Author Topic: 38 special barrel liner? (Read 835 times)

Will52100 · « **on:** March 02, 2004, 08:25:23 PM »

I have been toying with the idea of linning the barrel of a 51' colt navy for conversion to 38 special, the liner is so that I could use standard ammo and not have to use hollow base bullets to get decent acuracy.

Would this work from Brownell's, ".38-40; .40" groove diameter, .590" (15cm) O.D., 1-25 twist"? The barrel length will be 5 1/2" to 7 1/2", haven't decided which revolver to convert yet.

My main concern is the twist rate. This gun will be fed a steady diet of cast lead ammo and posibly black powder loads in the future and will be used for cowboy action shooting, along with plinking.

Thanks,

Will

gunnut69 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 03, 2004, 03:55:13 AM »

I haven't done a reline on a revolver. I would be afraid the liner would fail. Most of the relines I've seen were for calibers that the liner contained the cartridge and were for pistol calibers(straight cases). Still if I were doing this I'd contact Redman directly. They make liners for calibers that Brownells doesn't carry. Also they can probably give you the straight scoop on whether their liners can stand the stresses involved. They are at the address below. Let us know how the idea pans out.

REDMAN'S RIFLING&REBORING
189 NICHOLS
OMAK, WA 98841. phone - (509) 826-5512

KSR · « **Reply #2 on:** March 03, 2004, 11:10:50 PM »

A 38-40 liner won't work for you. It is 40 caliber, .401 not 38, .358.
You could just find a 357/38 take off barrel and turn it down and make
your own liner.

Will52100 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 04, 2004, 08:22:19 PM »

Thanks Guys, I'm not sure if I'll do it or not, a lot of work to save a very little on ammo cost. Just trying to get all the info I can so I can figure out everything in my head before cutting or grinding anything.

I'll try it with hollow base ammo first and see how I like it. I can always bore out the barrel later if I want.