.32 RF to .32-20?

oldrodder

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I was watching a video recently where Larry Potterfield converted a Remington rolling block from .32 RF to 32-20
Anybody know if this is possible with a Stevens falling block?
 
If you are talking about a true falling block Stevens, ie the 44 1/2, then it is possible.

If you are talking about a swinging block, such as a Favorite or a 44, then it is not advised. On a Favorite it would be downright insane.
 
I was watching a video recently where Larry Potterfield converted a Remington rolling block from .32 RF to 32-20
Anybody know if this is possible with a Stevens falling block?

I think you need to be cautious about which model you change. The model 44 and 44 1/2 would be OK, but I would be very hesitant to change a Favourite to 32-20. Beyond that, you need to slug the bore and compare that with the bullet diameter of a 32-20. There can be considerable variation in the bore dimensions of antique rifles .

cheers mooncoon
 
I think this is a reasonable enough point to ask.

Do you have a video camera and tripod?

Might be able to cover some of your med costs when it goes viral on Youtube.

A Stevens Favorite is pretty much crap for anything more likely than a LR cartridge loaded to about equal to old BP loadings, so in a modern equivalent, what would be called "Standard Velocity" ammo, not High Velocity. A really tight one will only stay that way for a while shooting HV ammo. 17M2, 17HMR and 22 mag are really good ways to spray bits of case over your face and eyes. The breech block is only held in place by two screws, neither of which i fully supported on ether side of the breech block. This allows the screws to flex under load, and the cases tend to separate as a result.

A 44, which looks like a bigger Favorite, is a pretty reasonable action to make a more or less modern rimfire upon, but were prone to shoot loose to, with heavier ammo.

A 44 1/2 is a true falling block action, the breech block drops straight down instead of pivoting around a screw through the frame, and is a whole different breed of animal, quite capable of being made into a nice small, safe, centerfire rifle. Almost on par with a Win High Wall, maybe halfway between a High and a Low Wall Winchester, say, as an approximation. CPA makes a modern version and they scaled it up, too increase the range of calibers that could be safely chambered.

There is an awful lot of High Velocity loaded 32-20 out there that is not safe for use in older revolvers in that chambering, that was meant as hunting ammo for guys that had Win 92 lever guns and the like. Liable to make life all too interesting for someone that thinks the stuff is all the same.

Cheers
Trev
 
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