cricket Rifles says they are producing a .22 smoothbore, but it isn't on their website.

 

[Joe S.]

H&r single shot
Mossberg pump
Rossi circuit judge
Taurus judge

I'll buy you a mossberg and trade for the 77/44 if ya like.