I picked up a mossberg 835 ulti-mag with a 24" ribbed ventilated barrel. It's really a beater. Kinda looks like it rode around in somebody's truck tool box for a couple of years. Gander mountain passed it on it's safety check said it's functional at least.
This is going to be my home defense gun. I don't know that much about shotguns and I know you guys are all experts, so I need some advise. I can't find a shorter barrel for it. Is it possible to have it cut down to 19 inches or so? That would cut off the choke and threads. It has a full bb lead and steel shot choke tube in it now. I want to use a good defensive load not birdshot in it. I don't hunt anymore so I just want something defensive. It's got a black fiberglass stock and forend. Any suggestions about barrel length, and what kinda shot can be used as it is now? Thanks everyone in advance.

Have the barrel cut to the legal length and re-crowned or cut and re-threaded for the choke tubes if the inside diameter will allow it. I find that Medium choke works well with #1 Buckshot.

Thanks G-Man. I ended up finding a 22" ribbed barrel for it also and that seems to be ok for inside the house. This one had a modified choke in it so that should be okay for #1. Thanks again.