44-40 Stub job

[Texas by God]

I'm ordering a Green Mtn 44-40 25" rifled blank to build a rifle from a 12 ga NEF topper. I will be taking pics along the way.
My first stub job so I will be bugging at least a couple of you guys.......
Before you say to do a .44 mag instead- No. I have a soft spot for the 44 WCF.
Best, Thomas

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Jedman]

Before you cut that shotgun barrel off think of this option. I have done over 20 liner in a shotgun barrel to make single shot rifles. Mostly from H&R shotguns and the topper is the best of them as it has the slim barrel profile already.
You can turn your 44 blank to fit closely into the shotguns chamber and bore and epoxy it in.
The big advantage to this method over stubbing it is you save not only having to make and attach a new forend stud plus no need to refinishing the whole barrel.
Everyone I have built is as good of a shooter as a stubbed barrel which I have also done many of and much less work.
Starting with a raw blank and profiling it threading it and your stub is a lot of lathe time.
If you like the profile of the topper barrel you only need to drill and tap for a scope base or add rifle sights and cut to length.
Just another option to consider.

Jedman

[Texas by God]

Thank you for that option. I have done something similar with bushings and a 9mm UZI barrel.
I'm planning on a finished weight of no more than 8 # so that will dictate the route I take. Thanks again.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[sukivel]

Yeah I want to know how this turns out! How dd you decide the 44 wcf would be okay in this topper? You probably know why I’m asking...from another thread...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

The 44 WCF as loaded by the factory is very low pressure if a 73 Win will hold it. Whatever cartridge below the 30-30 in pressure will work.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

I'm anxiously awaiting a package from Green Mountain. Any day now I hope. I'm going to use another Topper instead that has straight grip stocks and pretty colors on the frame.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

Not a great pic.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171128/244fb36baec2f0d362666f84480c88d1.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

Now THAT"S a barrel!
Lots of chips to be made. I'm thinking 20" finished will be plenty long for the 44 WCF.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171206/7503b742b3f2ec1fbdb3b8f078876305.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171206/360810a28c42978c74b3908581361122.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

Going to take it to the machine shop tomorrow. I'm following Jedman's advice by leaving the stub long enough to keep the for end attachment.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[map55b]

Sounds like fun! I have a copy of Ellis Browns (https://www.amazon.com/Building-Double-Rifles-Shotgun-Actions/dp/0971480206) book if you need any reference info. My mentor has built a bunch of rifles on shotgun actions. Normally he uses a donor barrel to build a mono block.

Oh: I also have a Green Mountain 44-40 blank to fit to a Hopkins Allan Saddle Ring falling block. Project number.....um ... who's counting. :)

[izzyjoe]

This will turn out nice, keep us posted!

[Texas by God]

Making progress. I have a .44 pistol blank if someone needs it!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171228/4edf3c94cbaf91692af581da80f9df90.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Dryball]

Very nice. How long is the "extra" piece and what are the bore/groove dimensions?

[Texas by God]

I'm away from the house right now. It is the 25" Green Mtn 44-40 blank if you want to google it.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Jedman]

Lookin Good ! :awesome:

[Texas by God]

5"

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

5"

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk.422" x.429" O.D. is 1.06"

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[3leggedturtle]

My weakness would be a 38WCF, even have a bag of brass waiting to be used. I did a 32SWL liner in an over under 410. Friend turned it down to fit in chamber for the head spacing, works great and I can't wait to do more shooting and testing when I get back in the spring. Hope your build goes good. It'll be worth it when done. Hardest part is not rushing thru it... Todd/3leg

[Texas by God]

So true about not rushing it. It helps to have more projects to hop back &forth to.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

Before you cut that shotgun barrel off think of this option. I have done over 20 liner in a shotgun barrel to make single shot rifles. Mostly from H&R shotguns and the topper is the best of them as it has the slim barrel profile already.
You can turn your 44 blank to fit closely into the shotguns chamber and bore and epoxy it in.
The big advantage to this method over stubbing it is you save not only having to make and attach a new forend stud plus no need to refinishing the whole barrel.
Everyone I have built is as good of a shooter as a stubbed barrel which I have also done many of and much less work.
Starting with a raw blank and profiling it threading it and your stub is a lot of lathe time.
If you like the profile of the topper barrel you only need to drill and tap for a scope base or add rifle sights and cut to length.
Just another option to consider.

JedmanJedman- do you prefer solder or epoxy to join the parts together? I am very good at soldering but I'm sure Acraglas would work and be easier.
Thomas

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Jedman]

I prefer epoxy to solder. I have done many with it and it is forever ! I once tried to remove a liner that was epoxied in with heat, first with 2 propane torches and after that didn't work I put the barrel in a large hot campfire and got the whole barrel red hot. You would think at that point you could drive it out with a hammer and a large punch but no it would not budge.
Being the outside barrel wasn't worth saving I finally set it up on the lathe and cut the he outer barrel off.
Really there is not that much force on the barrel to stub joint and regular 2 part epoxy or acraglas will work fine.

Jedman

[Texas by God]

How about JB Weld - the Old Farm favorite?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Jedman]

Yes that would work fine.
Just don't use any of the 5 minute epoxy, I like to use the stuff with at least 30 minutes of working time.
I don't want to be rushed when assembling the liner and barrel or stub because if something doesn't go right or you forget something there's no time to pull it apart and get it right.

