Re line.......rim to center

T

thickstrings

New member
I have allways been interested in those old Stevens "hinge block " rifles...that being said, I was wondering if one could take a, say 32 long rimfire and change it to centerfire? I would imagine that most could be relined..It has been my understanding that the .22's have week pins ect. and not safe for 22 mag or 17 hmr but what about the other rim fires?.....The 44 or 44 1/2? What I want to do is to get one of these old rifles to shoot modern ammo .........any thoughts? Thanks
 
It can be done if you work within the limits of the action. One gunzine writer converted a .32rf with good bore to centerfire and loaded .32 Long Colt with black powder for the authentic experience.

Frank DeHaas' Single Shot Rifles has a lot of thoughts and observations on just how far you can go with a given action. The Stevens 44 1/2 is completely different from the 44 and is quite strong. He says you can take it up to rimmed varmint calibers like .219 Zipper. They go downhill pretty fast from there. He says the No 44 will handle .32-20 and .38 Special NOT .357 Magnum. .22 magnum but not .22 Hornet, even though it was available from the factory at one time. The boy's guns like the Favorite he limits to .22 or a centerfire .32 loaded to .32 rimfire levels.
 
Taylor Machine relines and rechambers old 32 RF rifles, usually to 32 Colt. Call John Taylor at 253-445-5073.
 
Does Taylor also do the breechblock conversion? It is a fairly simple job for a gunsmith, but it would be nice to have one place do all the work.

The big problem today is finding a rifle in good enough condition for conversion. I rarely see a 44 1/2 or even a 44 any more that is not in collector condition at a collector price. Others, especially the .22's, seem to be just plain worn out, with everything loose and parts broken or worn down.

Jim
 
Yes, all the work is done by Taylor Machine. He is very experienced in firearms conversions and restorations.
 
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