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  1. #11
    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
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    You still need to do a slug of the bore and probably a chamber casting to see where you're starting out... Even if it's a fat 38spl chamber you can get enough brass to not worry. That is if you do that.

    The stock you can keep an eye for, you may find one or these guys might have one if you post a WTB hereabouts...
    Regards, Jim

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  3. #12
    Legacy Member rpchachee's Avatar
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    Thanks for the insights everyone. I will definalty consider the .38 special if it isn't already. I'll post more info when I find more out.

    ---------- Post added at 11:37 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:29 AM ----------

    Quote Originally Posted by rcathey View Post

    I take it you got a good deal on it as a cut down 50-70.
    As best as I can tell from the info I'm looking at online, the barrel is still the original length. Reciver and barrel serial numbers both match and have the same number font. I feel I got a pretty good deal. I just threw a number out there to the guy and he agreed. Paid $300. Not sure what sportered trapdoor go for tho. Never owned one till now lol.

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    Legacy Member Daan Kemp's Avatar
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    Measure the diameter of the chamber and the groove for the cartridge rim, and the depth of the chamber to the shoulder. It will give you the dimensions of the cartridge case, which will give you an idea of the cartridge. Should be easy from there to find the cartridge.

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    Legacy Member free1954's Avatar
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    whatever happened with this rifle? did you ever find the caliber?

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    Contributing Member ssgross's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by rpchachee View Post
    I figure a replacement stock would be the worst thing to try and obtain.
    Quote Originally Posted by browningautorifleicon View Post
    The stock you can keep an eye for, you may find one or these guys might have one
    Dunlap woodcrafts Chantilly, VA. I handled a couple full length trapdoor stocks last time I was in his shop a couple months ago.

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    Legacy Member rpchachee's Avatar
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    no sadly i havent figured the caliber yet. ill look at it for a while and then it sits in the corner for awhile. its an on and off curiosity.

    ---------- Post added at 04:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:28 AM ----------

    thanks for the info. ill check it out.

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    Contributing Member ssgross's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by rpchachee View Post
    no sadly i havent figured the caliber yet
    Sounds like you might need to cast the chamber with Cerrosafe
    https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...y-prod384.aspx
    It's cheap and melts easily in a spoon. Could be real fun shooter if if it's something common like 38 special. I haven't seen any trapdoor barrels in good condition for sale that weren't already on fully assembled rifles.
    Last edited by ssgross; 11-15-2021 at 08:43 PM.

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    Legacy Member free1954's Avatar
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    thanks for the reply. yes cerrosafe is real easy to use. what part of PA do you live in? i'm just north of scranton.

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    Legacy Member rpchachee's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by free1954 View Post
    what part of PA do you live in? i'm just north of scranton.
    a little south of clearfield.

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    Advisory Panel Patrick Chadwick's Avatar
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    My recommendation: don't waste a lot of money in trying to make it into a military-looking trapdoor again.
    And don't mess with the chamber. You don't (yet) know what it is.
    And don't trust bore measurement with calipers. Just not precise enough, because of the grooves.

    As suggested, you need to slug the bore. You need a well-greased SOFT lead slug. Do you know any ML/percussion shooters? A 36-cal round ball would be suitable. A 38er might also go, but would be harder work.

    If a modern 357/38 Special bullet falls through the bore, then you have one of the predecessors. I have a rifle which is like that. It took me quite some time to work out that it is chambered in ... (take a deep breath) ... 38 Long Colt Outside Lubricated !

    So once again: don't assume anything, don't mess with the chamber or trust calipers.

    Let us know the results!

    Patrick
    Last edited by Patrick Chadwick; 11-16-2021 at 05:17 AM. Reason: typos

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