Gunsmithing - How to Rebore a Rifle Barrel Presented by Larry Potterfield of MidwayUSA

Published on November 29, 2013
Duration: 5:24

This guide details the complex process of reboring a Winchester 1885 Low Wall rifle from .32 Rimfire to .357 Magnum, addressing a pitted bore. Expert gunsmith Larry Potterfield demonstrates disassembly, barrel removal, specialized reboring at Delta Gun Shop, chambering, crowning, action conversion, and final marking/finishing. The process highlights advanced machining techniques and specialized tools required for such a conversion.

Quick Summary

Reboring a rifle barrel involves enlarging the bore, cutting new rifling, and chambering for a new caliber, often to repair damage or upgrade performance. Expert gunsmiths use specialized tools like lathes and reamers, and may need to convert the action from rimfire to centerfire.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Project Introduction
  2. 00:55Disassembly and Preparation
  3. 01:24The Reboring Process
  4. 01:55Chambering and Crowning
  5. 03:38Action Conversion
  6. 03:56Marking and Finishing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process for reboring a rifle barrel?

Reboring involves removing the original barrel, drilling it out to a larger diameter, cutting new rifling, chambering for the new caliber, and recrowning the muzzle. This is often done to repair pitted bores or to convert to a more powerful cartridge.

What tools are essential for reboring a rifle barrel?

Essential tools include a heavy-duty barrel vice, action wrench, precision lathe, specialized reamers for chambering, a go-gauge for verification, and potentially an electrochemical etching machine for marking the barrel.

Can a rimfire rifle be converted to centerfire?

Yes, a rimfire rifle can be converted to centerfire through gunsmithing. This typically involves modifying the breech block, firing pin, and extractor to accommodate the centerfire cartridge's ignition system and dimensions.

Why would someone rebore a rifle barrel?

Reboring is commonly performed to salvage a barrel that has become worn, pitted, or damaged. It also allows for conversion to a more desirable or powerful caliber, enhancing the rifle's utility and value.

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