Rifiling in an origional 73 rifle

Dusty Tagalon · July 16, 2008, 05:59:06 AM

I made an assumption that the rifling in my 73, (manufactured 1903). was shot out. Under closer examination, with a flashlight, the riffling ends about 2" from the muzzel. Other then the last couple of inches, the rifling is strong. There is no sign of rifling in the last couple of inches. Anyone hear of anything like it?

Dusty

Mossyrock · July 16, 2008, 09:49:48 AM

Sounds like cleaning rod wear......

James Hunt · July 16, 2008, 02:27:57 PM

I had that occur in the very first antique firearm I bought - a 94 Win in .38-55 circa 1906. I ended up having the barrel relined rather than cut. I have also seen the rifling reasonably strong with moderate pitting, but a pitted ring with no rifling about 1 - 2 inches from the end of the barrel which destroyed accuracy. As was the case in a 92 win in my .38-40 circa 1900 which I ended up relining also. (I eventually learned to look down the bore before I bought a gun.) Neither is uncommon in early BP firearms in my experience. Cut it or reline it. If the latter I'd recommend Randy Redmond.

Irish Dave · July 16, 2008, 04:52:49 PM

Mr. Hunt:

Do you have contact info for Redmond? Isn't he in WA or OR??
I had it, but lost it.
Got an original '73 that needs a new bore.

Thanks.

James Hunt · July 16, 2008, 07:09:27 PM

Dave: try this www.redmansrifling.com/relining.htm

Mr. Hunt? MR. HUNT?? I tolerate that kind of talk from Brass because he is 20 years my junior. But you sir! I would suggest that your age demands you refer to me as either Jim or a pejorative of your choice! The implication that I am somehow your significant senior which demands age related respect just won't fly around here!!!! I shall not let you get away with wrongly attempting to play the youth card on me!

Irish Dave · July 16, 2008, 08:29:14 PM

Many thanks for the relining info. That's the guy.

Well, while we could quibble for some time about things like relative age, actual seniority and such, I will acceed to your request and simply refer to you as "Jim" or "James" in future correspondence.

You said I might also use the perjorative of my choice, but I can assure you (as you certainly should already know) that my supply of perjoratives is broad indeed -- and quite colorful. They would hardly be appropriate for a gentleman of your stature.

I trust you feel that you have received satisfaction in this matter.

Dr. Bob · July 17, 2008, 12:35:54 AM

James,

I guess that I'll have to start calling you sonny boy!

Will Ketchum · July 17, 2008, 09:06:28 AM

Quote from: Dr. Bob on July 17, 2008, 12:35:54 AM
James,

I guess that I'll have to start calling you sonny boy!

WHat was that young man?

Will Ketchum

James Hunt · July 17, 2008, 11:32:46 AM

It is tough being 39! Dr. Bob and Will, I have always enjoyed the telling of your experiences in the real wild west!! And, of course Irish Dave's bountiful wisdom built upon years of experience is always appreciated!!!

By the way Randy does really really nice work. That Win 92 of mine is a real tack driver (unfortunately the little gun is a nice looker but way past my time period) and only the perfectly cut and somewhat shiney end of the octagon barrel contrasting with it's patina really indicates any work being done. Not so with the .38-55 I had relined by someone advertising nationally in the Shotgun News - the rifle shoots well, but there are some handling marks on the barrel that weren't there before (looks like someone used a vice grip to turn the barrel and it slipped) and the gun arrived with the brass bead front site broken off, all after he said three months and took near eight months to complete. But Randy's work is sheer artistry. Although many suggest not fooling with an original, the use of his name is usually recognized and helps keep the value of the firearm (in my opinion).

Ol Gabe · July 17, 2008, 04:48:30 PM

Kids, kids, kids!
Please listen to your Elders and acknowledge their information as it has been learnt through the College of Hard Knock!
OK, NOW HEAR THIS!
Any and all 'antique' or 'old firearms' should automatically go to a gunsmith knowledgable in that area of expertise, of course these folks are few and far between these days as legal litigation is higher than in the past, soooooo, seek out a known reliable gunsmith that is willing to work on such items and pay the freight with a smile.
Where are these fellows? Sad to say many are not handling the older firearms these days, perhaps we as an org need to seek out same and offer them 'free' advertising in the sorta-on-time mag to get them more work so they'll be able to stay in business, or not.
Well, just a thought from this 'old' Shooter that has a need for old firearm repairs.
Best regards and good wrenching!
'Ol Gabe
P.S. Today I was told I was "...old enough and almost eligible for a Lifetime Fishing License...", thanks bucko!