Jedman

[Texas by God]

What about inner stub prep? Does it need to be roughed up a bit with sandpaper or just clean?
My barrel stub is browned so I need to finish the exposed barrel to match before the epoxy.
Thanks!

[Jedman]

Just very clean, You have many square inches of contact area between the barrel and stub once set up it will never move.

Jedman

[map55b]

I use Loctite 680 to install barrel liners. Its very thin, has long working time and is very strong: http://www.loctite.tw/twc/content_data/327273_UPGRADE680EN.pdf

LOCTITE® 680 Retaining Compound is ahigh strength, high viscosity room temperature curing adhesive used to join fitted cylindrical parts. It fixtures in 10 minutes and provides a shear strength of 4,000 psi. Capable of filling diametral gaps up to 0.015 in. (0.38 mm). LOCTITE 680 allows relaxed machining tolerances, and replaces clamp rings, set screws, and snap rings. Gives best resistance to dynamic, axial and radial loads. Recommended for retaining shafts, gears, pulleys and similar cylindrical parts. NSF/ANSI 61 Certified. ABS Approved.

[Texas by God]

Thanks, Map!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[John Taylor]

I have done more than a few stub jobs and prefer to thread the barrels in. Never had one come loose with a little loctite. When making doubles I make a nut that fills the chamber. Most of the time this requires a fine thread and may require making a tap. If it is done right you can't see the joint where the old barrel meets the new barrel after polish.

[Jedman]

John, I also agree with threading the barrel in to a stub if the stub is only approx 3" long but if I understood Texas by God's stub is much longer.
I think he is making it to include the barrel that supports the forend.

Jedman

[Texas by God]

That is correct, guys my "stub" stops at the front of the forend. I'm going to bevel the muzzle end of the stub to blend into the insert not unlike the stepdown on a Mauser military barrel.
Thanks!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[John Taylor]

If the fit is close enough Loctite will hold fine with a longer stub. I have a double I'm working on now that is a 16 gauge being made into an 8X72R. I cut the old barrels off at the forearm hanger so I wouldn't need to mess with it. I turned the barrels to match the OD at the cut and the ID of the 16 gauge then threaded them for nuts that fill the chambers. The barrels are tapered to match the flow of the contour and the joint can not be seen. Next step is to regulate the barrels.

[Texas by God]

I'll get back to this soon. Other projects have bumped it back.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Willbird]

I use Loctite 680 to install barrel liners. Its very thin, has long working time and is very strong: http://www.loctite.tw/twc/content_data/327273_UPGRADE680EN.pdf

LOCTITE® 680 Retaining Compound is ahigh strength, high viscosity room temperature curing adhesive used to join fitted cylindrical parts. It fixtures in 10 minutes and provides a shear strength of 4,000 psi. Capable of filling diametral gaps up to 0.015 in. (0.38 mm). LOCTITE 680 allows relaxed machining tolerances, and replaces clamp rings, set screws, and snap rings. Gives best resistance to dynamic, axial and radial loads. Recommended for retaining shafts, gears, pulleys and similar cylindrical parts. NSF/ANSI 61 Certified. ABS Approved.

There are some Loctite products that are every bit as strong as soft solder...and a lot easier to use than soft solder :-). I should say in an application like sleeving a hole...maybe not so much to hold on sight bases and stuff like that ;-).

Bill

[nekshot]

This winter I used a topper 12 ga and cut barrel in front of chamber and epoxied a 357 mag barrel I had laying here for years on. I was out of accra glass so I got some epoxy at Lowes and glued it in. Shoots great! A good gun for a gran child to hunt with. I redid the stock and raised it up to rifle stock appearence and cheek weld. Almost got the bolt coming out the heel of butt stock!

[Wolfer]

What is the simplest way to fix the extractor when you go from say 20 gauge to 38 special?

[Texas by God]

What is the simplest way to fix the extractor when you go from say 20 gauge to 38 special?

GPC Numrich should have .357 extractors, if not possibly an old .22 Jet. Of course you can adapt a .22 Hornet or .223 extractor to fit.

[firebyprolong]

Ive always just converted the extractor or ejector to the new cartridge by cutting a square slot down the face and sliver soldering in a tool steel insert. You just need to anneal the face of the factory ejector before you can cut it. Picture the factory extractor as a U and the new blank insert as a T and you have as much surface area as you can get solder in. Once it's cool fit it and file in a close radius and leave it in place when you cut the chamber.

[Texas by God]

Had enough spare moments to start browning the muzzle half to match the stub. I love a rainy day.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180327/a09e30361c6d65a75f8e1460df9f30d5.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Jedman]

Funny, We had a rainy day here in OH yesterday and I was doing the same job on a rolling block barrel !
I also use the Birchwood Casey browning as it is a easy and works well. Once I get it browned nice and oil it to stop the rusting process after a few days I clean it and rub the barrel down with Johnsons paste wax and it keeps the finish nice.

