Rolling block question.

[Andrew Quigley]

Howdy ya'll. New to the rolling block's and wondered if a 32long rimfire can be converted to a centerfire? If so whats needed to do the change?
 What about a 22rimfire. Can if be converted to something else?
Thanks for any info.

 Andrew

[ssdave]

The answer is, it depends.  

Mostly on what the rifle is.  If it is a #4 or #6, the only appropriate use is a .22 rimfire or obsolete .32 RF.  The #4 can be distinguished by the fact that the breechblock and hammer pivot on thin bolts instead of almost 1/2" diameter pins.  You can convert the .32 RF to .22 by welding and redrilling the breech block.

If the rifle is a #2, (distinguished by having a curved surface where the buttstock meets the action) it is suitable for a .22 rf, .32 rf, or small pistol type cartridge loaded lightly.  Again, the block can be converted by welding and redrilling.

If the rifle is a #1 1/2, (distinguished by a full size frame with flat slides, no step at receiver ring)  It is suitable for small pistol cartridges and some light rifle cartridges in addition to the rimfire.  

If the rifle is a #1, it is suitable for most blackpowder era rifle or pistol cartridges, loaded with bp loads or very light smokeless loads.

Best of luck,
dave

[cooper]

Andrew, I don't know if this will help you, but there was an article in an old issue of either Handloader, or Rifle, entitled "New Version of an Old Favorite".

It describes how the author converted a 32 RF Stevens Favorite into a 32 Long Colt centerfire.  It was a fairly straightforward operation, as I recall.  He did recommend that you use only black powder, or Pyrodex.

Don't know which issue it was in.

[ssdave]

Two problems with converting a .32 rf to 32 colt.  First, find your brass source.  Second, you will have to have a special heeled bullet mold to make the bullets.  They will have to be out of pure lead or nearly so, to bump up to groove diameter when fired.  Grant covers this in some of his single shot books, I have seen it elsewhere.  Conclusion most of the writers came to is "why did I bother"!

best of luck,
dave

[OldBob]

I have converted a .25 rimfire rolling block to .22 by turning a new barrell off-center , it works great , I don't have a .32 to measure , but I'm betting the same thing could be done with one of them. The only thing you need to watch out for is aligning the "off-center" when you cut the extractor notch.

[marlinman93]

If you decide to convert to centerfire, it's better to rechamber to .32 S&W Long. The bullets are straight forward, and the cases are plentiful.
 Hopefully the gun you're planning to convert is not a collectible one! Converting any collectible Rolling Block will diminish it's value.

[445supermag]