New Life for a 130 Year Old Rifle- Barrel Lining

[Cholla Hill Tirador]

Picked up this 1886 production 1873 a couple of months ago. The rifle has seen some serious use and the bore was gone, so I decided to let John Taylor work his magic by lining the barrel. I pulled the barrel, sent it to him, and the 6 month turnaround was closer to one month. So, by Sunday evening I had the rifle reassembled and ready to go. I loaded up a few rounds (9.0 grs. Unique, 193 gr. RNFP from an RCBS 40-180 mold)and started at 25 yds. with the open sights. Very promising:

 

While I was there, I calculated the amount of elevation needed to put it "on" at 200 yds.; 6.5", so I set the tang sight thusly. Slid the bags over and began firing at 200. It took a couple of minor adjustments, but she was close to on in 3 or 4 shots:



I got off a little early this afternoon, so naturally, more shooting was in order. This time I loaded up 9.5 grs. of Herco under a "Cowboy" 187 gr. RNFP bullet:



It is so enjoyable to resurrect these old rifles!

CHT

[rbertalotto]

Love it! Had the same experience with a reline and wrote an article about it for Black Powder Magazine. You can find it on my web site... www.rvbprecision.com

[Cholla Hill Tirador]

 Yes sir, Mr. Bertalotto. Your project was my inspiration!

CHT