Quote:
Would it be difficult, or feasible, to modify the firing pin to centerfire and rechamber to .25ACP?
|
Changing the firing pin is no problem, the rifle came in both centerfire and rimfire, and changing is relatively straightforward. The issue is with the choice of chamberings.
.25ACP is a semi-rimmed cartridge firing a .251" bullet, same diameter as the bullet for .25 Stevens, but that is where the similarity ends.
* .25ACP is centerfire, .25 Stevens is rimfire, requiring moving the firing pin. Not a big deal, but it is shop time.
* .25ACP case is about 5/8" long, .25 Stevens is about 1-1/8" long. This means you would be firing into a longer chamber, and accuracy would be poor. You cannot rechamber long chambers to shorter chambers, the barrel would have to be set back. Again, not a big deal, but it is shop time.
* .25ACP fires FMJ bullets, which would quickly wear the bore, which is soft steel designed for soft lead bullets. The solution is to line the bore, relatively expensive.
* .25ACP ammo is expensive.
So all in all not a great option.
The most common ways to put these old guns back into operation (depending on mechanical condition) is to rebarrel to 22LR or 22 WMR. New barrel, and voila! a new shooter. The firing pin is close enough that there is usually no issue.
For people who have a centerfire rifle, rechambering to 32 S&W Long is generally the choice. Quick and easy, and they are back in operation.
Your rifle will also need new wood, available from Brownells and a few other sources.
For pricing and info, call John Taylor at Taylor Machine 253-445-4073.