RELINING BARRELS

Many old guns are around that have barrels that are rusted out, but otherwise the rest of the gun is in
workable condition. Others have bores that are larger than the individual would like, and would like to
change them to a smaller caliber to make them more serviceable.

There is a solution to correct the above problem. This is to rebore and reline the barrel to the caliber that
you want. It is a simple matter to do this, as all that is necessary is to purchase tubing that has the
correct ID, or slightly smaller. The bore is then reamed to the correct size, and then rifled. In relining
barrels, the original barrel is bored out by a drill with a pilot to fit the original bore.

The drill being started at the chamber end of the old barrel so that it will be well centered. The barrel is
then reamed with a barrel reamer to bring it to the size of the tube to be inserted in it.

Once this is done, the old barrel is then drilled out to the size of the OD of the liner tube. If you cannot
find the tubing the size that is required, a rifled barrel or blank is made or purchased and turned down to
the OD that is required.

Be forewarned that to turn a barrel down to a smaller size does have certain problems such as warping,
but it is still a simple operation. Sharp tools and a follower steady rest will eliminate much of the chances
of warpage.

TUBING FOR RELINING

Most of the barrel liners for relining are long, and if possible it is best to get seamless tubing for the
operation. The tubing can be purchased from any steel supply house, and of many different makes of
manufactures. Superior Tubing manufactures the best tubing that I have found, and it has excellent
interior surface finish. The surface finish is very good, and is usually better than the other tubing
manufactures. This is very important as if the ID of the tube is rough and looking like an 1800-century
washboard. It will be difficult to ream it and get the interior finish that is needed for the bore.

When you buy the tubing you may have to buy the tubing with a smaller ID than is desired, and bore it out
to the size that you want, and then ream it to the correct size. It is best to use a short piece of tubing, and
bore and ream it to be sure it will do a good job and get the desired interior finish. Most of the tubing will
be 4130, which is Chrome-Moly steel. This steel will give good wear, but it is more difficult to get a good
finish. If you are able to get the desired results, you can now bore out the old barrel to fit the OD of the
tubing.

BORING TOOLS

The boring tool that I mostly used was the standard drill bit with a pilot ground on it that was a close fit to
the bore. This was done on the lathe with a Tool Post Grinder. Chuck the back end of the drill in a collet
or three jaws chuck, and use a hardened female center in the Tail Stock. Grind the pilot at least 1/2"
long, but 3/4" is better. A recess is cut at the shoulder of the pilot to make sharpening the drill easier.