Jedman

[Texas by God]

I agree Jedman. I'm going to brown my new to me T/C .54 ML because shiny dark blue looks......wrong(to me)! Lol, across the shop I was DuraCoating a few guns. Ironic.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

I'm going to rent the chambering reamer Monday. Time to buzz this flower for a while☺

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

All this must come together eventually.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180414/7a1cdd83e57f07a2b2b14fc137cf1757.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Jedman]

You probably already know about all the information on H&R's and help with assembly and other issues on the Graybeard H&R forums.
What I don't see in your parts is a " slave pin " it is a 5/8" long by 3/16" dia. pin to help assemble the trigger group.
Also if you have a ejector that will work for the 44-40 great, if you need to modify one heat the end red hot and let it cool slow to anneal it as they are quite hard and cut it along with the chamber at the same time with the reamer.
You should have a great shooting rifle there !

Jedman

[Texas by God]

Above the firing pin is a piece of brass bolt for a slave pin. There are 2 .410 ejectors also. The old tg has cracks so I got a replacement. I 've owned at least one Topper since my 14th birthday. A Topper and an 870 are my favorite shotgun battery. I don't like taking the Toppers apart but the trigger needed help as well as the trigger guard.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

Closer yet.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180422/310396d321f815644909576a5aeae111.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[kbstenberg]

Where could a guy go to findout how to do a stub job?

[Texas by God]

Searching stub job threads here and at Graybeard Outdoors is what I've been doing. If this one works out I'll do another for sure.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

Chamber is finished.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180426/a0d7501a28794a62935451aeaf613d1b.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[map55b]

Spiffy! Did you rent the reamer? How do you plan to head space it?

[Texas by God]

I rented the reamer from White Rock. Headspace will be set when the liner is epoxied in; at zero I assume. What are your thoughts? Should I place a shim for a little wiggle room?

[Jedman]

I rented the reamer from White Rock. Headspace will be set when the liner is epoxied in; at zero I assume. What are your thoughts? Should I place a shim for a little wiggle room?

Yes, I would use a piece of scotch tape or something thin on the brass. Be sure to coat everything with something like Johnsons paste wax or some release agent when you assemble it all to set up.

Jedman

[Texas by God]

Rough cut with a dremel &cutoff wheel, filing to final depth for the extractor. Yes that is a piece of sand cloth to keep me honest.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180429/5f4374d529913ccf47ae91615fb67371.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

Did I scare you?https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180429/7675af3d0b70575c3464a5a8509e410e.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

Everything is in place while the epoxy cures.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180430/09c937584549c85f1869ab287f79f90b.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Der Gebirgsjager]

This project seem to really be coming together into something worth having! Looking good.

[sukivel]

Looks good!



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

Thanks gentlemen.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

Here it is. I still need to add sights and remove the recoil pad that was required when it was a 12 gauge. It test fired perfectly, I shortened the ejector spring so the flying brass won't go out of sight. I'm probably just going to use iron sights; any suggestions?https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180502/54ac3f8ebd391eb4b507925167a9a056.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180502/4d201c1da3070f8c228e66a34a3b7af1.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[sukivel]

That’s really awesome! I’m quite crafty, but I’m not sure I could pull that off. Did you use a mill, lathe, or any special tools a normal diy country boy wouldn’t have?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

I am blessed with a machinist brother who turned the barrel blank to my specs and rough chambered it on a lathe. The rest was done by me with hand tools. When I retire I hope to get a mill and a lathe- I have a teacher lined up! I just hope it's accurate- I've got to find out.

[KLR]

Very nice!

How about a tang-mounted peep sight?

[sukivel]

I am blessed with a machinist brother who turned the barrel blank to my specs and rough chambered it on a lathe. The rest was done by me with hand tools. When I retire I hope to get a mill and a lathe- I have a teacher lined up! I just hope it's accurate- I've got to find out.

I was just re-reading this thread and basically you just cut down the barrel, and had the barrel of your choice that would fit machined to fit into the 12 gauge stub, epoxied it in, then made a new extractor, and shortened the spring? In a nutshell?

Because there are a lot of 12 gauge H&R rifles for sale locally...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

That's exactly right except I used a H&R factory .410 extractor. I've always liked single shot shotguns but now I'm looking at them differently. Firing pin size is something to observe- the Topper size is perfect. Some other brands may have too large of a firing pin.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[sukivel]

On second thought I think I’ll pick up a 12 ga Topper and think about which calibers seem interesting...I think I can do it! Thanks for the thread! You really got the gears turning!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

Any cartridge with less pressure than a 30-30 will work in a Topper. Factory chamberings before the NEF/H&R Handi Rifles came out included .22 Jet, .22 Hornet, 30-30, .357&.44 mag, and 45-70. If the Hornet has higher pressure than the .44 mag, it still works because the small case head transfers less force to the standing breech.
I think the old 490 Jr. Topper with the contoured barrel would make a sweet .357/.38 Special.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Jedman]

219738219739Here's a topper 20 ga. that has the small firing pin frame that I made in to a 375 Win.
I used a Win 94 barrel that was pre chambered in 375 that were available thru Numrich and turned it to fit as a liner barrel. Used a 30-30 ejector and epoxied the liner in using a 375 Win brass to set the headspace as the chamber was cut for the lever gun bolt holding the cartridge by the rim and butting up to the barrel face.
I don't load it to the top pressures of the 375 Win with jacketed bullets, it's used with the Lee 250 gr. cast loaded to 38-55 pressures.
It's a nice light , handi rifle that H&R never made as a factory chambering but was quite simple to put together.

