Possible project

[Chance]

I have acquired a Uberti Henry in .44/40 smoothbore. I would like to convert it to .22LR rimfire. What pitfalls do you see in this project?

Chance

[rbertalotto]

"Smoothbore"

[Coffinmaker]

PLUS ONE to rbertalotto

Plus:  the pitfalls are too numerous to mention 

[Chance]

They are not uncommon - I have seen a number of these over the years.

Coffinmaker, please elaborate.

Chance

[Abilene]

Since Uberti makes .22LR 1866's, perhaps that bolt and carrier could be used, to avoid having to modify the original parts.

A .22LR Henry would be one heavy (son of a) gun.   

[Coffinmaker]

Chance, OK   

Here goes.  Step one is to source a Breach Block and Firing Pin.  I think, if I remember right, the Breach Block is a completely different size from the "norm" and the frame may have to filled and re-bored for a smaller breach block.  Source a Carrier block.  The Carrier Block will have to be way different.  Same design but for a whole lot smaller cartridge.  Or, fill an OEM standard carrier block and re-bore it.  If OEM Breach Blocks and Carrier Blocks are not available commercially (VTI Gunparts), you get to make your own.  That will be gobs of fun.  Once you have a Breach Block and Carrier, it's time to pull the barrel and have it relined to 22 and then chambered, and head spaced.  Once that is accomplished, we have to line the magazine tube, source a spring and follower and cross our fingers.    

It is my guess, by the time you finish the project, if you can, you will have way more Than the price of a new Uberti 22 invested.   

[Major 2]

Chance, OK  

Here goes.  Step one is to source a Breach Block and Firing Pin.  I think, if I remember right, the Breach Block is a completely different size from the "norm" and the frame may have to filled and re-bored for a smaller breach block.  Source a Carrier block.  The Carrier Block will have to be way different.  Same design but for a whole lot smaller cartridge.  Or, fill an OEM standard carrier block and re-bore it.  If OEM Breach Blocks and Carrier Blocks are not available commercially (VTI Gunparts), you get to make your own.  That will be gobs of fun.  Once you have a Breach Block and Carrier, it's time to pull the barrel and have it relined to 22 and then chambered, and head spaced.  Once that is accomplished, we have to line the magazine tube, source a spring and follower and cross our fingers.    

It is my guess, by the time you finish the project, if you can, you will have way more Than the price of a new Uberti 22 invested.  

piece of cake     so you're saying there is a CHANCE 

[Chance]

I figured that as the Henry and the 1866 share the same mechanism that the rimfire bolt and cartridge lifter from the latter would fit the former. As an FFL I can get these at cost from Uberti. I have a gunsmith who will do the barrel reline. The magazine tube and cartridge follower will be a bit more problematic, but I hope not impossible.

I could buy a new Uberti at trade but a .22LR Henry would be a bit different don't you think?

Chance

[Coffinmaker]

You'll need a Hoist and Derrick to hold it up. 

[Mike]

Dont bother. part will make it expensive. I will take it of your hands in July. 

[Chance]

Hey, Mike, you coming back to the Homeland in July?

Chance

[Chance]

You'll need a Hoist and Derrick to hold it up. 

Yep, wouldn't want to be shooting it off hand all day! I've tried the 1866 rifle (24") in .22 and it was not too bad. Granted I would need to add a sleeve to the magazine tube but maybe aluminium would do that so perhaps not too much extra weight. This is just in the thought stages at the moment but I will keep you posted if I decide to pursue it.

Chance

[Mike]

yes, back for ten days. I cant leave the gun safe for any longer.