Barrel cutting the Marlin 1895CB

W

WhitSpurzon

New member
I have a Marlin 1895 Cowboy that I really like despite its only shortcoming. The barrel is too long to hunt with.

I have an 1895GS Guide Gun too. It is a near perfect hunting rifle, easy to carry, devastating on game and accurate. However, since acquiring the 1895 CB I've found l like the aesthetic and the ergonomics of the thinner forend and octagon barrel better. After hunting with the longer barrel my appreciation for the shorter barrel on the GS was realized.

My solution, shorten the 26" barreled CB to 20" making it a Cowboy Guide Gun. I'd keep the magazine tube full length and I believe (hope?) the extra 1-1/2" (over the GS' 18-1/2") of barrel will allow six cartridges to be loaded.

Now my challenge is to find a quality gunsmith capable of cutting the barrel, crowning the muzzle, shortening the magazine tube, reinstalling the front sight and rebluing, not to mention making sure it functions as perfectly as it does now.

Any hints on how to find such a person?
 
Cowboy gun

Sir:
Is your bbl. octagon or round?
Either way, if it's tapered just cut it off with a hacksaw 1'4" ahead of finished length, take a file, file it until you have NO lite under the square - or - file it if tapered till you just see the same lite under one side of the square all around. Then carefully with a brass or bronze 60 degree center lap the muzzle to break the rifling evenly all around with some fine valve grinding compound.
You can do it if you take your time if you're handy with tools - If not find a good smith. Don't get it too short.
Harry B.:)
 
Personally I don't see where six inches would be a problem. Best take it to a smith for a cut and crown. If you get it off even a little bit accuracy will suffer.
 
Where are you in wetstern WA? There are good smiths around, just tell me where you are and I may be able to point you in the right direction.
 
Still have the marlin?

I've been interested in one for hunting and I like the long barrel. Has selling it crossed your mind. Frank in Tacoma
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top