Sorry for the upside down and sideways pics, someday I will learn what I am doing !
The Win 94 barrel will also take the 2.080 length 38-55 brass.

Jedman

[Texas by God]

That is very nice, Jedman. Your advice was a great help on my project. Did you have to Bush the muzzle end of the Winchester Barrel inside of the shotgun barrel?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Jedman]

That is very nice, Jedman. Your advice was a great help on my project. Did you have to Bush the muzzle end of the Winchester Barrel inside of the shotgun barrel?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

No, It was almost the perfect size except it did have a sight ramp that was solder on.
A friend bought the barrel to try to switch it for the 30-30 barrel on his 94 AE model rifle but found the 30-30 had a smaller barrel shank and decided to leave it be. I bought it from him and found it was a good match to the 20 ga. barrel.

Jedman

[sukivel]

Yeah I’m interested in .38-55, .25-20, .256 win mag, and .357...41 mag looks cool too.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[firebyprolong]

I know that a 256 is on my "in my spare time" stub list. As to sights I keep thinking that older steel Lyman milled to fit would just be handier than a pocket on a shirt for one of these. So far I've just been lazy and dropped k2.5 or 3s on mine.

[Texas by God]

I am leaning towards receiver sights for the longer sight radius. I'd love to find an old Redding Shotgun Peep for it- the radius might match the barrel.

[Texas by God]

KLR- thanks for the suggestion but there's no tang so the sight would have to mount to wood.
Besides that, I've never liked tang sights; they are in the way for me and my fat thumb. I'm going to peruse the huge Numrich catalog today and see what I can find.

[map55b]

Looking spiffy TBG! How about a scope? I'd use a Weaver 92 (https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1477242441/weaver-top-mount-scope-base-92a-thompson-center-contender) base. I have an example I can send of picture of if you want.

[Texas by God]

Looking spiffy TBG! How about a scope? I'd use a Weaver 92 (https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1477242441/weaver-top-mount-scope-base-92a-thompson-center-contender) base. I have an example I can send of picture of if you want.
Thanks, map! Yes, please on the pic. It finished at 7 lbs even and if I mount a scope I want backup irons anyway. By some miracle my eyesight is still 20/20 so I'm thinking open sights will be fine for up to 100 yards for me.

[firebyprolong]

Texas, if you want to use the easy button for peep sights this is it.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1006003258/williams-wgrs-h-and-r-guide-receiver-peep-sight-h-and-r-158-258-topper-single-shot-rifles-ruger-mark-ii-aluminum-black

They fit the standard hole spacing for the h&r scope base too and mount in the rear two holes. If you have to drill and tap anyway why not do it all at the same time. I've put this Williams on a couple of mine and they work well.

[Texas by God]

I'm looking hard at those wgrs.
This is a Redding I borrowed from my Nylon 66 just to see. I would need to file the bottom edge to square it before d&t but it's doable.
These are good all steel sights; I wish I could find more of them.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180504/5be6986bd989f5df0d5f4e8d5e8c59b3.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Jedman]

I was looking on eBay and there is a folding sight listed for Ruger 10-22 or 44 carbines that has a peep hole instead of a V notch, item no. 191800144797. You would need to cut a dovetail to mount it.
For the front sight I think your going to need a ramp to get the sight high enough. If you need one I have several in my old sight parts box and would send you one if that would work ?
I wish I had 20-20 vision ! the last 10 years my eyesight seems to get worse weekly.:(

Jedman

[map55b]

Here's a couple quick shots for you TBG. A three barrel combo: 7x57R, 225 Win, and 22K Hornet This was built by my friend Bill and mentor. It needs a little TLC as it was improperly stored for years. Guess I should get after that.

https://www.pasetta.net/firearms/IMG_4893.jpg

https://www.pasetta.net/firearms/IMG_4897.jpg

[sukivel]

Here's a couple quick shots for you TBG. A three barrel combo: 7x57R, 225 Win, and 22K Hornet This was built by my friend Bill and mentor. It needs a little TLC as it was improperly stored for years. Guess I should get after that.

https://www.pasetta.net/firearms/IMG_4893.jpg

https://www.pasetta.net/firearms/IMG_4897.jpg

That’s nice...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

Thanks, mapp55b! That's very nice. Mice to Moose- that'll cover it.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

I've got these sights epoxied on. If they work out I'll d&t to secure them fully. A Redding model P and a mystery steel front ramp out of my parts drawer.
Excuse my messy work area. I almost know where everthing is.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180508/8a36d375cf5c38a54e44404e1920e6c7.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180508/f730fafce3df8e3caaf004dcaf49b51d.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[frkelly74]

I like it a lot better when all the tools and materials are out where I can see them. It saves looking through drawers and boxes every time I want something. My wife is the opposite , all the pots and dishes are put away and I can never find what I need , so I make a sandwich.

I truly admire your project and hope you have a ton of fun with it.

[Rattlesnake Charlie]

Wow. That's a nice looking set.

[Texas by God]

Map55b, I wondered about that.225 Win pressure on the Savage 94 then I remembered PO Ackley rechambering .219 Zipper lever actions for it so it must be less pressure than I thought. That is a great set. I bet they weigh a bit.

