Peabody Rifle chamber sleeve job: Anvil 112

Published on May 20, 2022
Duration: 16:07

This video details a complex gunsmithing process to convert a rare Peabody Rifle from its original 11.15 Romanian Beaumont chambering to .45-70 Government using a sleeve from a Swiss Vetterli barrel. The conversion involves extensive machining of the barrel and breech block, fitting a new extractor, and carefully modifying the chamber for reliable feeding. Crucially, the modification is deemed safe only for black powder loads due to significant thinning of the breech block.

Quick Summary

The Peabody Rifle was converted to .45-70 Government due to its original chambering's rarity. The process involved sleeving the chamber with material from a Swiss Vetterli barrel, requiring extensive machining of the barrel and breech block. This modification is only safe for black powder loads.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Peabody Rifle Issues
  2. 00:53Decision: Chamber Sleeve to .45-70
  3. 01:14Machining the Barrel
  4. 01:32Extractor Slot & Fitting
  5. 06:17Breech Block Modification for .45-70
  6. 09:25Safety Warning: Black Powder Only
  7. 10:25Chamber Ramping for Feeding
  8. 12:25Receiver Recoil Load Design
  9. 13:47Range Testing & Historical Context

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the original problem with the Peabody Rifle in the video?

The Peabody Rifle presented in the video had a loose breech that prevented it from closing properly, making it inoperable in its original configuration.

Why was the Peabody Rifle chamber converted to .45-70 Government?

The conversion to .45-70 Government was chosen due to the rarity of the rifle's original chambering (11.15 Romanian Beaumont) and the availability of .45-70 ammunition.

What material was used for the chamber sleeve in the Peabody Rifle conversion?

An old, high-quality Swiss Vetterli barrel was utilized as the source material for the chamber sleeve, ensuring durability and proper fit for the .45-70 Government cartridge.

Is the converted Peabody Rifle safe for modern smokeless powder loads?

No, the converted rifle is strictly limited to black powder loads. The breech block was significantly thinned during modification, creating a stress riser that would be unsafe for smokeless powder.

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