Convert my '94 Wrangler 30-30 to .45 Colt?

[Sky Soldier]

I bought this saddle gun about 10 years ago and now wish I had chosen .45 Colt instead of 30-30 Win.
I figure I should do some research on a caliber conversion.
I've searched around and not found a lot of links so I'm hoping someone will help me out.
Any and all input would be appreciated.

[Major 2]

better to sell it or trade it for one 

[Sky Soldier]

better to sell it or trade it for one 
[/quote

I would take that tack in a heartbeat but as you probably know, these guns are few and far between.
I'm seeking information so that I can weigh my options.
I bought this gun as a wall decoration and have only put about 20 rounds through it. Now that I have been doing some cowboy shooting I'd like to use it.
If I can replace the barrel or have it bored and rifled and change whatever innards that are necessary to change, I figure I'd have a brand new gun instead of an unknown used one.
It might be well worth the money.

[Dr. Bob]

I think, that upon examination, the cost of conversion will be nearly as much as buying an additional rifle.

[Old Top]

Sky Soldier,

I beleive that by the time you change the barrel and the innards that you will have more into the gun then what it is worth, it is also said that the 94 is not one of the best or easiest to play this game with.  My suggestion is to sell what you have and see about a 66, 73 or 92 in the caliber that you want.  I suggest the 66 and the 73 as that is what most of the people are shooting as they were made for the "pistol" (yes I know that the 73 was developed as a rifle caliber) ammunition.  I also suggest the 92 as it is not as much in demand and can normally be found for a lower price.  You may wish to check with EMF and see if they have any deals in the works, or if you are looking for the complete starter guns they have a two pistol, 92 rifle and double shotgun deal, I do not know the cost of this, however I have always found them to try to give the best deal possible.

Old Top
(also a sky soldier, just the 82nd and the 101st.  66 to 07)

[St. George]

Caliber conversion will definitely run you more than the cost of another carbine.

The comment about the '94 not being the best choice for C&WAS is spot-on, since that action is a 'rifle' action - handling a full-length round, and they're slower to cycle.

The predominant long guns are in the correspondingly shorter 'pistol' calibers, and they're far faster - whether they're '66's, '73's or Marlins.

You have a somewhat collectable gun that's tradeable - albeit fired - so acquiring something that'd suit this style of shooting more efficiently should be an easy task.

Good Luck!

Vaya,

Airborne!

[Sky Soldier]

Okay Guys, I get the message loud and clear but let's say that:
1...I am an enjoyer and not a competitor in cowboy shooting
2...I have an Uberti 1860 Brass frame Henry in .45 Colt to use in matches
3...I think this Wrangler is a great gun and I don't want to trade it. I would like to use it
4...I have never sold a gun, though I have bought a few

I would like information about the process of converting of the gun so that I can decide whether I want to spend the money.

St. George:  ALL THE WAY!!!
Old Top: "66 to 07", My hats off to you, Sarge
Dr. Bob: I'm sure your right, If I could find one

[Dr. Bob]

Howdy Sky Soldier,

You might have some luck on the auction sites.

     GunBroker.com

     GunsAmerica.com

     AuctionArms.com

These are the 3 that I look at most often.  I have found CAS guns there and bought a few.  Been very happy so far.

I am shooting the rifle & revolvers that I wanted from the start.  I'm not very fast, but make as much noise and smoke of the best of them!   I'm in a posse with pards that I have been running with for nearly 30 years and we have lots of fun!  Shot last Saturday on 2 - 3 inches of snow and had a blast.  That is what it's all about for me.  Good luck on your project!

[St. George]

If I were going to do it, I'd ask Brownell's - www.brownells.com - and see what one of their tech guys has to say, before I'd tackle it.

Alternatively - with a full-length round, you 'could' use it in long-range side matches using a lead bullet - but your shorter barrel wouldn't do you any favors.

The different parts can usually be found at Numrich - www.e-gunparts.com, and at Brownell's.

The only potential problem is in barrel installation - and you'll likely need someone who knows what he's doing to install it without marking it - not all 'gunsmiths' can do this simple chore...

This is a 'long' action - built for a tapered round - and a straight-walled case 'can' hang up when you try for undue speed, thanks to the greater distance it has to travel.

Again,  Good Luck - and if you do it - be certain to post the tale.

Sine Pari,

Out

[St. George]

Talked to a Winchester guy I've known a long time, and posed the question.

He got back to me tonight.

His advice is to buy a Model 94 in .45 Colt.

Anything is possible, if you want to throw enough money at it, but hardly anything interchanges between the two models, the rim diameter of the .45 Colt is larger than  the .30-30, the bolt stroke is shorter with the 45 (i.e. the geometry is different), the cartridge guides are different,  the carrier is different, etc., ad infinitum, ad nauseum.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Leo Tanner]

I have a Marlin .30.30.  When I learned the rules of the game I thought briefly about buying a new rifle or rechambering.  Then I took her out to the range yesterday and decided I was perfectly happy with Marline just the way she is.  If anyone has a lever gun as accurate and dependable as this one, they must have had it handed to them by the All Mighty himself.  If you already have a match gun, I'd say keep your rifle as is for personal use.  Try it with Remmington Accelorator sabbot rounds (lead tipped-no copper) on some full water jugs.  It'll make you smile

[Sky Soldier]

Actually, that's pretty much what I've decided to do.
Found some 170 gr. L RNFP Laser Cast bullets at Cabelas and it just happens that I got 2 38 Spec. loading die sets for Christmas (both from Cabelas) and I'm going to trade one back for a box of bullets.
The group of guys I shoot with don't have any rules about pistol caliber rifles so I can shoot the Wrangler all I want.
Now I have to figure out some Cowboy type loads for 30-30.
Many thanks to you all for your opinions and information.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

About 9 grains of Unique or Herco topped by a tuft of dacron topped with a cast bullet of your choice.

Some will argue about the dacron!  I have no knowledge of "Trailboss" or 5744.

HODGDON have "Cowboy Action Data" that might work for side matches.  (4198, 4895, & 777)