[map55b]

Map55b, I wondered about that.225 Win pressure on the Savage 94 then I remembered PO Ackley rechambering .219 Zipper lever actions for it so it must be less pressure than I thought. That is a great set. I bet they weigh a bit.

I've been thinking about getting a mule to carry that set around. I'm not too sure what the pressures are on the 225 Win, but the action seems to handle the 7x57R without issue and it has larger head diameter and is up there in pressure. I know not very scientific. With that said, if the old man built it, I'd trust it.

[Texas by God]

That would be good enough for me as well.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Jedman]

If the frame / reciever is strong enough in the breech face area where most of the trust is applied the pivot point will soon start to loosen with hi pressure cartridges.
It seems to happen to all of the types that have a lift off barrel. Accuracy will start to suffer when they loosen.

Jedman

[Texas by God]

I had a couple of minutes so I flung enough boolits to know I need a shorter front sight. Offhand at 25 yards. More experimenting is in order.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180509/2a55d8b638e9cf574f8ea6d16eb67dac.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

The transfer bar broke for some reason. I robbed a front sight from a Marlin Papoose to correct the poi thing. I had to order a transfer bar spring- I have a spare bar. Argh.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[map55b]

9.1g of unique with .430 looks to be the ticket. :) Must be fun to be shooting it.

[Texas by God]

When I get it back to shooting I hope that load is the one. I have 8#of Unique. It was fun the few shots so far.

[map55b]

I have a Hopkins Allen Saddle Ring Medium falling block that I hope to rebarrel one of these days in 44-40. I've got all the parts, just need time. :)

[Texas by God]

I have heard of SMLE's rebarreled to 44-40 in Australia.
It's a cool old cartridge I think.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

I've remembered why I don't like to work on Topppers- reassembly, even with slave pins is aggravating.
I will endeavor to persevere.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[frkelly74]

At least there 's not a bucket load of parts to try to remember where they went. I had to replace a firing pin once in my handy and it only took two attempts to get it back together.

[Texas by God]

No, only a handful of parts. Just getting them all to play well together is vexing me. The only video I 've seen is poorly made- so not much help.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

I got antsy. My frame is apart so I thought to try the 44-40 barrel on my 490Jr. 20 gauge frame. Perfect fit. So I played with it at 25yds with my elbows on the truck hood. Two different powders, same boolit.
That flyer on the 6 shot group was definitely me.
It made up for the pizza being poor.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180528/4477b8bb52dab917d3b69f235e8e9ea0.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

I've had people suggest that epoxy is not permanent?!- So, I drilled & tapped two screws under the action line to anchor the barrel/ stub together. Then I ground them flush so they are "threaded blind pins". Permanent.
I rolled a can around with it the other day, grinning.

[map55b]

...... I rolled a can around with it the other day, grinning.

Great fun!! :)

[Texas by God]

You need to get that 44WCF Hopkins & Allen going, Mike!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Savvy Jack]

If'n ya get a chance, try some of these!!!

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=221


Results with my Marlin...
#181 - Buffalo Bore's #44-40-200-HC factory ammunition, Avg. 1,336fps, ES 29, 1 1/4" to 2 1/4" Group @ 100 yards....pressure claims to be below 11,000psi SAAMI
https://www.44winchestercenterfirecartridges.com/buffalo-bore

I have an MGM barrel and a Stevens shotgun I wanted to do the same thing with but it was a bit beyond my paygrade!!!

[RCE1]

Chamber is finished.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180426/a0d7501a28794a62935451aeaf613d1b.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

I'm curious about why you didn't face off the barrel markings prior to gluing and chambering. Also, isn't the end with the markings typically intended by the maker to be the muzzle end? Probably doesn't hurt anything, but it caught my eye.

Vern Juenke in Reno used to do similar conversions with TC Contenders. Before TC recognized the potential in .17 cal barrels, Vern was building his own with Sako .17 barrels set into stubbed TC barrels.

[Texas by God]

Honestly I never even gave it a thought. This is the first time I have used a barrel blank and you could be right the writing could be on the muzzle end. It seems to work okay, though. I'm going to post pics soon of its first serious range trip.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

Thanks for the tip Savvy Jack!
But I hope to never use a factory round in this little carbine.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

The Red Dot load at 25 yds in a hundred & hot weather. That flyer was my last shot, I should have quit while I was ahead. I did get it back in the original frame,too.
Thomashttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180609/6d7e36d3ecd94068cb1577134565448d.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[GhostHawk]

Nothing to complain about there that I see.

Nicely done!

[Savvy Jack]

221874

Oh my, this is tempting!!

[Texas by God]

221874

Oh my, this is tempting!!Dive in. It'll be fun. What do you have there for that Savage 94?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Savvy Jack]

Dive in. It'll be fun. What do you have there for that Savage 94?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

I wanted to do that about 10 years ago but.....

I have the full choke 12 gauge barrel. If I can find another barrel, or just have a gunsmith weld this barrel up as is I might go ahead with it now. It would be heavy but I wonder how it would be at 200 yards! My uncle found the Stevens in a dump way back when I was around 9 years old. He refinished it and gave it to me. I wanted a barrel platform that I could apply the Pressure Trace II gauges on. Not wanting to dump too much money into the project, I made my own platform, left the Stevens alone and use Quickload rather than Pressure Trace.

