Win 94 38-55 rebarrel

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Sycogringo

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Have a vitage 1907 1894 in 38-55 with corroded pipe. Whats the best option to make it usable again. It’s a family relic …. Original stock,saddle ring stock is rough with deer count notches😁 (9). I will never sell it and i don’t mind caliber change if it’s an easier way. Thanks
 
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I would think that rebarreling with a used barrel for 32 special or 3030 would be possible with minimal headache. You could scour the Internet and likely find a barrel but if you decide to import from the US, it would cost you a hefty sum because it is a ex permit required item.
 
my first thought would be to use your favourite gunsmith that you trust or one of these gentlemen on here will direct you to a confident gunsmith who can make this salvage of a family heirloom an awesome reality I know of a few here in Alberta, but depending on your location
 
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I will follow this cause I’m in the same boat an old 1898 I think mod 94 38-55 worn out/corroded barrel family rifle that use to be my grand father!
 
EasternCountryBoy said:
I would think that rebarreling with a used barrel for 32 special or 3030 would be possible with minimal headache. You could scour the Internet and likely find a barrel but if you decide to import from the US, it would cost you a hefty sum because it is a ex permit required item.
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That was my first idea …..stilla great option.
 
mmattockx said:
This may be heretical, but I would save that family heirloom 1894 exactly as it is and get another one to carry on the tradition with instead.


Mark
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My great uncle used it…..my uncle used it….. my father used it…..it’s not going on a wall….and for me… it has more value if i can use it mabe even for a first deer rifle for my nephew.
 
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Deathrawt said:
Can you have the barrel relined?
I know you can have rimfire 22, barrels relined but not sure if they can do that to a center fire barrel
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I thought about that also….. they use to line old 303 with .22 cal for practice shooting……. Don’t know about large cal/big bore.
Wll call local gunsmith after hollydays
 
Sycogringo said:
I thought about that also….. they use to line old 303 with .22 cal for practice shooting……. Don’t know about large cal/big bore.
Wll call local gunsmith after hollydays
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I thought ofrebarreling in .375 win and using it for reduced loads/led bullets but amo is at least as expensive/scarce as 38-55.
 
In my experience, top eject 94 barrels have a high probability of indexing. Not necessarily headspacing, but indexing may not be an issue. Whether or not headspace is within limits will depend on bolt, locking block and receiver wear. I recall replacing the barrel on a 4 digit receiver with a take-off from a commemorative, and it torqued in to index very nicely.
There are differences with front sights, bands, etc. that will affect interchangeability.
A take-off .30-30 barrel (the most likely to be found) could be rebored to .38-55, if that caliber is the desired one.
Least expensive option would be installing a take-off .30-30.
 
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Gerald Smith (Ron Smiths son) can likely reline it. A buddy of mine has had probably a dozen or more lined by both Gerald and Ron. Might have to go smaller bore but Gerald can tell you what you can go with. You will have a nice shootable rifle with no need to try to match the aged finish.
 
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Carbines of that era had the front sight base integral with the barrel metal. It's not a separate piece. That will complicate rebarreling if you're looking for a new barrel but want to keep the original look. The front barrel band is also in a different position from later carbines.
 
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9.3mauser said:
Carbines of that era had the front sight base integral with the barrel metal. It's not a separate piece. That will complicate rebarreling if you're looking for a new barrel but want to keep the original look. The front barrel band is also in a different position from later carbines.
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No need to look original…..just want it to be nice looking and fuctional…i would keep all original parts in case i want to put it back to original
 
I could get a liner instaled in 32sp if doable.
Already have one so i would have one bullet mold for led cast and could source brass for one cal.but would realy love to keep it as a 38-55.
 
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Sycogringo said:
I thought about that also….. they use to line old 303 with .22 cal for practice shooting……. Don’t know about large cal/big bore.
Wll call local gunsmith after hollydays
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Contact Ron Smith at RKS gunsmithing. He does various relines. 38-55 is a lower pressure black powder cartridge originally, so I would think it's doable. - dan
 
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