51 conversion Barrel Lining

SlowJack · November 14, 2020, 11:48:21 AM

Hey pards,

I have 2 ASM 1851 First Model Richards conversion. One has a slight barrel bulge and I was looking to get it relined. I called Howell and was told they would not do it. I sent messages to Kirst, and Gary (Hoof Hearted) and have not received a reply from either. The revolver shoots fairly well but I know it is there and it bugs me. Any idea's?

Major 2 · November 14, 2020, 01:16:00 PM

Where is the bulge ?

You could Bob the barrel and make an avenging angel

SlowJack · November 14, 2020, 02:21:24 PM

I might be able to have it shortened to 3". Then I'd loose the ejector housing. Not my first choice but I will keep it in mind as an option. Thank you for your input.

Dave T · November 14, 2020, 04:33:54 PM

Over the 50+ years I've been messing with guns I've known a number of people with ringed or bulged barrels. In almost every case they shot just fine. One of them, a long time 2700 Bullseye shooter had a S&W 38 Special that got a 148g WC stuck halfway down the barrel from a squib load. He didn't notice and cranked off another one, bulging the barrel. He swore it shot better with the bulge than it had before.

I would learn to live with it if you can. It's probably not worth what it would cost (unless you doit yourself) have have it fixed/undone.

YMMV,
Dave

Major 2 · November 14, 2020, 06:16:24 PM

another option, fine a donor gun , many became just that ...and score the barrel

Abilene · November 14, 2020, 07:01:32 PM

Quote from: Major 2 on November 14, 2020, 06:16:24 PM
another option, fine a donor gun , many became just that ...and score the barrel

Or similarly, find someone who has a wall-hanger (due to action problems, of course) and swap them your barrel if they don't want to give up their gun.

SlowJack · November 15, 2020, 11:48:18 AM

I have been looking for parts and even other guns but these seem to be really scarce. VTI said when they bought all of ASM's parts they received no conversion barrels. And none of the others are close enough to work. Just figured at the prices listed on Kirst, and Howell's site for reclining that would be a way to go and but for some reason it seems they do not want to do this. So I know it is being done reasonably by 2 companies (3 if Gary is still doing work) and was looking for someone to do it. I guess Kirst and Howell are set up for the others and it would be too much trouble to do an ASM for just one.

Thanks for all the help pards. I will keep looking. If anyone comes across one please drop me a note.

Coffinmaker · November 15, 2020, 01:56:17 PM

YEP. Just piling on.

PLUS ONE too Major 2 and Abilene. Only parts your going to find are already on someone else's gun(s). Just advert Want To Buy on all the gun boards and crows yer fingers.

Hide and Watch.

Professor Marvel · November 15, 2020, 06:41:01 PM

My Good Slowjack

You might just be able to find a .44 1851 ASM percussion barrel on Fleabay.
it might take a tish of fitting, but Then lining it is a cinch.

Or just shoot it

yhs
prof marvel

Coffinmaker · November 16, 2020, 08:43:46 AM

Ah My Good Perfesser

Nope. Not an option. Actual percussion barrels won't fit the "conversion" frames. Plus would take some major 'shine work to fit the ejector assembly. Oh Poo Poo.

Stay Well and Avoid People

Professor Marvel · November 16, 2020, 03:02:11 PM

Quote from: Coffinmaker on November 16, 2020, 08:43:46 AM
Ah My Good Perfesser

Nope. Not an option. Actual percussion barrels won't fit the "conversion" frames. Plus would take some major 'shine work to fit the ejector assembly. Oh Poo Poo.

Stay Well and Avoid People

Awww. Poot.
thanks for the correction!

prf mumbles

River City John · November 16, 2020, 03:59:42 PM

They do make great paperweights.

SlowJack · November 16, 2020, 10:21:24 PM

Well I'll just keep waiting. The barrel is numbered and original and I really want to keep it that way. Maybe someone will start up lining them and I can get it fixed. Not ready to let go of that hope yet. I can always cut it down to a 3". Action is really nice on both of them. And is a good copy of the Richards 1st. Thanks for the help. Ifin ya hear anything about someone lining 51 barrels please let me know.

Happy Trails.

Abilene · November 16, 2020, 10:28:35 PM

Well, yeah, it would be a good copy of a 1st model Richards except that originals were all '60's. '51 conversions didn't come along until Richards-Mason. But still cool guns. Hard to believe nobody wants to line it. I'll bet there's other gunsmiths out there that will do it, just a matter of finding them. At least it is shootable! Good luck.