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November 7, 2015
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I sent a “shooter” 1892 in 32WCF off to John Taylor to be relined early last summer. This rifle had been shot a LOT but not abused. Bore would not work with cast, let alone cast and black powder. Action is very slick with no slop so after kicking it around for some time I sent it to John. He comes highly recommended, folks on another forum told me it was difficult to tell he had relined a barrel. I have no intention of deceiving anyone but that level of workmanship intrigued me.
November 7, 2015
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Finally got around to checking in with John today, actually wound up visiting with him on the phone for awhile. Then he said some things that left me at a loss for words.
He said the barrel was 23″ long, suggesting it was cut off at some point. Probably a worn muzzle/crown. I’ve known there was Something odd about this rifle but even though I had a similar (but a bit later) rifle at the time I never noticed it. Someone did a pretty good job!
Then he really surprised me. He said he could add that missing inch (for a nominal fee) and it would be difficult to detect. Finish on the barrel is 60% or a little better so I was a little skeptical. Since this rifle will never be more than a shooter for me I passed on John’s proposition but it impressed me that such a high level of precision was possible.
November 7, 2015
Online
On a sadder note my general purpose gunsmith is temporarily (I hope!) all but blind. He suffered two detached retinas recently and after three surgeries he can watch TV by stacking two pairs of glasses. He is awaiting two more surgeries to (hopefully) restore his eyesight. He’s a very good general ‘smith with a special talent for upscale double shotguns. Many double shotguns are built with the wood intentionally proud to facilitate fitting and/or refinishing after heavy use so his work quite often looks better than a new gun.
He’s got a 94 short rifle of mine for minor repairs, it’s over 100 yrs old so it can wait until Larry is able to tackle it again.
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They call that stretching the barrel. They weld on a piece of barrel and the old dovetail then its relined. The problem always been matching the finish and the cheaper gunsmiths just glue in the liner which can be spotted at the muzzle while the better ones weld them in.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
TXGunNut said
…folks on another forum told me it was difficult to tell he had relined a barrel.
You see a mirror bore in a well-used gun from the BP or pre-non-corrosive period; what is the probable explanation?
Furthermore, even if there’s no telltale “line” at the muzzle, there’s sure to be one at the breech, if you take the trouble to look closely.
November 7, 2015
Online
Another clue is the twist rate, Clarence. Liners today do not have the “correct” twist rate but that would be hard to determine through casual observation.
He offered to add the inch for $100, Bob. That sounds like a lot of work, especially if he “stretches” the magazine as well. For some reason the “short” 92 always felt better to me than my standard 92 in 32WCF. Could be the shorter barrel, I don’t know. I think John’s primary focus is industrial and possibly aerospace machine work but he loves old rifles and takes pride in helping them shoot again. I hear relined barrels are quite often very good shooters, I’ll let you know in the coming months.
TXGunNut said
He offered to add the inch for $100, Bob. That sounds like a lot of work, especially if he “stretches” the magazine as well…
Does sound reasonable, especially since his ordinary relining jobs aren’t cheap, compared to others. What is supposed to be the cost for the reline job alone, if you don’t mind my asking?
November 7, 2015
Online
clarence said
Does sound reasonable, especially since his ordinary relining jobs aren’t cheap, compared to others. What is supposed to be the cost for the reline job alone, if you don’t mind my asking?
I don’t recall, Clarence. I’ll probably know in a day or two. IIRC it seemed reasonable and he comes highly recommended. I know he’s not cheap but knowing he’ll get it right is worth something. My shooting buddy sent his one of his rifles off to another ‘smith to reline recently and something went wrong. I don’t know if something got tweaked or damaged but something’s not right.
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