Getz barrel rifling and rebarrelling questions

[Scout]

I have a southern flint rifle with a 42" .40 cal 7/8" straight octagon Getz barrel marked on the bottom flat : Getz, Beaverton PA #8704".
My question is the rifling deep/shallow? How do I check this out?

Also I would like to rebarrel to a .50 cal as I don't have the funds to build one at this time. Who is the best source for barrels these days?



Thanks,
Skip

[omark]

i cant say as to rifling depth, but i imagine don can help out there. as far as rebarreling, you may consider having yours bored and rerifled. there are several people on this board that can do that.  mark

[Dennis Glazener]

I personally don't think there is a "best" source as far as accuracy is concerned. Getz, Rice, Burton, Rayl, Green Mountain are all top quality barrels plus others that I can't think of right now. Which ever one you can find the best deal on when you need it.

Or you might consider having Bobby Hoyt rebore/rifle your existing barrel.
Dennis

[Acer Saccharum]

Bobby Hoyt does fabulous reline and rebore work. Fairfield PA

[Lucky R A]

    If you get another 7/8 barrel from whatever source you can have interchangable barrels and switch your gun from 40 cal to 50 cal.   Here in PA you need a 40 or less to hunt small game and a 44 or larger to hunt big game.  Of course, if your 40 cal. barrel is shot then the above sugguested reboring etc. is an option, depending on price. 

[Daryl]

Measure the rifling depth, groove to groove across the bore - if squarish & .008 to .012" deep, it is normal depth. If it is .016" to .025", it is considered deep. Deep grooves are usually quite rounded. Rounded grooves require deeper grooves than sharp cornered grooves.

[Bob Roller]

The first question to ask any barrel maker is
"Are you using steel certified by the mill that produces it as being suitable for gun barrels of any type?"If the answer is yes,THEN ask about the style and twist of rifling. If the answer is no then look elsewhere.

Bob Roller

[Bill of the 45th]

Once you have a load that's accurate, it doesn't matter if the rifling is square or round..  As Dennis said Getz, Rice, Rayl, Hoyle, Colerain and many others are all great, and anyone will work for you.  Changing barrels is not just a simple swamp.  Touch hole, lugs all have to be considered, and if you haven't done a couple, a skilled builder is your best bet.  If you want to go up in caliber, I would have Bobby Hoyt, or Ed Rayl do the job for you.  Best of luck with your decision.

Bill

[Daryl]

Taylor had built several guns with interchangable barrels and indeed fitted an extra barrel for my flint longrifle. Changing barrels was a 3 minute job - maybe - 3 pins out and change - 3 pins in and done. Didn't even have to remove the rod as it is a full stock.