Hi guys, thanks and no, I did not slug the bore. my gunsmith tried his reamer in each of the 2 Versa Pak barrels which I am lucky enough to own. He said that he has done this to several .22 LR's and the only problem was with some barels the bore of the original .22LR was to small to accept the pilot on the barrel rechambering reamer. He told me if the pilot of the reamer fit it would be possible and easy to do. I took both of my barrels to him with the intent to see which, if either, the pilot fit, that was the barrel which I was going to have done. It fit in both barrels and they each seem to be about the same dimensions. He asked which I wanted to and told me that either was a viable candidate. I chose one simply on the style of the front sight it wore, not scientific I know, but my other option was to go to the range, conduct in depth shooting comparisons between the barrels with several brands of .22 LR ammo and try to make a decision based on those results. I decided it was not brain surgery and chose one based on the front sight (!!!). I has worked out great, the .22 Mag barrel is very accurate and the one that remains as a .22 LR is equally as accurate. I am as they say, a happy camper. I am already pairing the .22 Mag barrel up with a nickled 22" 20 gauge modified barrel and hopefully a 30-40 Krag barrel for what may be a very unusual and useful combination for hunting in the northeast. I am also considering adding either a .223, .22-250, or .22 Hornet to the group to have every base covered. It is reallly working out sweet and thanks to all here who have made this project possible through your information and opinions, your selfless gifts, swaps, sales and purchases, and friendship. The one thing that no one can argue about these fine little guns is, they sure are FUN!!!...<><....
P.S. - I know is is not a rimfire but I want to add that my long awaited .45 ACP barrel is in the works. I am impatiently waiting for it to be completed but realize it might be a while, it took me a year to get the parts and to get it to the gunsmith and with his able help we have been making decisions. This is like ordering a new car. So many decisions to be made, what barrel blank (OD and ID), what twist, what length, what finished diameter, what barrel material, SS or carbon steel, what finish, blued, polished, or beadblasted, muzzle brake or no muzzle brake, which muzzle brake (or just a plain barrel extention depending on which barrel blank I chose to use, which forarm (idividually fitted and bedded to the barrel), sighting arrangements, crown, also I had to decide which action I wanted the barrel fitted to...mind boggling and nerve wracking for a single shot fan, but strangely enjoyable. I will keep you all posted as this project progresses and on the results after I get the barrel and shoot it. A question to you all, what do you think of blued polished SS as a finish?....<><....