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Very Hot Topic (More than 25 Replies) To Reline or Not Reline an Antique 22? (Read 5970 times)
S99VG
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To Reline or Not Reline an Antique 22?
Feb 22nd, 2022 at 11:05am
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Here's a question that was inspired by a recent post in the gunsmithing section on relining rifles chambered in 22 short to 22 long rifle.  And because I do not want to co-opt the post I thought I would put it up here because it brings up questions concerning the preservation and "collecectability" of antique rifles.  

Recently I have been looking at Winchester Winder Muskets but have discovered that finding one chambered in 22 long rifle would be like finding the proverbial chicken lips or needle in the haystack.   It appears to be very difficult and adding to the frustration is the fact that the 22 short appears to have gone the way of the 25 Stevens rimfire, obsolete.  

So my question is this.  Would it be "blasphamy" to reline a Winder Musket to 22 long rifle?  I totally understand leaving an antique alone but I too get the practicality of keeping a gun useful with available ammo.  And, the conversion would not prevent the use of shorts but instead it woud be upgrading the musket to modern standards of shooting short, long and long rifle cartridges.  

Anyway, it thought it would be interesting reading what you guys have to think about this in the context of this forum.  Thanks much. 
« Last Edit: Feb 22nd, 2022 at 11:13am by S99VG »  
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JLouis
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Re: To Reline or Not Reline an Antique 22?
Reply #1 - Feb 22nd, 2022 at 11:16am
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One also has the option to just re-barrel it and to save the original barrel that can also be re-installed in order to keep the rifle as being untouched.
The accuracy of a new barrel should also be quite a better than a relined barrel. 
That is if a new barrel is carefully chosen for its proven match winning abilities and it also chambered for this type of use.
  

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kensmachine
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Re: To Reline or Not Reline an Antique 22?
Reply #2 - Feb 22nd, 2022 at 11:16am
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You could find another barrel and line it but I would just line the one you have Ken
  
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kootne
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Re: To Reline or Not Reline an Antique 22?
Reply #3 - Feb 22nd, 2022 at 11:20am
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I've never owned a Winder but have heard the ones chambered in .22 short often will shoot quite well with .22LR and most will actually chamber them. I'm sure someone with more expirience will chime in.
  

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S99VG
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Re: To Reline or Not Reline an Antique 22?
Reply #4 - Feb 22nd, 2022 at 11:49am
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Thanks guys, you've brought up points worth taking into consideration.
  
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Re: To Reline or Not Reline an Antique 22?
Reply #5 - Feb 22nd, 2022 at 12:03pm
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There is a lot of 22 short ammunition available. Why not just shoot CCI standard velocity or many of the high velocity rounds available? Perhaps the barrel condition is poor.
Mike
  
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S99VG
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Re: To Reline or Not Reline an Antique 22?
Reply #6 - Feb 22nd, 2022 at 12:39pm
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yamoon wrote on Feb 22nd, 2022 at 12:03pm:
There is a lot of 22 short ammunition available. Why not just shoot CCI standard velocity or many of the high velocity rounds available? Perhaps the barrel condition is poor.
Mike


Maybe 22 shorts are suffering the same fate as a lot of other ammo these days and being hoarded.  I really don't know if  that is the problem here.  However, it seems like HV ammo may fit these rifles and work just fine.  Thanks  
« Last Edit: Feb 22nd, 2022 at 2:19pm by S99VG »  
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slowshot
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Re: To Reline or Not Reline an Antique 22?
Reply #7 - Feb 22nd, 2022 at 9:57pm
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if it were in nice shape with good bore I would re barrel it, save original.  If a rough rifle un usable bore, probably reline.  not a winder, but I have a colt lightning that I relined in 22 short. shell lift too short for 22 lr. it shoots fine.
Dennis
  
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ballardhepburnmich
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Re: To Reline or Not Reline an Antique 22?
Reply #8 - Feb 23rd, 2022 at 12:52am
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If you want to refine go ahead,but I would rechamber to. 22lr and try it first, you'll be surprised. 
Lee Gibbs Pres.ASSRA
  
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George Babits
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Re: To Reline or Not Reline an Antique 22?
Reply #9 - Feb 23rd, 2022 at 9:30am
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I'd say the bottom line would be, "do you want to shoot it, or do you want to collect it."  For me, if I wanted one, it would be for shooting first and foremost;  but that's me, more of a shooter than a collector.   

George
  
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S99VG
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Re: To Reline or Not Reline an Antique 22?
Reply #10 - Feb 23rd, 2022 at 10:29am
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ballardhepburnmich wrote on Feb 23rd, 2022 at 12:52am:
If you want to refine go ahead,but I would rechamber to. 22lr and try it first, you'll be surprised. 
Lee Gibbs Pres.ASSRA


Makes good sense.  Thanks
  
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S99VG
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Re: To Reline or Not Reline an Antique 22?
Reply #11 - Feb 23rd, 2022 at 10:30am
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George Babits wrote on Feb 23rd, 2022 at 9:30am:
I'd say the bottom line would be, "do you want to shoot it, or do you want to collect it."  For me, if I wanted one, it would be for shooting first and foremost;  but that's me, more of a shooter than a collector.  

George


Also makes good sense.  Thanks
  
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waterman
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Re: To Reline or Not Reline an Antique 22?
Reply #12 - Feb 23rd, 2022 at 10:06pm
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ballardhepburnmich wrote on Feb 23rd, 2022 at 12:52am:
If you want to refine go ahead,but I would rechamber to. 22lr and try it first, you'll be surprised. 
Lee Gibbs Pres.ASSRA

 
If it's a 3rd Model Winder (ground down high wall action), just try chambering a Long Rifle cartridge.  Probably no need to rechamber.  I have one 2nd Model barrel in Short that will chamber a Long Rifle.  I think that's how they came from the factory.
  
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slumlord44
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Re: To Reline or Not Reline an Antique 22?
Reply #13 - Feb 24th, 2022 at 12:03am
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Shorts are available. My Winder will chamber long rifles. I would not reline a good original barrel.
  
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craigd
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Re: To Reline or Not Reline an Antique 22?
Reply #14 - Feb 26th, 2022 at 12:18pm
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I'd agree about availability of shorts, CCI might have just ran a batch. It's on the shelves now.
  
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