Convert Marlin 1894 from 25-20 to 38-40 or 44-40?

[Bibbyman]

I recently bought an old Marlin 94 (made between 1907 and 1936 so stamped 94 instead of 1894).  It had been cannibalized and has major and minor parts missing.   The most major is the breech bolt.  Stumbling onto an affordable bolt will be critical in getting the old gun back in functional order. 

If I should run onto a a breech bolt and barrel in 38-40 or 44-40, can they be fitted to the smaller caliber frame?

I know the magazine tube would be larger and the hole for magazine tube would have to be enlarged.   And probably the carrier would need to change.

Has anyone converted from small caliber to large?  Or seen it done?

[Galen]

Once you find your parts send it to Bob Hoyt for a reline job. Cheaper then a barrel.

[Coffinmaker]

Ah Heck.  This one Stumps me.  Normally I wouldn't stick my toe inna water without something positive to add, or nasty, if it's a Monday.  But, I don't honestly know the answer.

There is the worn out answer.  You can do anything with enough folding money to throw at it.  Personally, were it mine and I needed to chase "everything," I'd stick with the small caliber.  Everybody has 38-40s and 44-40s.  25-20 not so much.

Coffinmaker

[Bibbyman]

Well, I already have two early model Marlins in 32-20 and another in 25-20.  Finding one in 38-40 or 44-40 is far more difficult and expensive. 



Here is my 94 rifle in 32-20.

[Coffinmaker]

Aw POOP.  So much for that swell thought.  Already have a 25-20. 

Well, in that case, I'd probably start chasing a 38-40.  Most everybody has a 44-40 of some sort.  38-40, not so much.  I still don't have a good answer on the caliber switch on that frame though.

On the other "road."  I does appear I'm gonna score a really nice Husquavarna M-51 12Ga Hammer Gun.  Not original condition, but nice anyway.  2 1/2 inch chambers which are perfect for Brass 12Ga.  Guns-R-Fun!!

Coffinmaker

[treebeard]

I think the key is if there is a different frame size in Marlins for the small calibers compared to the 38/40-44-40 size.  I do have personal experience with the Winchester 1892. I was able to take a 38-40 to 44-40 with no other work than a Bobby Hoyt rebore. No functioning problems and turned into a very accurate rifle at a significantly lower cost than a reline.. I also looked into doing the same on a 25-20 to 32-20
But in the end decided not to .  Of course I would only consider doing this with hopelessly shot bores.
I would also like to say that the 25-20 is a lot of fun to shoot and dirt cheap to reload. My 25-20 1892 saddle ring carbine would probably be the last one I would sell.