Boring out 50 cal Traditions Deerhunter to 54 cal? Smooth or rifled?

[dalmeida88]

Has anyone bored out a 50 cal Traditions Deerhunter to 54 cal? I'm curious to see if anyone has done it and whether rifled or smoothbore would be a better option. I don't hunt, but I am open to it in the future. I just don't have any smoothbore rifles and and tinkering with the idea of having fun with this cheap rifle.

Thanks
Dave

 

[Kansas Jake]

I would think the barrel would be getting pretty close to or beyond it's limit at 54 especially with screw holes for attachment of underrib etc. Also, the breech system used makes boring a problem too.

 

[Robby]

I have done a little work on a couple Traditions. My observation is that they sink those barrel dovetails pretty deep and would recommend you check them out and be very prudent in your decision.
Robby

 

[Metalshaper]

My Miss Muley wears a change barrel that was a rusted .50 cal they reamed to .54. That's the way it was, when I found it in the gun shop!
they had taken it in as a trade.. and the working 'smith" got the itch to ream it until he hit smooth metal.. stopped a 0.54..
works well and has plenty of metal in the needed areas?

Respect Always
Metalshaper/Jonathan

 

[Sidney Smith]

I wouldnt waste my time. Probably more economical to just buy a smoothbore.

 

[Zonie]

I don't own a Traditions Deerhunter so I'm guessing but, if it has a breech plug similar to the old CVA's and many other guns made in Spain by Ardesa, most of the people who re-bore or re-rifle barrels won't touch it with a 10 foot stick.

The problem is the way the breech plug and side drum or vent screw into the barrel. Getting them apart and back together right can be difficult.

 

[NorthFork]

@Zonie

I own a perc cap Deerhunter. The breech plug and drum arraignment is the one you describe just like virtually all Ardesa made muzzleloaders with a drum.

 

[dalmeida88]

Thanks everyone, this is exactly why I asked! Your help is greatly appreciated. Based on your info I’ll leave it how it is.

Thanks Again,
Dave

 

[Zonie]

For those who don't know, this is what a CVA style Ardesa breech plug and drum look like. Ardesa makes the same guns for Traditions now that CVA has stopped importing them.