Pistol barrel from old rifle barrel.

[Hammerschild 74]

Evening Gents, I have an old CVA barrel .50 cal. The breech end is in bad shape. Heavy corrosion and pitting inside and out. It clears up just forward of the lock plate. I have a pistol stock and lock ( percussion) that's also CVA. The barrel fits the channel. I'm think of cutting the barrel to fit the pistol. It's it as straight forward as making a cut and installing a breech plug and drum? Or an I opening a can of worms best left closed?

 

[Newly O’Brian]

Sure it can done, just don't expect to save the old breech plug.

 

[ChuckJonesWagon]

The other thing is a rifle barrel twist isn't as fast as a barrel made for a pistol. OTOH, I'm currently building a flintlock pistol using a 12" piece from a new GM 45 cal barrel. I've ask and some say the accuracy is fine....others say it's not good.

I figure if the accuracy is bad, I'll put on a new Rice pistol barrel.

 

[Dave Dworshak]

Turn it into a smooth bore?

 

[Hammerschild 74]

Sure it can done, just don't expect to save the old breech plug.

Oh no, the old breech plug is beyond salvaging.

 

[Uncle Miltie]

The rifling twist on a rifle barrel is much slower than a pistol barrel.
For an accurate load you will need a heavier powder charge than if you used a pistol barrel with a faster twist.

 

[Norman Brooks]

Done it. Got one done out of two. 7/8 .50cal 8" long. Instead of scraping them maybe I can sell them.

 

[Hammerschild 74]

Done it. Got one done out of two. 7/8 .50cal 8" long. Instead of scraping them maybe I can sell them.

The octagon to round is very cool. I was considering that. How do you determine the proper size breech plug?

 

[Norman Brooks]

The octagon to round is very cool. I was considering that. How do you determine the proper size breech plug?

Made it 5/8-18 due to octagon being 7/8 across the flats. Which is the same thread that all 7/8 .50cal barrels have, I think.

 

[ChuckJonesWagon]

The octagon to round is very cool. I was considering that. How do you determine the proper size breech plug?

https://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/659/1/plug-ft-14-5

 

[Rebel bull]

I have done 1. but the last one I did was a a short barreled short stock rifle for the grandkids and I had the make the new plug and bolster just like the factory one. If you are determined to cut the breech completely off I would like the breech with the plug and the bolster

 

[Hammerschild 74]

https://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/659/1/plug-ft-14-5

The parts I have for the pistol are hook breech but I appreciate it

 

[ChuckJonesWagon]

The parts I have for the pistol are hook breech but I appreciate it

If you have the hook breach components you can make a new plug using a stainless bolt you can pick up at the hardware store.

 

[Chuck Tiller]

Where do you get the TAPS for these sizes?

 

[ChuckJonesWagon]

Ju

Where do you get the TAPS for these sizes?

Just do a search. Amazon will deliver to your door.

 

[1950DAVE]

I use these folks. https://www.buyprecision.com/