modification of an NEF sb-1 20 gauge

Question
Hello Sir.

Thank you for your time.  I ended up with a NEF Pardner, Model sb1, 20 gauge, break action single barrel shotgun.  It has a modified choke, 26" barrel.  The buttstock has been modified, severely and needs to be replaced.  

First question: do you recommend the synthetic or wood stocks?  I perused the internet, and they seem to be priced relatively the same.

Second: Given some of the synthetic stock choices (somewhat shorter) it seems cutting the barrel back to 20-22" might make for a better balanced and a bit handier firearm.  I understand doing this would make the barrel an improved or open choke.  Can a gunsmith remedy this by tapping the barrel to use screw in chokes?  Is this worth the effort.

Basically, I would like the pro's and con's of modifying this simple, but strong shotgun to a shorter length.  If you have some books or technical articles to recommend, I would greatly appreciate this.

Again, thank you for your time.

Answer
It very much depends on what you want the gun for. Looks aside, I like synthetic stocks better because they are impervious to weather and more rugged.

The length of the barrel is determined by what the gun will be used for. Short barreled guns are usually used for close range, so a cylinder bore should not be a problem. The answer to whether screw in chokes can be installed is "maybe." A gunsmith would have to look at your particular gun and see if he was comfortable with how thin the walls would be to do that.

18-20" guns are usually used for self defense. For further distances, a rifled slug could be employed, but if it were my gun, I probably wouldn't bother with trying to modify the choke in any way once the barrel was cut back.