newbie w/158 questions

[444Dan]

I have an older 158 shotgun in 16 ga which was my first gun purchase I believe back around 1975 ( I purchased it at a Richway dept. store on sale for $38.00).  I know in the iriginal paperwork that came with the gun I could have sent it back to the factory to be fitted with different barrels ( .22 hornet, 44 mag, 30-30, 45-70 I think) and would like to find some.  Obviously, H&R 1871 won't do that with the older frames so I guess that Ii will need to find an original barrel on this board or maybe some other boards.  My question - what is the real difference in these older frames vs the new ones ? metallury, dimensional ?  Can I find some of the newer barrels and fit them to the older frames ( mild cartiges only) ?   How much fitting is involved with any of these barrels ?  Thanks for any feedback.

[knight0334]

I'm sure metallurgy has changed and improved since then.  Being that old of a firearm, and being somewhat equivalent of today's SB1's in the metal - I'd just save $200 for an SB2 rifle and use it as a base to add barrels.  I'm not use what the dimensional differences may or may not be - but the hassle of finding a low pressure barrel for that 158 would definitely sway me to the newer SB2 receiver.

[Mac11700]

444Dan:

Check the FAQ's sticky on barrel fitting..it isn't real hard to do.Many folks have done what you want..but you are better off getting a newer SB-2 frame..then you can use all of the new rifle barrels..

Mac

[Datil]

 I have a Model 158 made in 1973, bought at K-Marts for 29.95 out the door.
 sereval my new rifle barrel will and lock good, But I don't shot them that way
 Because I don't the old frame is strong enough. I have 5 SB@ frames.
 Marv.

[444Dan]

BTW - where is the FAQ's so i can find the info on barrel fitting ?  I'm having a difficult time finding info on this site.   I'm also not allowed to perform a search, whats up with that ?

[Mac11700]

It's the 3rd topic down on the top of the forum page here...It says...FAQ's and Help

Mac

[quickdtoo]

The search is disabled until Matt gets the database of 600,000 posts indexed, that takes a lot of time.  When he gets it done, he'll announce it in the News box.

Tim

[444Dan]

Thanks for the help I did find the FAQ info I was looking for... now if someone could forward me a copy of the Brian Pierce article to:  dan.donnell@us.ina.com Thanks again.

[444Dan]

BTW- that old 16 ga has color case hardening finish on the receiver which at one time rusted up pretty good in some places damaging the finish - has anybody tried to re-color case harden these receivers with any luck?