32 rimfire favorite into?

In Frank De Hass book on single shot rifles he notes that the Stevens Favorite in .32 rimfire could be converted to shoot .32 S&W cartridges but not .32 S&W Longs (the action would shoot loose). I converted a 1915 Favorite to .32 Long with the intension of using reduced loads. However, I have used quite a few factory cartridges (several hundred!) and the action is still nice and tight. I mounted a Redfield 2X scope designed for a Winchester 94 on the barrel and at 25 yards I can get essentially one-hole 5-shot groups. It has proved very deadly on Grouse! When I converted the gun I fitted new action pins made from high strength steel (from Grade 8 bolts). Perhaps that is why it remains tight. It sure is fun to shoot!
 
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.32 Short Colt or S&W, light loads, and wear safety glasses ALWAYS!

Seriously. Reline it to .22. No matter how old it is, it has to be over .33 cal to be considered an antique. If it's gonna be registered, it might as well be usable.

Stick to standard velocity loads, too. The whole load on those is taken on the two screws that hold the innards in. They are not fully supported all the way across the inside of the action, and can flex a bit.

I like the old Favorites, they are not really strong actions, though.

Edit: Ironnose, did you make the pins any larger in diameter? That would make a huge difference.

Cheers
Trev
 
Hello Trevj,
No, I did not make the pins much larger in diameter but made them a very "snug" fit. The block still closes up very tightly on the breech face and there is no problem with extraction of fired cases. I have condsidered larger pins for the future; your suggestion is good.
Regards to you and Mooncoon,
Ironnose
 
Stevens

Iron

Any chance you'd like to add another of these to your collection? I have one that I have no intension of doing anything with, any interest? FS
 
I have one I'm thinking of relining to 17 hmr the liner almost fits perfectly in the bore
now just to get off my butt and order the parts
 
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