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Post by Junior on Sept 26, 2020 0:19:33 GMT -7
I never can seem to say no to a project. A friend recently called me and said he had something to show me. I met Up with him and he reveals about 20 various old marlins, all missing the stocks. I go through the pile, fondling and thinking. Lots of cool stuff, several 32/40s and a 38/55. Two of them particularly caught my eye. Small lever actions of 32 caliber. I initially thought 32/20, made a deal and was happily on my way. Was about half way home before it clicked in my thick skull that I had failed to notice a loading gate. Got home and pulled them into the light to inspect closer. Turns out I have a first and second year production 1892 32 caliber rifles. Very, very little info on these rifles on the web. Best I can tell they left the factory with 2 firing pins, so they could shoot either 32 rimfire or 32 long colt. http://instagram.com/p/CFlwlzlJhZs Initially I though I would just get some 32 colt brass and a heel bullet mold and be on my way, but some google searching proved that 32 long colt brass is no longer made. It can be made fro 32 s&w long but is a pain since the web must be turned. So now I’m thinking about having it rechambered. Again, initially my brain said 32 H&R mag, but after looking I don’t think the rifle would handle the pressure, especially since the only locking mechanism is the lever. http://instagram.com/p/CFlwWL8pICu So 32 smith and Wesson long it will be. Should be pretty straight forward with just a chamber ream out. I did find a place where I can get wood for about 150 bucks. I picked the newer one to start cleaning up, since it’s in better shape and already has the center fire firing pin. I took it all apart and gave it a good cleaning. When I first got the rifles the bores looked dark and rough. I ran a brush with nothing on it through each one, and the newer one looked pretty good. I soaked it good with hoppes and let it sit for awhile (Left a nasty stain on my bench too) and then scrubbed it out. Once I got all the filth out, it revealed that the first couple inches in front of the chamber has light pitting but the rest is excellent. Bit of a shame about that first couple inches. I hope it’s not enough to make it unshootable. http://instagram.com/p/CFlweQrJdFS The newer rifles also has a front sight like I have never seen. Flipping, with a high and low post, and VERY fine bead. I can barely see it and I have pretty good eyes. Should be a interesting project. Hopefully it turns out. http://instagram.com/p/CFlwrgwpMEo |
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Post by Bullshop on Sept 26, 2020 8:29:57 GMT -7
Jr I would not at all worry about that first couple inches of rough barrel. On our Stevens model 44 that was originally a 32 RF it has a rough barrel for its full length but it shoots extremely well. I originally got it for a project I have been wanting to do for a long time to build a single shot in 22 squirrel. After cleaning it up and finding the rifling was better than the sale pictures but not great and since chamber reaming from 32 RF long to 32 S&W long took so little from the chamber walls I decided to try the 32 S&W first then if that didn't shoot well re-line to 22 cal and chamber to 22 Squirrel.
I am almost disappointed I did because the 32 S&W shoots way better than expected judging from the bore condition. I was hoping for rabbit head size groups at 25 yards but it easily does that at 50 yards and on occasion even to 100 yards.
I was a wee bit worried that Wikipedia says the 32 RF used a .316" diameter bullet so conventional bullets for the 32-20 at .313" to .314" may not shoot well. My worries were totally unfounded as the conventional 32-20 bullets shoot great. If they hadn't I could have had a custom mold made just for that rifle but its so much better that all our conventional molds work good so we have a variety to choose from.
So that leaves us with the un-completed project for the 22 squirrel and still searching for just the right platform to build one on. I have noticed the strangely enough MGM offers the 22 squirrel for both contender and encore frames and that would makes things quite simple since I have an encore frame.
The 22 squirrel project is becoming much like that 6.5x06 Ackley project where I had the loading dies for over 30 years before I finally got the rifle built. I have only had the 22 squirrel dies for 15 or so years so maybe we are getting close.
Thank you for an interesting and informative wright up on the model 92 Marlin. There has been a few times where one almost found its way into our project list. We will be watching and learning.
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Post by Bullshop on Sept 26, 2020 9:38:11 GMT -7
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Post by Junior on Sept 26, 2020 9:59:29 GMT -7
Yes, it was offered in 22. This is basically the grandfather to the model 39.
Andy Larsson is going to do the rechambered for me it sounds like since I don’t have a lathe, and I think it’s a bit too much to take out by hand.
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Post by Junior on Sept 28, 2020 10:02:49 GMT -7
Started cleaning up the second one last night. Barrel doesn’t look too bad, but if a bit rough. I’m considering running the reamer into both of them while I have it, and then finding a centerfire pin keep one, and sell one to fund the project. I think it would have more resale value as a 32 smith and Wesson long vs the 32 rimfire.
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Post by Bullshop on Sept 28, 2020 13:39:40 GMT -7
It would sure be preferential to a person wanting to shoot it.
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Post by todddoyka on Oct 1, 2020 12:27:51 GMT -7
isn't the 22 squirrel a cut down 22 hornet?(i think  ) |
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Post by Bullshop on Oct 1, 2020 15:38:43 GMT -7
Yes the 22 Squirrel is a shortened 22 hornet with a much sharper shoulder. It was originally intended as a revolver round for use in converted S&W K frame revolvers.
I became interested in it when 22 Cooper brass became hard to find. The 22 Cooper and the 22 Squirrel have the same case volume but I can make 22 Squirrel quite easily and have done so but so far I have been unable to make 22 Cooper brass.
