Rebarrel or Reline a Roller

[Chase]

I posted this on BROW.  From the lack of response, I am thinkin' they are thinkin' I'm a bit crazy.
In a nutshell, looking for ideas on changing a Remington  Rolling Block in 43 Spanish to shoot a pistol
cartridge.  I'm a bit on the cheap side and wonder if it would be better (read cheaper) to reline the barrel for 45 colt,
rebarrel the gun, or if it would be possible to just rechamber it to shoot 44's. since the barrel diameter is .439.
This gun has no collector value and has been cut down to a carbine length.

Also looking for a gunsmith within 1-2 hours of Indianapolis.  Would rather drop the gun off than ship. 

Any feedback short of telling me to see a doctor, would be appreciated.

[Texas Lawdog]

You might check with Jed Cooper  Aka Dave Holligsworth who is a retired Indianapolis PD officer and a gun collector. He might be able to recommend a gunsmith around the Indy area or refer you to someone who might be able to.

[Delmonico]

Not a crazy idea, just did't really know what would be best.  Bore is to big for 44 by about 0.010"  also a new extractor will be needed. 

[Texas Lawdog]

What about 45 Colt?

[Delmonico]

What about 45 Colt?

A bit to small. 

[Shotgun Franklin]

What's the point in changing to a pistol cartridge?

[Delmonico]

What's the point in changing to a pistol cartridge?

Because he wants a pistol caliber.

[River City John]

So that it could be used as a main match rifle at anybody's range without sending them into a tizzy about target damage, I'm guessing? (I shoot a baby rolling block carbine in .45lc as a main match rifle.)

Before I settled on my Pedersoli, I looked into modifying a Danish RB in .43 Spanish by shortening the chamber and correcting headspace to take a customized .45-70 case for loading with a reduced length slug. There was a brass supplier that would cut down 500 cases into what would amount to a ".45-40 Government".
But by the time I added up all the cost, it was cheaper BY FAR to just buy the $800.00 Pedersoli carbine.

My intent was to replicate the Remington RB carbine the Navy used after the CW, although it was chambered in .50-40 (it shot a 385gr bullet under 45gr BP, total cartridge length 1.328 inches).



RCJ

[Jed Cooper]

RCJ, The caliber doesn't matter since Phil. forgot how to get to the range We ain't seen him at a shoot in forever   Just teasing Phil.  Get with me. I found a local gun smith that specializes in cowboy stuff. He is on the south side. Goes by Manatee.  Name is Greg Timm. Can't find his number right now, but I know where I can get it. If you don't have my number, email me.   Dave

[Marshal Davis]

The 43 Spanish is a big cartridge with at least a 50 caliber head and rim maybe bigger. That is the reason you'd have to change extractors. Unless you converted to something like 50 Spencer centerfire from Starline. If you know anyone who has a Spencer and has a shell case you could insert into the breech to see if the extractor will pick it out or not. The 50 Spencer shoots a 350 gr or so bullet but only over about 35 grains of black or equivalent so it should be fine on cowboy targets plus be an authentic caliber or close as it would also be very similar to the 50 US carbine load of the era. Maybe someone would have a 50 caliber carbine barrel of some sort that could be threaded to your action. Reloading for 45 Colt would of course be a little cheaper but I don't know where you would get an extractor to match unless someone handmade one to fit your gun.

[Chase]

Thanks to all those who have responded thus far.

Yes, Jed it is true I have not made it to the range for some time.  My horse was shot out from under me.  I have taken a couple of arrows in my right leg  by some not-so-friendly indians (sorry OCB) and the recent rains has made it difficult to find the trail.  I recently was leaving this old mine with a bag of gold dust when I was ambushed by a couple of unfriendly sorts who took everything I owned but my life.  And since the only gun I owned was this old RB with no boolits, I could not defend myself.
Hope my luck will change.

River City--you got me interested in these RB's since you shot one at an NCOW shoot.  I like them for their simplicity, reliability,
and just plain good looks.  Wouldn't mind taking mine deer hunting along with shooting it at the range. 

Jed, I will try to get in touch with Mantee and if I can't I will get to you for the number.  Thanks for your help.

[River City John]

Why don't you buy mine?
Best offer over $850.00 + shipping.

Dixie Gun Works lists them for $1,050.00 + S&H, and they aren't customized with correct sling swivels.

RCJ