Rolling block project ideas - looking for guidance

[cdnrokon]

My shooting partner has a orig in 38/40 in mint condition if you are interested complete with dies and brass

 

[grouch]

I'd be with Mooncoon - a 32-40 or 38-55 would be more in keeping with history, and a 32-40 won the plain based bullet and grand championship at the Cast Bullet Association nationals in 2015. Very light recoil I would think. The big rolling block enjoyed a well deserved reputation for accuracy. I have one(just like in Tradeex) rebarrelled to 45-70, restocked, and with good peep sights. It has given me four consecutive five shot groups at 100yds that averaged under 1". I'd suggest a longer barrel for better appearance and better balance. Some weight is helpful. The sporters at tradeex weigh about 8.5 lb. which really isn't very heavy, and have a 34" barrel.
Grouch

 

[BCRider]

Thought about 32-20? antique and light recoil. .38 colt is period correct and holds less powder than the other .38 .

Starline brass is available for .32-20 as well. And as I recall it was a proper rifle round in its day to boot if that matters at all.

If money isn't an object keep in mind that there's other options for a rifle to be handed down through the generations. Things like Winchester low walls and Stevens 44 1/2's come to mind. There's even a fellow in the US making replica Steven's 44 1/2's which are expensive but superb quality. (search for CPA rifles) So if cost is not a major concern that might be something worth looking at. You'd need to use someone like IRunGuns to get it into the country but that's pretty minor for a classy firearm such as this would be.

 

[vagrantviking]

Can anyone recommend any gunsmiths who do work on rolling blocks? Preferably someone who has a good variety of reamers.

One I plan to send to Ron Smith for one of his barrels but I already have a barrel for another one.
I've heard of Mike Magee in Saskatchewan but can't find if he's still in business. Any others?

 

[toolmanscbs]

Mike Magee has passed away.

Can anyone recommend any gunsmiths who do work on rolling blocks? Preferably someone who has a good variety of reamers.

One I plan to send to Ron Smith for one of his barrels but I already have a barrel for another one.
I've heard of Mike Magee in Saskatchewan but can't find if he's still in business. Any others?

 

[a j cave]

A 32-20 in a cadet martini would be a hoot. A 25-20 with cast would be fun in the gopher patch.