Bent Rem. 1100 Barrel...

[Regal Beagal]

Hey Folks,

Purchased a standard Remington 1100 20 ga. for my daughter. I decided to shorten the 28" barrel to a 21" and have interchangable ckokes installed. I didn't check the barrel or shoot the shotgun before sending it off to have the barrel work done. Hind sight is always 20/20... Got the barrel back and the barrel was 21" and the chokes installed. A couple of weeks ago I finally got a chance to check it out. After shooting at a few clays and missing I felt somethig wasn't right so I had my buddy shoot it and he was also missing clays. At this point we both realize that there is something wrong. We took a couple of shells and patterned the shotgun, both shells hit left of the bullseye. So we take a look down the barrel and about a quarter of the way down the barrel is bent to the left. Is there anyway that the barrel can be bent back to point of aim..??

[bulletslap]

Yes with blocks and a arbor press - or even a sturdy tree fork is you are lucky and carefull.

[Gazz]

I have bent barrels, rather straightened them by using wooden blocks bored through with the appropriate diameter hole and then halved through the hole. On a heavy bench or table, rest the barrel on two of them, one either side of the bend and then another on top right at the bend (which is up). Use a heavy clamp to squeeze the top one down until you take the bend out of it. Go slowly and check often. Good luck!

[Regal Beagal]

Gazz,

I forgot to mention that it has a ventilated rib, So I guess with the top piece of wood I would have to make a knotch to except the rib..or am I missing something here. I get the wood blocks on the sides but not the top. Since the bend is left can I just use the side pieces and use the press to straighten it out or do you need the top piece to keep it from bending upward when you begin the pressure? I was also thinking that one block should be longer on the left side and the one on the right should be shorther centered where the bend accures?

[Gazz]

The blocks (more accurately called bending shoes) I have made are typically equal length. You will have to cut a notch in them for the rib as you have guessed. I have found heavy c-clamps to be easier to use or at least have more control than the arbor press but perhaps that is more personal preference. Everytime I have tried to do it in an arbor press I seem to have to figure out a way to support the barrel beyond the edges of the press base. Using a c-clamp on a heavy table or bench seems easier to me. Go slow and check your work frequently.