Bulged my Barrel

[DJ]

I bulged the barrel on my Uberti replica of a '73 Winchester musket.  Yeah, I know, you have to pay attention even in the heat of competition, but I had a momentary lapse, and now I have a bulge.  It's not visible from the outside, because it's under the forend, and it still shoots OK, but it is now the devil to clean--seems to accumulate lead and ashes in the bulge.  My question--is there an economical way to fix it?  Can in be relined?  If so, about how much should a 30-inch .44-40 barrel cost to reline and chamber?  A replacement barrel is in the vicinity of $250 (ouch) plus installation.  Or do I just keep using it as is until I wear the gun out?  Is it liable to fail at some point?

Thoughts?

[Modoc]

DJ

Just had an orriginal '92 in 38-40 relined.  Previous owner had bulged it twice!!!   It cost around $250 US to have it done, so I am not sure if there is much advantage against replacing the barrel.  Depending on where you are, my local smith (after doing mine) and I recomend Binke (sp?) in Klamath Falls, OR.  Some of our pards from the Jefferson State Regulators may have his contact info, the 13 month old got ahold of my copy .  Good luck with what ever you do.

[St. George]

Were it mine - I'd replace the barrel or look to see about shortening it to carbine length - depending upon the location of the bulge.

It won't fail - but you 'will' be making a few more passes down the barrel with your cleaning rod to clean out accumulated fouling.

A barrel liner runs about $110 retail for the standard 'rifle-length' - check with Brownell's.

Installing it can be the expensive part, unless your 'smith (or you) have the necessary tools and a bit of experience.

They're generally soldered - but can also be epoxied...

Good Luck.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!