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Post by todddoyka on Oct 1, 2020 19:14:37 GMT -7
could you make a 22 squirrel out of a stevens crackshot 22lr? or a 25rf or 32rf? (ugh!!! why am i trying to do that? don't i have enuff on my plate to try that?   ) |
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Post by Bullshop on Oct 2, 2020 7:50:24 GMT -7
The simple answer is yes you could, BUT !There always seems to be a but to muddy up the water. In this case the but is it will greatly limit the allowable chamber pressure. In my opinion and for the safe use of loads with attendant chamber pressures far above a 22 RF I wouldn't want a Stevens receiver any smaller or weaker than the model 44 and I would feel much better about a 44 1/2.
I think the crackshot receiver would loosen quickly with a steady diet of loads that exceed 22 RF chamber pressures. This has been duly noted in cases where original vintage Stevens crackshot rifles originally chambered in 22 RF were re-chambered to 22 WMR ( 22 mag)
The Stevens model crackshot and model 44 are rolling blocks not falling blocks and as such are a weaker design subject to wear of the breach block pivot pin and its mortis when used at higher chamber pressures than intended. With progressive wear at these points the loading lever goes from snuggly snapping closed as new to sagging with wear to not staying closed at all and dropping open of its own weight with excessive wear.
The model 44 1/2 is a true falling block with plenty of surface contact of breach block to receiver abutment that will not set back even at normal modern center fire chamber pressures of magnum revolvers or conventional lever action rifles + .
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Post by todddoyka on Oct 2, 2020 9:43:08 GMT -7
so i'd be better off using a rem rolling block(22 lr)? what about the savage m74 falling block?
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Post by Junior on Oct 3, 2020 22:33:08 GMT -7
For thee 22 squirrel I think a contender would be about perfect. I have a stainless one for sale.
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Post by Junior on Oct 3, 2020 22:36:00 GMT -7
My 32 H&R mag reamer showed up yesterday. Took the rifle to work with me this morning and was going to use the lathe and scratch it out but found out that I’m going to have to take the barrel off, so now I’m at a bit of a standstill until I get that dilemma sorted out.
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Post by missionary on Oct 4, 2020 3:54:52 GMT -7
Start soaking the thread area with ATF. After a good week soaking it will pop off.
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Post by todddoyka on Oct 4, 2020 9:00:29 GMT -7
For thee 22 squirrel I think a contender would be about perfect. I have a stainless one for sale. but i don't have a 'tender, mines an encore. i still have enuff on my plate to do a 22 squirrel. i'll put it in my "want to" list. yep, atf or kroil will do the trick. |
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Post by Bullshop on Oct 4, 2020 14:41:03 GMT -7
Not to be like pushy or like that but for anyone else interested besides Tod MGM has the 22 squirrel listed in their Encore chamberings. I checked with them to be sure it is the one on the shortened 22 hornet case and they confirmed that it is indeed.
I have gone there several times with the intent of buying one and ending the quest but as I browse through calibers and chamberings I become so distracted and unsure of what I most want/need I always end up tucking tail and scooting back to the safety and security of the loading room.
Spending time at that site could easily result in serious infractions with the war department.
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Post by todddoyka on Oct 4, 2020 18:53:33 GMT -7
MGM does really fine barrels. i had a 6.5 creedmoor in a 14" and a 23" heavy factory barrels and a 27" heavy factory in 22-250ai with a 1 in 8" twist. they were accurate!!!! i have in a 23" heavy factory barrels a 20 vartarg, 444 marlin and 500 linebaugh. they can shoot!!!! the 20 vartarg is, without a doubt, the most accurate cartridge and barrel i have ever seen. .1 - .2" at 100 yards(5 and 10 shots/bench) with precise handloads will make me dance. i smile with 1/4 - 5/8" at 100 yards(5 and 10 shots/bench) with sloppy reloads. the 444 and the 500L will go around 3/4 - 1" at 100 yards(5 shots/bench) with sloppy reloads. i don't do precise handloads anymore. (weighing the brass and bullet, trimming to exact measurement, reaming out the neck...... )
MGM makes me want to have ALL the calibers!!!!! but my ss# check won't let me......
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Post by Junior on Oct 23, 2020 22:08:45 GMT -7
Been busy with work, but finally got a chance today to pop the barrel off of my 1892 project and run a reamer into it. I got my hands on a 32 mag reamer and just short chambered it so it would chamber the 32 long cartridges. Got it put back together and took it out to test fire it with some factory ammo I have on hand. Unfortunately the firing pin I have is too off center to actually fire these cartridges. It may be ok with handloads using a soft primer, like a federal, but it won’t fire this ammo. Guess the hunt for another firing pin is on. http://instagram.com/p/CGtsOfuJeNh |
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Post by Bullshop on Oct 24, 2020 6:36:13 GMT -7
In my Ruger single six conversion to 22 Cooper I have the same problem with off center firing pin strike. I found that with CCI SP primers I get 100% ignition but with all other brands misfires occur.
I found that the RP 1 1/2 SP primers have the softest cup but they too gave misfires. It must have to do with the distribution of the priming compound under the anvil and possibly the anvil itself. CCI uses a three footed anvil where as some other brands use a two footer anvil.
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Post by missionary on Oct 25, 2020 5:44:55 GMT -7
Is it not possible to tweek that firing pin in the right direction ? Is the pin channel badly worn not supporting the pin correctly ?
Two calamities I can think of that an be cured.
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