Sourcing a new barrel

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  • n9vmo

    Plinker
    Jul 25, 2010
    42
    8
    OK, here goes.

    I have a family heirloom percussion cap rifle that needs a new barrel. I'm not quite sure of the age but I was told that it dates from the mid 1800s. I have been able to shoot it and it is a sweet little rifle. the problem is the last time it was shot, it wasn't cleaned or stored properly and so the bore has rusted pretty badly.

    It is an oddball caliber at .32 cal and is rifled.

    My question is does anyone know of someone that would be able to make a new barrel for it?
     

    55fairlane

    Master
    Jan 15, 2016
    2,216
    113
    New Haven
    .32 isn't oddball for a muzzle loader, and if you rebarrel you can change to any caliber,........just about any 'smith worth a darn can rebarrel this rifle.

    No my question is, how does the rifle shoot ?? I have seen guns with a sewer pipe for a bore shoot just fine.
     

    n9vmo

    Plinker
    Jul 25, 2010
    42
    8
    .32 isn't oddball for a muzzle loader, and if you rebarrel you can change to any caliber,........just about any 'smith worth a darn can rebarrel this rifle.

    No my question is, how does the rifle shoot ?? I have seen guns with a sewer pipe for a bore shoot just fine.
    The last time I shot it (1984 time frame) it shot like a dream. The bore itself seems to be fine, it's what I would call a chamber (inside the breech) that I'm really worried about. When I swabbed it out, it came out with chunks of rusty metal.

    I don't want to change to another caliber partly for sentimental reasons (family heirloom) and also because I have the original bullet mould and powder horn.
     

    msuspartan

    Plinker
    Jun 29, 2011
    70
    8
    Fishers
    OK, here goes.

    I have a family heirloom percussion cap rifle that needs a new barrel. I'm not quite sure of the age but I was told that it dates from the mid 1800s. I have been able to shoot it and it is a sweet little rifle. the problem is the last time it was shot, it wasn't cleaned or stored properly and so the bore has rusted pretty badly.

    It is an oddball caliber at .32 cal and is rifled.

    My question is does anyone know of someone that would be able to make a new barrel for it?
    You could have the barrel resized to a different caliber thus keeping the original barrel. (my personal option) Look on the National Muzzleloaders website, nmlra.org. They would have someone dealing with that or call Flintlocks LLC, myflintlock.com. Mike is very knowledgeable about who might be able to help you out. Keep yer powder dry Mate!!
     

    Remington 90T

    Marksman
    Mar 8, 2023
    241
    63
    Brodhead Wisconsin
    The last time I shot it (1984 time frame) it shot like a dream. The bore itself seems to be fine, it's what I would call a chamber (inside the breech) that I'm really worried about. When I swabbed it out, it came out with chunks of rusty metal.
    If the bore is fine --good wire brushing-clean your flash hole -Worst thing you might need is a thicker patch. would make a great squirrel gun.
     

    ol' poke

    Sharpshooter
    Jan 14, 2010
    633
    28
    Before goimg the relining/replacement rouite, I'd gove that ol' bore a GOOD scrubbing. Talke your time and bronze brush all of trhe rust out, then season it with Ballistol. You might find it shoots fine as it is. I hatre to see heirlooms be thrown aside. This "neglect' only adds to the gun's history.
     

    Cameramonkey

    www.thechosen.tv
    Staff member
    Moderator
    Site Supporter
    May 12, 2013
    31,686
    77
    Camby area
    I don't want to change to another caliber partly for sentimental reasons (family heirloom) and also because I have the original bullet mould and powder horn.
    But the minute you replace the barrel, heirloom status is shot IMHO. Its no longer your great grandpappy's rifle.

    But the mold issue is a valid one.

    You could also just get new molds. Not expensive.
     

    Leadeye

    Grandmaster
    Jan 19, 2009
    36,690
    113
    .
    Over the years of cleaning up and refurbishing old guns I've been surprised how well some clean up using the same method ol'poke is describing.
     
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