30-30 to 38-55

[Black River Johnny]

I have an old model 94 that was made in 1899. It is in good shape. there is a sliver of wood missing on the bottom of the wrist. I only paid a few bucks for it in the 80's. I was thinking of getting a 38-55 barrel and converting it to that cal. thinking that I may shoot it more. I was just trolling for some thoughts from you guys. What do ya think? Thanks. It will cost around 125 bucks with out the headspace rental.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

If it is of 1894 manufacture, I have two thoughts;
1.  if in good shape, it probably has some value that might diminish with any change.
2.  Is it in .32-40?  If so, and the barrel is good enough to shoot, just use it as is.  .32-40 is a great caliber on its own and not difficult to get going.  There are good .32 moulds available, dies are common, and cases are easily formed from .30-30 or .32 Special.

[Black River Johnny]

oops that was a typo it was made in 1899.

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[Black River Johnny]

It is a 30-30 or .30wcf - I put it at around $950-$1350 value.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

I'll still go with my first thought.

[Professor Marvel]

Greetings my Dear Johnny -
I really do agree with our good Sir Charles - rebarreling such an original piece would certainly diminish it's value, unless the existing barrel is already shot out; and the total cost of rebarelling (unless you are doing the smithing yourself)  would go a long way towards another rifle in the desired caliber....

yhs
prof marvel
(opinions are like heads ... everybody has one)

[John Taylor]

I have converted more than a few 94s to 38-55 with no problems. Your rifle would have some collector value because of the age but if converted carefully it could be changed back when you get ready to sell it. The most common problem I see with barrel swaps on the 94 is failing to open the action when unscrewing the barrel. This will mess up the bolt face and the back of the barrel and possibly break the extractor. One thing to watch for is the gag tube plug. Your rifle may take one with a lip that goes in a cross groove in the barrel because of it's early production. Later ones use a long screw that goes into a hole. A late barrel will fit an eary gun but the mag plug will need to be switch also. There is no set date on the different plugs.

[Black River Johnny]

Well I took your advise and left my original 30-30 '94 alone. I traded a guy some action work for a 1972 made 30-30, got the pre chambered 38-55 barrrel from Numrich. I had to reshoulder it to get it to index right but the extractor cut and the Head space all worked out. I got a pre 64 forearm and fitted to the gun, that took a little work, the Numrich barrel is wide and not tapered. The tubes that numrich sell are great they just have to be cut to length, found all the other parts (tube ring, tenon, cap) at different places. I stripped the finish of the reciever and cold blued it for now, when it gets warmer I will charcoal blue it. As with the wood I sorta antiqued it a little to match the metal so it all looks used by a few years. I put a williams receiver sight on for my wife, she will be using it next month in Texas, hog hunting. When we get back I will take it off. So far it shoots great. Not a bad project.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Johhny;  I really like your new .38-55.

It needs a tang sight, ''though.  Lyman #2 perhaps?