45/70 bc question

[original]

I was looking for just a standard 45/70 barrel but came across a package deal with a Whole 45/70Bc.   I really don't know much about the BC's.    The only other one I have seen before was the hex barrel. The one I am looking at getting now from the pictures looks like it has a round barrel.  Is one better than the other or is it just a different style.   Did all the BC come with the sb1 receivers?   Thanks

[Big Blue]

As far as I know, no 45/70 ever came with an SB-1 receiver. An SB-1 receiver with a 45/70 barrel sounds a bit dangerous to me! I don't remember ever seeing a hex barrel on a BC either.
Don

[coues2506]

never saw a sb1 bc. never saw a hex 45-70 barrel on any H&R. I have no idea what you saw.

[quickdtoo]

I think the first Buffalo Classics made were branded Wesson and Harrington on SB2 frames in the late 90s/early 2k with the same round barrel they have now, there may have been a Buffalo Classic made by H&R Inc tho, it would have been on a cast iron frame, but the SB1 wasn't made until H&R 1871 started business in late 1986 or 1987. A round barrel can be made octagon tho, Fred M has two H&Rs with octagon barrels. The H&R Inc Shikari 45-70 was on a cast iron frame, 44mag also, limited to 45-70 trapdoor loads, an SB1 frame would work fine with a 45-70 barrel, there are a few here using them that way.

I've thought about fluting a barrel on my mini mill, but due to the length of the bed I haven't tackled it, but an 18" 45-70 barrel could be made octagon if I can figure out how to clamp it down, Hmmmm, wonder if a bigger mill would work? Would that be doable Larry?

Tim

http://www.angelfire.com/ma/ZERMEL/257wp3.html

[gcrank1]

I was watching and talking to 'Klaus', one of the chaps who made 50BMG sniper rifles, about 25yrs ago as he fluted a barrel on his BIG mill. He did each flute full length by hand (no power feed) as he wanted to feel the cutter working. He took shallow bites, ie; .020? to not impart unwanted stresses. After each pass he rotated the barrel 180 degrees for the same reason. He said fluting was a PITA.
Now Klaus was a German imigrant, homeland trained machinist (like maybe 6yr. apprenticed). Maybe his wasnt the only way to do things, but I knew that if you did it his way it wouldnt be junk when done.

[original]

I guess I should stoP at the gun shop and see if they still have the octangular barrel.  Sounds like if it is still there it is a custom one and I should get it or post it's location   

[gcrank1]

If it is octagon check to see if it was a stub job onto a std round breech, then milled/filed to match or a complete built up barrel c/w lug, etc. As with any 'custom' job the lock-up and headspace would bear particular inspection.

[original]

Good info to know.  Thanks I will check that out

[dodd3]

i still dont no why h&r have never put out the BC with an octagon barrel it would sure sell.
bernie

[quickdtoo]

That's easy, $$$

[gcrank1]

It does look classy, but the late, great Harry Pope said that a round barrel (all else equal) should be a better barrel than octagon. I believe it has something to do with stresses. FWIW, if octagon was better for accuracy all the bench guns would have them.
Still looks classy though........

[original]

i went back to the shop that i thought had it and it was no longer there.  the girl there told me it was just the round barrel.   i was certain it was the oct. barrel.  anyway thanks for the info. 

[gendoc]

my son has done a few octagon barrels out of a bc and ruger round barrels, also flutes..
and he states " for use with trapdoor loads only"
mostly because the owners only do TD loads for there type of pleasure shoot'n...
and his liability purposes.
big mill ?  how bout a 6ft bridgeport....   i think thats what we installed in his shop
20 years ago.  i can't remember !!!
when he comes back from TDY, i'll ask him.