Spencer Barrel Lining

[Joe Lansing]

    I was asked about Spencer barrel lining re my carbine which I sent out. I have not received it back, so I can't attest to the quality of work, but all the reports which I have seen are very positive and his prices very reasonable. The gunsmith who does these has a fine reputation. His name is Bobby Hoyt and his shop is in Fairview, Pa. He does not seem to have a web site, but if you Google his name, you can find an address and phone number.
   I am reluctant to give this out, partly because I don't want this construed as advertising, and I'll not quote any prices, so you'll just have to get it from him.

                                   JL

P.S.: My carbine is being lined and chambered for 56-50.

[Blair]

Joe.

I highly recommend the work Bob Hoyt does.
I would not, in my opinion, consider this advertising. He has been doing this sort of quality work for the N-SSA, on all types. of firearms for many years.
My best,
Blair

[treebeard]

Over the years I have had Mr. Hoyt reline a number of Civil War type muskets and carbines and never had one
I was not completely happy with. I have also had him rebore a Model 92 and reline another with equally happy
Results.

[Two Flints]

Hi Joe,

If it's Spencer related listing prices is OK . . . if it's Spencer related it's not considered advertising. Same, same, if you were selling something Spencer related, prices would have to be made known to potential buyers.

Two Flints

[Snakeeater]

Just thought I would mention another maker, Larry Romano, of Larry Romano Rifle Company, also does barrel relining not to mention building Spencer replicas from scratch. Five years ago when I restored a M1860 Rifle that had been cutdown to carbine length, Larry built me a new replacement 30" barrel, which though a little pricey ($750), I am certainly well pleased with the work and accuracy. My first three rounds at 50 yards offhand in individuals was two shots about an inch apart in the 10-ring, and one in the X-ring above them all nearly touching. Unfortunately, they were the sighters. Larry also relines musket barrels.

[Joe Lansing]

    I got my lined carbine back from Bobby Hoyt a while ago, and I put some loads together to try it out. It shoots great! I have yet to settle on a particular load, but working on it is half the fun. The carbine still needs lots of attention, and that's the other half of the fun.
    By the way, the charge for lining and chambering the barrel was $150.00.

                             JL

[Blair]

Joe,

Bobby does fine work and the price is well within reason. (just in my opinion)
My best,
Blair

[El Supremo]

Testimonials are nice:

But, with NO aspersions cast in any particular direction ----

I respectfully suggest that you agree in writing and in advance about what you want and what the barrel worker WILL provide AND authenticate.  I have seen some stuff from well regarded barrel makers arrive and then be determined to be way off, even rifling twist rate as well as widths of lands/grooves.  Some were several thousandths large and one had an odd twist that the 'smith couldn't even remember.  One was clearly never even inspected because of what was found IN the bore.  I've seen a newly barrelled gun returned with a test target "shot with the client's ammo", only to be discovered by the owner to be UNCHAMBERED!  Don't take anything for granted.

Those with N-SSA Forum FULL access might want to search there for proven 'smiths and contact the 'smiths that are referenced.   Read everything you can.  When you talk with them, it is often a matter of what they don't say.  Find one that TRULY specializes in Spencers and has a documented reputation you accept.

Be sure the barrel blank is REALLY stress-relieved.  Some either have not used them in the past or still don't. 

Respectfully,
El Supremo/Kevin Tinny

[Blair]

Kevin,

What are you saying and/or suggesting?
Have you had problems with Bobby Hoyt's sleeves, chambering and/or other types of barrel work? (I don't get that impression, but perhaps you should offer more info?)
He offers a huge variety of choices in caliber, chambers, rates of twist and number of grooves. This is usually based off of what the customer wants/request.
My best,
Blair

[Two Flints]

Hello all,

From what I have read over at the N-SSA Forum, Bob Hoyt has an excellent reputation for what he does . . if you do a Google search with the following 

hoyt barrel relining

you will get only positive links . . . just my two cents.

Two Flints