Rebarrel a Rolling Block

[watercam]

Does anyone have recommendations for a 'smith to rebarrel a turn of the century Rolling Block? Threads are flat-topped and that has stopped the local talent in my area.

Thanks, Mike T.

 

[GerryM]

I think your problem lies with the threads' the square acme thread can be done . A good machine shop can thread the tang for you and duplicate the measurements. Then any smith that can rebarrel a ruger No 1 probably can chamber it and cut the extractor slot. Not all smiths are into that type of thread.
I hope this helps PS Stay away from Modern high pressure cartridges those rolling blocks are not built to take a lot of strain. The best ones were in 7mm but you still should keep the pressures down. Gerry

 

[Travelor]

I have read that Remington Rolling Block actions are some of the strongest actions ever built. Maybe the older steel is the Achilles Heel for the older guns.

Love those Rolling Blocks,

George

 

[watercam]

Thanks for the responses! This will be a .45-70 or 90.

 

[GerryM]

You should be good then. Yes the older steel is a problem at times. usually the early models
Good luck on this . I did a few a long long time ago and it's not that bad if you have the equipment.
If the smith doesn't have the reamer he can rent one i believe. Good luck on this Gerry

 

[DonL]

Hi Mike,
I have been shooting black powder cartridge rifles competitively for 9 years and I can highly recommend Glenn Fewless from Waterford, Wisconsin. He is a member of the 'American Gun Makers Guild'.If you can pickup a copy of the March/April 2009 'Single Shot Rifle Journal' you can view some of his work first hand. He contibuted his metal working talents to the building of this year's ASSRA raffle rifle which is pictured in the magazine. He can be reached at 262-534-5154. Tell him Don Leidich sent you.
Good Luck!
Don
PS: If you plan on shooting long range which takes place at 800, 900 and 1000 yards I would strongly suggest the 45-90 or a throated 45-70. Glenn and I have both shot a throated 45-70 at long range matches with very good results. The upside to shooting a throated 45-70 is it's done with standard 45-70 brass. The bottom 2 diving bands on a 540 grain lead bullet are all that goes in the brass giving you the capacity of a 45-90. The other upside is nearly all of your carefully cast lead bullet remains in it's pristine condition prior to it's flight down the barrel, almost like breech seating. The down side is the lube in the bullet grooves is exposed to dirt and dust. Care needs to be taken in windy conditions. Glen has the reamers for both of these.