25-20 conversion

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Odinson

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Hi Folks, sitting here contemplating my Stevens Marksman 12 in 25 caliber. Thinking up ideas on how to make it live again so here is the question: Has anyone converted that caliber to 25-20? I did a bit of research and the pressures are not all that much more than 22 Long Rifle. I think it would be a relatively easy modification, certainly less headache than doing a sleeve job with a 22 insert. What are the thoughts on this? Thanks!
 
I am currently converting one of these rifles to 25-20
The most difficult part is changing it to centre fire.
Would appreciate any ideas on how to do this.
Jack
 
vagrantviking said:
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...ite-25-Stevens-Shooting-Again?highlight=25-20

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...8-Enjoying-the-Favorite/page2?highlight=25-20

Not sure how the strength of the Marksman compares to the favorite but here's some recent discussions on options and ideas.
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The Marksman 12 is a "tip up" in 25 caliber it is not a rolling block or what ever it is called. I have a rolling block in 32 and I'm going to sleeve it to 22 short I don't think that it is strong enough for 22 long rifle. The tip up, on the other hand appears to be much more robust.
 
jclayton said:
I am currently converting one of these rifles to 25-20
The most difficult part is changing it to centre fire.
Would appreciate any ideas on how to do this.
Jack
Click to expand...

I am thinking that I would drill out the firing pin channel with a small drill bit, tap the hole to accept a small screw that is cut to the exact length, loctite or JB weld it in place them re-drill in the new spot. I would naturally go with the smallest screw possible. I considered 25 ACP as well because, there again, the pressures are very close to those of 22 Long Rifle. The data I found was 22 LR was 24000 and 25 ACP was 25000.
 
There was a thread on here about a month or so back, a fella had a converted Marksman type Stevens. Might get some idea from looking at his pictures.

I would consider modifying a .22 Hornet case to very close, or at least, far closer, to the original dimensions of the .25 Stevens. .25 Hornet is a thing, and it would give you that much more material between you and the cartridge case wall.
 
I'm partial to the 25 hornet idea too. Most of these types of little rifles that I see have barrels in such rough condition it isn't worth the effort to do these kinds of rebuild. Better off with liners but they are so difficult to get now too.
 
The marksman will take it! I think it would be the lightest Stevens frame I would ever use, next to a 44,44 1/4 big brother, receivers.
I read somewhere not too long ago, that someone built one in 22 hornet, shots great, so we where told.
I think I still have a couple marksman receivers kicking around. Maybe one of these days...
Build away...and let us know how it goes.
Cheers
Brian
FYI I still have some 25 cal Steven ammo, lead and shot shells,some of the shotshell look like new....no not for sale! Lol
 
trevj said:
There was a thread on here about a month or so back, a fella had a converted Marksman type Stevens. Might get some idea from looking at his pictures.

I would consider modifying a .22 Hornet case to very close, or at least, far closer, to the original dimensions of the .25 Stevens. .25 Hornet is a thing, and it would give you that much more material between you and the cartridge case wall.
Click to expand...


I've been doing more research and it looks like going with the 22 Hornet brass might be the best direction indeed. Any idea or suggestion on where one could locate reloading dies?
 
Odinson said:
I've been doing more research and it looks like going with the 22 Hornet brass might be the best direction indeed. Any idea or suggestion on where one could locate reloading dies?
Click to expand...

Per the suggestion above, you are likely looking for CH Dies.

If you have any metalworking capability and a metal lathe, another option is to make your own reamers and use them to make dies. Rather than making a reamer like a commercial grinder would, make a D-bit reamer by turning the shape and cutting very close to half the material away, leaving a D cross section. Hardened and cleaned up on a sharpening stone, they give pretty good results.

And, now would be a good time to head on over to the Black Powder and Antiques sub forum, as there are about three different threads that have been dragged up to the top, that are pretty topical to what you are doing, including the thread I referenced earlier.
 
trevj said:
Per the suggestion above, you are likely looking for CH Dies.

If you have any metalworking capability and a metal lathe, another option is to make your own reamers and use them to make dies. Rather than making a reamer like a commercial grinder would, make a D-bit reamer by turning the shape and cutting very close to half the material away, leaving a D cross section. Hardened and cleaned up on a sharpening stone, they give pretty good results.

And, now would be a good time to head on over to the Black Powder and Antiques sub forum, as there are about three different threads that have been dragged up to the top, that are pretty topical to what you are doing, including the thread I referenced earlier.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the info. I'm fairly good with metal work over all but lack the lathe ....... but I'm working on a remedy for that deficit. My wife doesn't know that yet.
 
Odinson said:
Thank you for the info. I'm fairly good with metal work over all but lack the lathe ....... but I'm working on a remedy for that deficit. My wife doesn't know that yet.
Click to expand...

Well, best of luck in your search! Lots of options out there ranging from cheap to very expensive, and from almost total crap to very good quality.
 
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