Marlin 1893 in 38-55 - Thoughts on the barrel?

[Gimebakmyboolits]

I recently acquired this Marlin 1893 (38-55) from 1898 and was wondering what people thing of the condition of the bore.
Video of the bore
https://youtu.be/rlBRXy8c6ns
Thanks in advance!
John

[John Taylor]

It may shoot OK. Slug the bore and see what size you have. Most have a .379 groove when they are in good shape but I have seen a few that are out to .381. Size your boolits to .001" over grove diameter. If it don't shoot well you can have the barrel lined.

[Bazoo]

I think it looks pretty good. I would expect it to shoot good.

[ATCDoktor]

I watched the video and it does look bad down towards the chamber.

Bores that are questionable like that are a rule unto themselves.

Some rotten bores will shoot fine, some will not; you’re gonna have to clean it up and see if it’ll group.

I bought this one (Marlin 1893 38/55) off Gunbroker with what was described as a “good” bore (it was not) it was worse than yours by several orders of magnitude.


Bore at the muzzle would take .375 diameter jacketed bullet down passed the cannelure:


Rounds wouldn’t stay on a 12” plate at 100 yards.

I ended up having to have it relined and it shoots fine now:

[Gimebakmyboolits]

Thank you all for the advise! I am going to try and clean it up, slug it and get to the range and see how it groups. If it does poorly I'll probably be calling someone in Lewiston Idaho! ..... Thanks again!!

[725]

That bore looks great. Just slug it for measurements and you'll be off to the races. Well done.

[farmbif]

thats A very nice gun doesn't look like it was shot too much or abused at all and from those two photos bore looks very good especially since that gun is how old exactly treat it well and it will last at least another hundred years

[country gent]

I think the bore will be fine if it dosnt shoot to your standards try running a few paper patched bullets thru it. They may polish up the rough areas and improve it. A 100 or so with a mid range loading will take sharp edges off

[Ruts]

A bit of work to get the lead out but it looks ok

[freakonaleash]

My marlin in 38 55 shoots a 255 grain .381 bullet well.

[Gimebakmyboolits]

Spent last night trying to clean out the barrel then I slugged it today (first time I've ever done this) using a .40 cal (0.395) musket ball. I get 0.3765-0.377 but..... it fell free somewhere in the last inch or so of barrel. Here is how I did it so you can check my work. I started by chambering a dummy round that measured 2.50 OAL and then inserting a dowel into the barrel, marked and measured it at the muzzle (23 11/16"). Started the ball down the barrel and with 5.5" to go it got super easy and just at around the last 1" or so to go (from the point where the nose of the chambered bullet would have been) it dropped. I am going to get it out to the range next week to see how it groups.. Wish my dad was around since I know back in the day he would do a chamber casting to measure things..