RE: Remington Sportsman 48 20 gauge
 

I got a sportsman 48 in 16 guage and it is in need of a new barrel. I have been unable to locate a barrel for it. Checked gunpartscorp.com and they did not have it the last few times i checked. I will probably saw the barrel to the front of the tube and use if for close-in home defense.

RE: Remington Sportsman 48 20 gauge
 

The Sportsman '48 is a variation of the Remington 11-48 introduced to comply with new hunting laws (I think waterfowl laws). It came with a crimped (the dimples that you are talking about)magazine tube that allowed it to be loaded with only 2 shells. The fact that one round can be placed in the chamber brought its total capacity to three shells.

Perhaps you can purchase a magazine tube from an 11-48 and retro-fit it. If I am correct, an 11-48 barrel is interchangeable with an sportsman 48. I purchased a "Mohawk 48" barrel that fit my 11-48.

11-48 parts are fairly easy to get. Check with Vintage Sporting in Huntsville, AL. I purchased some parts for my father's 11-48 and they were great to deal with.

Hope this helps.

RE: Remington Sportsman 48 20 gauge
 

Please Son... Do NOT modify that gun!!! I don't think your totally familiar with what you have there!
That ol' Remington is worth something... not a fortune, but it certainly is somewhat of a collector piece.
Good luck with it!