Re-barrel options and advice

[jrk1259]

Picked up a nice looking 1917 from the CMPs recent sale, my first 1917. Barrel is shot, can feel the corrosion when cleaning, and can't see to get it all out. Test pattern was more of a spray than a pattern, and bullets were keyholing at just 50 yards. Can't see anything wrong at the crown. I know the Criterion barrel option is out there and likely a good one. My question - if an original manufacturer barrel in decent shape is available is there much value in going that route? I know there would be some risk in how accurate my gun might end up going that route. Just wondered what the forum members might think about going that route. Thanks

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[Chuckindenver]

stop trying to shoot the rifle...your doing more damage then you know, these rifles were used for honor guard service, and black powder blanks were used, after years of use the inside of the barrel has changed, unless you really know how to clean the crud, your raising the pressure 10 fold. like shooting a 30-06 in a .270.
i have guys say they saw sparks when shooting them...
iv installed well over 90 Criterian 1917 barrels, have yet to have a bad range report from anyone, the old crusty barrel is worth nothing short of the scrap. i give most the take offs to a friend of mine that builds muzzle brakes..they do make a great jack handle, or door stop for my blue tank room.
if you search the arcives of this forum, youll find a post i listed on how to clean the crud from them..you cant however fix the pitting your going to see after the carbon is gone.

[jrk1259]

Thanks for your input. I'm interested in your price to re-barrel my gun with a new barrel. But I still have the question - would my gun be more valuable/collectable with a take-off barrel in good shape that's the same year and manufacturer?

[Harlan (Deceased)]

I'd say it's pretty much a wash, jrk1259. Of course the 'pure collector' would prefer the original barrel for historical purposes, but the shot-out barrel makes the rifle worthless as a shooter -

Installing a Criterian barrel loses the originality, but now the rifle is functional and accurate. One guy would want it original as a wall hanger, and another wants it as a good shooter and appreciates the cost of the new barrel.

If you're wanting it as a shooter I'd let Chuck install a great new barrel and have fun shooting it. (JMO)

[Chuckindenver]

your welcome to contact me outside the forum for my rates.

[paulseamus]

Jrk1259

You can have the best of both worlds. Why not rebarrel with a new Criterion barrel and keep the original barrel.

That way you have a good shooter that can be restored back to original condition, if and when you need to.

Remember to pack the old barrel away in grease so that it does not corrode.

As to what's worth more, it depends on who has the most money to spend at the time that you are selling. The buyer who wants all original vs the buyer who wants a good shooter.

Paul