Johnathon Browning Mountain Rifle

[Brutus]

Is it viable and safe to take this modern reproduction of a caplock hawken rifle.
Have it reamed from .45 rifled bore to smoothbore .635 caliber?
IIRC, the barrel is 1 1/8 diameter.
Thoughts??

 

[slug]

Probably safe.
However, I've never seen one and they look well made from the photos.
Originals may become quite collectible in the near future.
I'd look for a T/C Hawken and have a switch barrel combo.

 

[tiriaq]

What size are the breech plug threads?
A 1 1/8 barrel should be able to handle .635. Or 20ga, which is .615.
What is it going to cost to have it reamed?

 

[Brutus]

5/8 diameter at 18 TPI according to my research. It's said this threaded breech plug is secured with silver solder. Not sure if this a concern or not?
I have yet to contact a gunsmith.

 

[Mr Bill]

Don’t do it…I searched far and wide to find a Johnathon Browning Repro. Finally got one in Florida and what a well made, accurate and beautiful rifle it is. If you are going to sacrifice a black powder rifle and turn it into a smoothbore find a T/C Hawken. They are common and about $500.

 

[sean69]

5/8 diameter at 18 TPI according to my research. It's said this threaded breech plug is secured with silver solder. Not sure if this a concern or not?
I have yet to contact a gunsmith.

mmmm plug size is smaller than bore diameter - you will need a new/larger plug as well.

 

[boxhitch]

.

 

[Brutus]

Thanks Sean. This is what I needed to hear.
Not a really viable idea.