UtahDave wrote on Feb 16^th, 2014 at 11:40pm:


Thanks for the compliment.  I do love fine wood.

So back to my original question about re-barreling................would it be less expensive to reline the barrel than to re-barrel?

Chris C wrote on Feb 17^th, 2014 at 6:47am:

You might save 10-20% unless you do the work yourself. One of the better-known/respected gunsmiths on this forum has stated that he prefers to put on a new barrel on "shooters" as the increases in prices for TJs liners have made the finished product end up being about the same cost as a new barrel. The only reason to line is to preserve a rifle whose original configuration has some meaning.

Rigby - assume Bartlein liners are also cut-rifled like the barrels? 
Can you give an idea of the cost for a 30" long 25cal liner with a 10" twist?

Chris - if you are looking for an "inexpensive" rifle to get into BPCR shooting you might want to find a good Trapdoor shooter. There are several threads over the past couple of months showing some fine looking 'sporterized' Trapdoors if and when you get to that point. Or, purchase a good, used H&R officer's model Trapdoor reproduction off Gunbroker or other websites for well under $1000. Shooting the 415gr & 480gr Saeco bullets in front of 55gr & 60gr of 2F Goex they are generally excellent rifles. At least as much 'history' in a Trapdoor as any of the other rifles we shoot.

Too bad, we need more "young blood" in our groups.
If you change your mind Chris I'm sure we all would welcome you.
After hearing his tribulations it makes me wonder how I afforded to dabble into the game. 
Good luck Chris.

kcajeel wrote on Feb 17^th, 2014 at 10:34am:


Don't know that I'd label my journey as "tribulations", but it obviously has been filled with the sticker shock reality that I'm in the wrong room.  Wish it weren't so because I sure do envy you guys your pretty play toys.

If you are looking to "less expensive", both Marlin and Winchester released several 38-55 lever guns over the past 20-30 years that are excellent pieces and cost around $1000. My modern Marlin 1895 in 38-56 is a terrific rifle and I wish I had more time to shoot it. If you get an original you can make it look every bit as beautiful as any of our single-shot rifles.

The modern Winchester Miroku High Wall 'Hunter' with a 28" full octagon barrel is also an excellent, accurate rifle for around $1100. While not "originals", that doesn't keep folks from doing very well with them in competition. Check out Jerry-H's Browning BPCR rifle in the classifieds. He shot "master" and set several records with it, which is as good as it gets.

Chris, Hepburns have gotten quite pricey, tho they never were the cheapest. If you had a budget of $2000, you could get a very nice Roller. They're simple, durable, and parts are easy to get. The single set triggers that were available are very good. Other than DZ Arms, there's not much in the way of sources for Hepburn parts (not sure what parts, if any, C Sharps sells) and parts guns are impossible to find. Remington only made about 10k and with the new Hepburn book just out, Hepburn prices have only increased.

I think the real issue here is "desire". My very first SS was a Excellent, 44 Stevens, that I bought in 1985 dollards for $300 but, I wanted to shoot in matches, after contacting the Brea, CA, ASSRA club, I found that the 44 wouldn't do it so, I bought a competitive rifle for $600, $300 for a 20X Leuplod scope and another $50 for a Ron Long Mold. I didn't even shop for bargins like I do now. 

The first $300 wasn't waisted, I still have that rifle and it's now worth 900 - $1000. I bought another HW that year and built a 45/70 RB, too. I made decent money that year but,my point is that I spent ALL the free money I had on the rifles because of my "desire" to own and shoot them. I didn't buy a car or stuff for the house and I had all the fun I could have asked for. And, I did get my reward of rewards by winning my first BR match that year at Brea. 

Just one mans experiance of getting my feet wet. It can be worth it.

Frank