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This was originally a Mossberg 185 K-A  bolt action shotgun-dated 1925- O.F. Mossberg & Sons-Model 185 K-A -20 Ga. 2/3/4 inch with a Poly-choke.. Bought it off my granddad when I was about 13 or 14 for $25. Fortunately, it  was not a family heirloom, just one he had picked up somewhere-- My pheasant hunting gun for many a year-Many a tasty dinner provided by this shotgun-- Bolt action shotguns fell out of favor because the bolt was considered to be too slow & heavy to get a 2nd shot-- However, mine I would match against any pump action for speed, with it's 2 shot clip  & one in the pipe--Now the drama-- While doing some routine cleaning/oiling probably 25 years ago, it slipped from my hands  & landed butt first on a concrete floor which broke the stock literally in half-- Therefore, I resurrected this gem as a home defense weapon, after a little profiling and a shortened barrel-BTW. still legal length-- Not the best pic, but my photo editor is being contrary--

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That shotgun brings back memories to me John.  I grew up hunting with a Mossberg bolt action 20 gauge just like that one except mine had screw on choke tubes instead of a poly choke.  If I remember right mine was a Model 185-D.  I walked many a mile through the woods and fields on our farm and the neighboring farms carrying that shotgun.  When my father passed away my brother got it and a Mossberg .22 rifle.  While he was still alive my brother let the rifle get away.  I don't know what happened to the shotgun after my brother passed away.  I need to ask my sister if she knows.  I would sure like to buy it back.

Just as a point of reference-- Here is the original configuration for the Mossberg-- This one is about 30 years newer than mine, but the same basic profile and design-

Not a thing wrong with that...

That's a great looking gun - with and without a stock!  Thanks for sharing, John!

Nice job on the redo.

Great looking home defense gun. Nice recovery.

Bet my old Ithica 37 Feather Weight could give her a run on speed. I can jack a load with one hand.

Gotta love the ol' girls!

Thanks for sharing.

Wow. Nice conversion job John.

Thanks all for the kind comments-- I honestly don't remember what all I did to reprofile it, other than a hacksaw to the barrel- I just couldn't stand to see a great ol' gun go to waste--- 



John McCain said:

Thanks all for the kind comments-- I honestly don't remember what all I did to reprofile it, other than a hacksaw to the barrel- I just couldn't stand to see a great ol' gun go to waste--- 

I still have mine.  Don't use it much anymore.  Replaced it with pumps and an auto.  Still a great gun.  Carried it through my college years when I couldn't afford much more.

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