Re-barrelling a Stevens #52 fall block

[Midnightmedic]

I am looking around for some information about re-barrelling an old Stevens #52 fall block action. I inheritted this rifle and as it is, it is chambered in the R2 Lovell cartridge. the only problem is that is has a case stuck in the camber with the case head already putted off. The rifle is in the plain scheutzen configuration with double set triggers and hooked steel butt plate. i was wandering If anyone knew of a gun smith that might be able to re-barrel this action into a match .22lr or even the new winchester .17 WSM rimfire round. Any thoughts on this project would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[JeffG]

Removing the rest of the stuck case is something any gunsmith should be able to do for you. I have had to collapse the case to get them out. I have used an "easy-out" screw extractor turned in finger tight against the inside of the remaining case, then tapped it out from the muzzle end with 3/16" solid brass rod

 

[xs hedspace]

Some soaking with Kroil and a few raps with a solid cleaning rod, no tip, would probably get that out. This IS an empty case, right? Oh, wait, is the whole head missing?? Then you need the ezy-out.

 

[Preacher]

Fill that case with any epoxy, like Devcon, and let it harden up and drive it out......

 

[Eddie Harren]

Finding out what it'll cost to convert it to a rimfire may nudge you away from the project.

 

[Hal]

Spray some of you best oil in the chamber and let it soak for awhile. Than slide a good cleaning rod from the back of the rifle all the way out the muzzle and screw on a brass cleaning brush (the correct bore size), and pull the rod back.
It works sometimes.

Hal

 

[Midnightmedic]

Thanks for all the tips, I was able to use the tap from my stuck case removal kit and it bit into to inside shoulder enough that it easily tapped out with a clean rod gently inserted from the muzzle and a slight tap with the weight of the rod. From what it sounds like is will be an expensive conversion to rimfire. Can anyone give me a contact name for a smith that works with fall blocks? Again thanks for all the help so far.

 

[xs hedspace]

That rifle is a valuable collectable. If it only meant changing the barrel, you could keep the old barrel for selling later, but the breechblock will have to be refitted for the rf firing pin. Can be done, will be a good shooter, with cheaper ammo, unless you just go with reloading for the R2. If it was in an original caliber, it can be worth $12000, like one in .32 cal sold at auction recently, with the palm rest. CPA Rifles in PA specializes in Stevens falling block rifles.

 

[Ggmac]

Do you live near me , Lake Worth ,Florida ? If so I can remove ( usually ) for free . No trick , just trying to pay it foward .
Gary MacDonald