Once the mag tube issue is resolved I’d have a new barrel made and mag tube if necessary. A good restorer can age the new parts to look like the rest of the gun. I’d keep the original parts with the gun so a future owner could re-install it if the restored barrel bothers him that much. Do not restore any other parts.
Chuck said
Once the mag tube issue is resolved I’d have a new barrel made and mag tube if necessary. A good restorer can age the new parts to look like the rest of the gun. I’d keep the original parts with the gun so a future owner could re-install it if the restored barrel bothers him that much. Do not restore any other parts.
Chuck – what are your thoughts on having the barrel stretched? What I like about that option is over two-thirds of the original barrel is retained and most importantly, the original barrel address and caliber markings are retained as well. The person doing the work can match the finish to the existing barrel finish. I agree with your statement that no other parts should be restored – other than the magazine tube of course. I think it could end up looking quite nice – and very impressive
Chuck said
Once the mag tube issue is resolved I’d have a new barrel made and mag tube if necessary. A good restorer can age the new parts to look like the rest of the gun. I’d keep the original parts with the gun so a future owner could re-install it if the restored barrel bothers him that much. Do not restore any other parts.
That was my first thought. Like I said earlier the gun has plenty of condition of it’s own and fully intended to leave it as it is.
The barrel shortening is part of the guns history. Is it enough to know that the rifle at one time had a 36″ barrel and still enjoy it?
Can you still shoot a gun with a stretched barrel?
I think I might like the replace the barrel and tube and keep them with the rifle for a possible switch back in the future.
steve004 said
Chuck said
Once the mag tube issue is resolved I’d have a new barrel made and mag tube if necessary. A good restorer can age the new parts to look like the rest of the gun. I’d keep the original parts with the gun so a future owner could re-install it if the restored barrel bothers him that much. Do not restore any other parts.
Chuck – what are your thoughts on having the barrel stretched? What I like about that option is over two-thirds of the original barrel is retained and most importantly, the original barrel address and caliber markings are retained as well. The person doing the work can match the finish to the existing barrel finish. I agree with your statement that no other parts should be restored – other than the magazine tube of course. I think it could end up looking quite nice – and very impressive
![]()
I have no experience with stretching barrels.
oldcrankyyankee said
Well Looks like Mark has recently acquired the machine to fix my problem! A barrel for a vintage rifle produced on a vintage rifling machine. Maybe I could talk him in to making one for this rifle?
I recall he mentioned he had .45 and .50 caliber cutters….
If your 86 is case framed then any barrel and tube replacement only needs to match the general condition of the rifle not the color of another blued part. If your 86 is blue, matching shades of blue is hard, matching wear is impossible either way.
Keep all replaced parts for a future change back, whether that be you or the next owner. T/R
1 Guest(s)
