Any reason to NOT trade my original barrel?

[MZ5]

I'm curious about this.  I have a .45-70 and I bought a BC accessory barrel (factory fitted).  I don't shoot both of them and basically keep the original 22" bbl because it's the original and because I tell myself that if we ever go camping again (more likely now that our little one walks and talks) it would be a great camp defense gun for bears and such because of the short barrel.  The thing is, I'd really like to have a .223 again for cheap thrills and low recoil, but I don't know when I'll be able to afford one.  So, a trade would make sense.  All that leads to the question in the title:

Is there any reason to NOT trade away my Handi's original barrel?

[bigjeepman]

I think you gave a reason for not trading it in your post ... "if we ever go camping again (more likely now that our little one walks and talks) it would be a great camp defense gun for bears and such because of the short barrel." Maybe you can save enough for a .223 bb through the assessory program or find one for sale in the classifieds for a good price ... just a thought because it sounds like a camping defense rifle is important to you as it should be with a family.

[MSP Ret]

not really, unless you want to keep it because it is shorter and handier to carry than the BC barrel. As far as a bear defense gun a 12 gauge single loaded with a good hard slug like a Dixie would make just as good a defense gun for grizzlies and any good slug like a Brenneke would work against black bears, and you could even load the 12 gauge with 3" triple O buckshot if you wanted. Because of the much lighter shotgun barrel it would be much easier to carry and pack around. If you do decide to trade that 45/70 for a .223 I have a nice .223 Bull barrel I would like to swap for it....<><....

[tallyho]

Other than the reasons you gave already. I personally don't see a reason why not...

You just have to make the decision for yourself how much you want a .223 versus how much having that 45-70 barrel around means to you. If, every time you see it, or think about it, you get a feeling of warm fuzzy attachment, then keep it. On the other hand, if you keep dreaming of a .223 and get frustrated by your lack of funds .... well you can see where this is going.

The other option of course, is do develop the discipline and willingness to delay gratification (making you a rare bird indeed  and a potential blemish on your potential as a handiholic) and you could simply wait until you have the funds.

And by the way, whatever decision you make, chances are good you may even have second thoughts about it in the future.

Just ask on this, or any shooter's forum, how many folks have had 'moments of regret' when they think of past trades or sales... as of this exact moment, I can only think of six... but with nothing to distract me and time for more reflection, I could probably spend the rest of the day wallowing in "if only..."   

Cheers
Kerry

[MSP Ret]

Kerry is right, if you can afford to get and keep both by all means keep the two 45/70 barrels and buy a .223 barrel, by all means if you have the extra money and have an attachment to your 22" 45/70 barrel, keep it. If you do decide to swap it for a .223 I have a nice one waiting for you. I hope to finally leave for Maine (by tomorrow morning now) for a few days but I will put that barrel in the corner for you, no rush, all I ask is you keep this in mind....<><....

[stimpylu32]

M25

If you want a 223 , trade it , you can always get another short 45/70 when funds are better , one thing to consider , if you plan to shoot cheap Mil. Spec. 5.56 ammo in the 223 keep the 45 . if you want a low cost varment rifle that will shoot great and be a low recoil then the 223 will fit the bill very well .

The factory fit barrel surves no real resale value with these rifles ( unless it is in a no longer in production model ) at which point it may add only a few dollars to the price .

I have both , would i trade them ? for the right barrel , the 45/70 would go , the 223 NEVER , it just shoots to well .

stimpy

[Datil]

 You said it right Kerry, there has been a bunch of rifles & pistols that I have
 sold that later I wish I hadn't.  Marv.
 PS MSP you have beem fooling around long enoght  time you get to maine
 shoot a few yotes. They are running all over the deer, LOL.

[MZ5]

MSP Ret, you make an interesting point about a slug in a shotgun.  The only shotgun I possess is an old Sears 20-gauge pump with screw-adjustable choke.  I suppose buckshot or the Dixie slugs would still work in that, but a short barrel it isn't.  I'll have to contemplate that option.

In the end, who knows?  I may indeed exercise the 'discipline' tallyho mentions, but it would likely be more a result of tabling the idea for a while than anything else.  

I appreciate the fast responses guys.  Any other ideas are welcome!  Still, don't be too awfully surprised if a new WTT shows up in the classifieds, as it appears to me that I might actually be able to do the fitting work myself.

REPLIES CAME IN DURING THE WRITING OF THIS REPLY:
I had forgotten about the potential for extraction difficulties with M855 (NATO SS109) ammo.  I do have most of a battle pack of that stuff left, but I was thinking of reloading potential as much as anything.  I believe I understand that those extraction issues are pretty easy to overcome with a coat hanger.  Can one rent a NATO chamber reamer through the mail (like the throaters that I think Quickdtoo has posted about) and touch things up by hand?  I don't really even shoot varmints much now that I don't farm any more, just paper.

[MSP Ret]

you are correct regarding most ejection problems being easily rectified, a clean dry chamber and a clean ejector mechanism works great. If necessary polishing a chamber is simple and cheap to do, some polishing compund, an empty shell case and an hand held electric drill along with just a few minutes time is all it takes, it's all in the FAQ's. As far as for  bear protection, consider getting a 12 gauge 24" barrel with screw in choke tubes for for your H&R/NEF.  With all the varied 12 gauge ammo out there, and so much of it available cheap in the commonly available 12 gauge the 24" choke with tubes is a wonderfully versatile barrel, bear protection, tukey hunting, deer hunting, duck and goose hunting, home protection, rabbit and squirrels as well as all large and small game. Also if I am away when and if you post it please remembr that I would really appreciate first refusal on it, and buy the way I will not refuse the trade if it comes up!!! Heck, I'll trade you right now!!!....Thanks....<><....

Marv, I'm trying, I'm trying, I really am!!!....<><....

[MZ5]

PM sent, MSP Ret.

[PartsMan]

I traded mine.
Don't look back.