It still calls for me...lol

44-40 MGM Barrel
https://matchgrademachine.com/product/build-a-custom-barrel/



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CiUFqhsFcg

[Texas by God]

We took it to the lease and plinked away my last 15 rounds.
My California sister in law enjoyed it and shot very well with it. The Unique load seems a touch better but bags And paper will determine the favorite. It's time to screw down the sights!
I shot a dead 300 # boar behind the shouder and the boolit did not exit( no suprise).

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Savvy Jack]

i shot a dead 300 # boar behind the shouder and the boolit did not exit( no suprise).

nice!!!

[map55b]

....Also, isn't the end with the markings typically intended by the maker to be the muzzle end?

Barrel marking with Shilen, Green Mountain and others I have used are always on the breach end. I believe that TX by God has a quality Green Mountain barrel on this project.

[Moleman-]

Nice rebarrel! I've used quite a few GMB blanks and have been happy with them. Their turned blanks the markings are on the chamber end, gunsmith raw blanks are marked on the muzzle end. On a raw blank you can usually measure to see which side is off center more to figure out which end is the muzzle end as different manufacturers may mark them differently or not at all.

[map55b]

I checked with GMB this morning for clarification on their markings. Here is what they said: "In the last 2 years the RX, RXS, BX, and the BXS are stamped on the button exit end (muzzle) of the barrels. The gunsmith edition blanks if they have both ends are stamped the end with the “M” would be the button exit end (muzzle). If the gunsmith edition barrel has only one end marked it would be the breech end. Going forward the barrels are now going to be stamped on the button exit end (muzzle) of the barrel with a “M”."

[Savvy Jack]

The barrel I have is an MGM barrel,
https://matchgrademachine.com/product/build-a-custom-barrel/

[Texas by God]

I checked with GMB this morning for clarification on their markings. Here is what they said: "In the last 2 years the RX, RXS, BX, and the BXS are stamped on the button exit end (muzzle) of the barrels. The gunsmith edition blanks if they have both ends are stamped the end with the “M” would be the button exit end (muzzle). If the gunsmith edition barrel has only one end marked it would be the breech end. Going forward the barrels are now going to be stamped on the button exit end (muzzle) of the barrel with a “M”."Thanks for clearing that up. All the stamps were on the end that I chambered. There were no marks on the other end. I wanted to leave the "44-40" to serve as a caliber stamp- it does(barely!)

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

It's pretty much finished now. I d&t'd the rear sight, the front sight is epoxy only because I 'll sweat a steel ramp on when I find one. And caliber stamp. I just need to load some ammo!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180616/2dcd5047411723aee6cf5eb9809416fe.jpg

[Texas by God]

This didn't send.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180616/0378907884e13e4110f89f2dd1e635d6.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[map55b]

Nice! Ready to kill some tin cans!

[Texas by God]

Nice! Ready to kill some tin cans!My wife shot a 2ft. Gar with it so she drew first blood with it. Cans beware!!!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

Well, I blame the wind for me sucking; that's my story.....
It's good for skinny cans too.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180709/9f4ff4bf5f7cb1ba40c81160161e24fa.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180709/bb4bb58023f9573c285a25860158e431.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Der Gebirgsjager]

Good shootin', Tex! Nice rifle you've created.

[Texas by God]

Thank you. I can't wait till fall!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[map55b]

Doesn't look too sucky to me. Actually it looks pretty good.

[Texas by God]

Thanks, map 55. And thanks to Jedman and everyone else.
I'm looking forward to doing another one someday.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

I tried it on paper at 100 yards today and I am a happy camper. The front sight all but covered the paper plate at that range. Ignore the .243 holes. If the holes look oblong it's because the target is angled over the mudslide [emoji55]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190511/fb02e7a3d07281816db8e1e4804d5016.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[map55b]

Nice!

[KLR]

That'll do!

[Savvy Jack]

I like it!!

[Jedman]

Looks good ! I think your good to 100 yards for deer with that gun. nice job !

Jedman

[Texas by God]

Looks good ! I think your good to 100 yards for deer with that gun. nice job !

JedmanThanks, I agree. When things calm down around here I intend to try it on skunks and raccoons and pigs if luck allows. It's so muddy this spring I'm not even worried about ricochets. Oh yeah, mud turtles!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Savvy Jack]

Never could understand the "its only a 100 yard cartridge" mentality. It may be only loaded to be a 100 yard cartridge.....but that doesn't make it a 100 yard only cartridge!

[Texas by God]

I'm not scoping it so 100 yards and preferably under that due to my vision. The does and cull bucks I usually shoot get leetle out beyond.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Savvy Jack]

I'm not scoping it so 100 yards and preferably under that due to my vision. The does and cull bucks I usually shoot get leetle out beyond.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

Excellent!!

[Texas by God]

My beautiful and deadly wife used the 44-40 to hit a football sized Rock in The Cattails on the far side of this pond. On her first shot. She has only fired this gun once before about a year ago. About 200 yards give or take. A little later I took out a large mud turtle but at the sedate range of 100 yards LOL.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190701/a0ea92d376e87928833e1d017c54640e.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Chev. William]

44-40 is good over 100 yards as shown by your wife's one shot hit on that rock.
You do have a fine looking project rifle there that appears to be more capable than you claim.

