There is another type of insert that I use in my 357 revolvers. Each of the chambers has a .177 Cal.
insert install in it. A old "177 pellet rifle will supply you with the necessary rifled barrel for this project.
There is two ways of doing this project. One is to use only the inserts in the chamber, and the other is to
also line the barrel. Lining the barrel with a rifled liner gives the best accuracy, but the chamber method
will give satisfactory accuracy up to 30 yards.
The short piece of barrel is centered in the lathe and is shaped just like a 38 or 357 case. It is made to
just slip full length inside the chamber in the cylinder, with no play. The primer end is drilled to accept a
large pistol primer. Drill just deep enough that it will be flush. Using a taper reamer, just ream the barrel
in front of the primer so a .177 pellet will just start inside the barrel.
22 CAL. BARREL LINERS
When you have an old 22 of your Grand Dads that is in good shape, but the barrel is worn out there is
still hope. Brownells and a few other suppliers have a 22 RF liner, which will when installed give new
barrel accuracy when properly set in the barrel.
The liner should be carefully chambered and then the chamber polished to remove the reamer marks. It
should be chambered deep enough so when a cartridge in inserted in the chamber it will be flush with
the end of the liner.
To install, all that is necessary is to measure the liner, get a twist drill the same size or a few thousands
larger than the liner, and grind a pilot on it (.218) and resharpen the cutting edge. Then a 1/4 inch piece
of drill rod is brazed to the end of the drill. You will need some type of "V" groove fixture to hold the drill
and rod in perfect alignment while brazing.
The old barrel can be put in the lathe, and rebored to the liner size. Drill from the muzzle to the chamber.
You will have to clean the drill every 1/2 inch or so, and keep it well oiled with a good cutting oil.
INSTALLING THE LINER
When done, clean the oil from the barrel with solvent. You can the liner in the barrel already chambered.
If you want now put the action back in the barrel, remove the extractor from the bolt. Insert a 22 case in
the chamber of the liner. Now coat the inside of the barrel and the outside of the liner with epoxy. Slip the
liner up to 1/8 inch of the bolt, or where the end of the chamber is.
Wipe off all the excess epoxy from the chamber end, close the bolt, and push the liner up flush against
the bolt. Once it is flush on the bolt, open the bolt and wipe off any extra epoxy.