Be Happy and Enjoy It!

Chev. William

[map55b]

Nice! Enjoy the successful results of your project and make sure you treat your wife well. ...As your head is probably also about the size of a football. :)

[Texas by God]

Nice! Enjoy the successful results of your project and make sure you treat your wife well. ...As your head is probably also about the size of a football. :)Truth! She asked with a twinkle in her eye- "This will kill a deer, won't it?"

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[swheeler]

Truth! She asked with a twinkle in her eye- "This will kill a deer, won't it?"

I do believe she was thinking "dear"

[Chad5005]

enjoyed this thread,looks like you've built a fine rifle

[Texas by God]

One of these days I'll not pull one out of the group. Maybe. This is 100 yards and that faded targdot was tiny! 215gr over 9 grains of Unique. Still M.O.D/P I think!
3 shots- hand for reference [emoji16]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200701/22e552b8bc1773e857ec71e63bd136c0.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Savvy Jack]

One of these days I'll not pull one out of the group. Maybe. This is 100 yards and that faded targdot was tiny! 215gr over 9 grains of Unique. Still M.O.D/P I think!
3 shots- hand for reference [emoji16]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200701/22e552b8bc1773e857ec71e63bd136c0.jpg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

It is not going to be easy to not pull at least one, ask me how I know after nearly 1,000 targets documented. "Grouping" has always fascinated me on how many one needs to group in order to call it good. Well, if you are shooting for food, it's always that first shot that counts....you know.....the one that is always called "the fouling shot" on a paper target that is never in the center.....lol!

I put a hole like that in my yard wagon once, it was not intentional...LOL!!!!

If you want to know just how good the loads are, group ten shot groups

If you really want to see how good a load is, shoot 10 3 shot groups on 10 different targets and over lap them when done and see how all 30 grouped.

[Outpost75]

Here are several 100-yard, ten-shot groups shot with my Marlin 1893S .44-40 Microgroove carbine made in 1993 using XS ghost ring iron sights. These pictures show what the Marlin Microgroove rifles are capable of when shot carefully off sandbags with loads which "work." Amazingly, even black powder loads with SPG lube grouped very acceptably for hunting use in the Microgroove barrel for 20 consecutive shots without wiping or blow tubing, using 33 grs. of Goex 3Fg and the Accurate 43-230EB bullet, as well as my Spanish El Tigre with its deep conventional rifling.

264335264336264337

My mentor the late Frank Marshall, Jr. always liked to say, "there is no such thing as 'lucky' ten-shot groups"

[Savvy Jack]

Absolutely Outpost!!

That is about the best I can do as well. I have settled on my best normals to be inside 4" at 100 yards with a rifle with rifle powders and all inside 4" at 10-25 yards from a revolver with pistol powders.

Reloder 7, Normal load, Uberti Winchester 73'
264344


Here are John Korts black powder loads
264345264346

[Texas by God]

I'll give it a try and see where ten end up. I'm still intending to try the Lee TL429240swc that shot so well in the Rossi I had. I know why you two guys like the .44WCF so much!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Savvy Jack]

I'll give it a try and see where ten end up. I'm still intending to try the Lee TL429240swc that shot so well in the Rossi I had. I know why you two guys like the .44WCF so much!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

The most versatile cartridge out there!!!

[Texas by God]

Doing some rustic plinking at 100 yards. The group on the left is the TL240swc over 6.8 grs of Unique and the group on the right is a ( cough) 200gr JHP over 9.5 grs of Unique. The higher velocity load shoots much lower than I thought it would. The 240s surprisingly hit poa @ 100yds like my usual 220gr. RFN cast that are faster. Minute of venison, I think.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211003/39f5933ef2338cfa68655630cf2f88f0.jpg

Sent from my SM-A716U using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

I've decided to put a scope on it, so I drilled and tapped it for a #62 Weaver base. I had to remove the peep aperture arm and used high rings to clear the Topper hammer. I sort of bore sighted it at dusk and thought a quick offhand shot at 10 yards would tell me how far I might have to move the scope. Okay.....
"Time to eat, put the gun up before you ruin the moment"!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211129/ca69f92d8510341d802e40e53f44003c.jpg

Sent from my SM-A716U using Tapatalk

[Silvercreek Farmer]

Looking good! Can't wait to see it make meat!

[ulav8r]

Looks like it will take some adjustment when you back off to 50 yards or more. Will probably shoot high, the high mount and close range will be off a bit at longer range, assuming that blue dot was the aim point. Would be better to hit 1/2 to 3/4 inch low at 10 yards.

[Texas by God]

You called it, Ulav8r. I tried 3 at 40 yards( in a hurry) hopefully I'll have time to dial it in tomorrow between honeydoos......https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211205/54c144b482d589eb19e51fc2211be3b9.jpg

Sent from my SM-A716U using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

To the hunt!
I'm going on an antlerless deer control hunt this Saturday and this little fella will be along.
My other Cast Boolits inspired rifles will attend as well. 30-30 Mauser, 30-40 Krag, and 38-55 Winchester. My cousins want to see them!
I will admit that the 30-30 will have long range 125gr Nosler BT's along with cast- in case I have to shoot farther than 100ydshttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211210/5d457b99ecaed6dccf816a6bd0ee6286.jpg

Sent from my SM-A716U using Tapatalk

[Milsurp Junkie]

Well??? You can't keep us in suspense!

[Texas by God]

I ended up carrying the ultra modern 30-30 for its long range capabilities- and used it at 80 yards......https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220101/32c250315c232f2b00fcd2750ad5ec74.jpg

Sent from my SM-A716U using Tapatalk

[HWooldridge]

I ended up carrying the ultra modern 30-30 for its long range capabilities- and used it at 80 yards......https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220101/32c250315c232f2b00fcd2750ad5ec74.jpg

Sent from my SM-A716U using Tapatalk

Nice deer - Hill Country?

[Texas by God]

Near Lake Coleman so a little NW of hill country proper. I'm planning on going again in February, perhaps it will be cooler then.

Sent from my SM-A716U using Tapatalk

[Milsurp Junkie]

What load are you using with the 125 nbt for the 30-30? I have an h&r that i have been thinking of using them in.

[Texas by God]

What load are you using with the 125 nbt for the 30-30? I have an h&r that i have been thinking of using them in.I sent you a PM.

Sent from my SM-A716U using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

Well, I finally got a chance at a hog with the subject gun of this old thread. The 44-40 with 205gr .429” Lee fn over 9.5 grs of Unique works on a medium size sow at roughly 100 yards. DRT in the water!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230115/db0838d0093b966026bff43416b45448.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[sukivel]

That’s awesome! I still want to do this one day! My most recent H&R acquisition was a never fired 20 ga still in the box, and I just can’t cut it up…


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[LAGS]

You can find another barrel for your shotgun.
Then have it modified

[Texas by God]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230325/68dc295c26af6d65e0dae84bb16356c4.jpg
Today my shooting at 40 yards and 100 yards was better with the 44-40 than with the .218 Bee. I’ve obviously got things to work out on the Bee, either load wise or shooting technique. It has a 3x9 Bushnell on it. The 55gr Lee is on the bottom target; the top target is the 35 gr Vmax. The 44-40 used the 200gr Lee.
The cardboard square at the top of the picture wasn’t very big at 100 yards with that K2.5 and the 3/4” square was invisible.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Jedman]

You must have fun swapping optics on them guns :-). Most every time I see them you have something new on them.
I do that a lot myself but this winter I haven’t been shooting as much as I should so have only played with a few guns lately. I have a 219 zippper to start loading for and shooting when I get time.
My wife has too many vacation trips planned for me .

Jedman

[Texas by God]

I love vacations!
Yes, I’m always swapping scopes around. I’m liking that 2.5x on the 44, buts that’s what I said about the FF3 and the peep sight…….


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

I know.
I should have used the .218 “Bee”[emoji846]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230816/06ce39b18aba773518adf67087025067.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240106/a78c1f07961379c319fdf5e7a394b5ac.jpg
It’s ready to hunt I think.
It’s wearing a K4 nowadays.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[map55b]

Nice!

I made a new barrel for this Stevens 94 in 38-55 for CAS. I did this project because an ejector is allowed in a single shot for this type of rifle for this sport and it is an advantageous feature when trying to shoot fast.

It shoot min of steel plate at 100 yards. :)

321796

[Texas by God]

That is a good looking rifle!
I’ve got a .256 Win and a 7-30 Waters in the project circle.
Break open single shot rifles are habit forming!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[sukivel]

That is a good looking rifle!
I’ve got a .256 Win and a 7-30 Waters in the project circle.
Break open single shot rifles are habit forming!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Are you building your .256 on an NEF?

I Aways thought a .256 over something like 28 ga would be a cool little oddball small game hunter.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Texas by God]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240121/86d52cc76951c7e1f11c7c138f10a8fc.jpg
It’s going to be the extra barrel for my older m158 Topper .410 shotgun.
The .256 will make a great turkey and close range varmint gun.
It’s been too cold here to do much out in the shop- hopefully I’ll get back to it soon!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Jedman]

You ain’t kiddin about the cold out in my garage. I tried wearing heavy pac boots with liners and my feet are frozen in a half hour. My hands can’t take it either. Should be warming soon I hope.
Jedman

[BoBSavage]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240121/86d52cc76951c7e1f11c7c138f10a8fc.jpg
It’s going to be the extra barrel for my older m158 Topper .410 shotgun.
The .256 will make a great turkey and close range varmint gun.
It’s been too cold here to do much out in the shop- hopefully I’ll get back to it soon!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just for kicks, what pressures would those chambers hold? Would be cool to have several barrels, 44-40, 30-30, .303 Savage etc!

[P Flados]

Just for kicks, what pressures would those chambers hold? Would be cool to have several barrels, 44-40, 30-30, .303 Savage etc!

The pressure limits for most of these shotgun conversions will usually be associated with a softer steel breech face and/or the larger than normal firing pin hole.

When H&R was selling rifles, the "low pressure" receivers were limited to things like 357 mag and 44 mag even though the guns had a typical rifle sized firing pin.

I would not want to push above 35,000 psi for a shotgun conversion without more knowledge on breech face material. And even 35,000 psi may have issues with primers. If primers are a problem, using the heavy cup primers (marketed for 5.56 or 7.62x51) would be worth a try.