southern build ?

[Mark Elliott]

I generally concur with Mike's assessment of southern rifle barrels.   I believe most were made for small game hunting and/or target shooting and were usually shot from a rest or prone.   Unless, you are building a chunk gun,  you probably don't want a really authentic barrel size and profile.  However,  all the original rifles I have seen had swamped barrels, although very slightly swamped.   What Rices Southern Class does is give you that very slightly swamped profile with a slimmer breech.   

I have used the Southern Classic in 45 and 50 for customers that are using them for hunting and target shooting.  Both had problems with recoil that required considerable fine tuning of the fit and/or load.   Personally,  I think the Southern classic is too light in 45 and 50.   I think it is more appropriate in 40 caliber or less.  In the future, I am going to recommend a B or C weight barrel for clients who what 45 or 50 caliber, but I guess a lot depends on how much you plan on carrying the rifle.

[WadePatton]

I generally concur with Mike's assessment of southern rifle barrels.   ...  


What Rices Southern Class does is give you that very slightly swamped profile with a slimmer breech.   

I have used the Southern Classic in 45 and 50 for customers that are using them for hunting and target shooting.  Both had problems with recoil that required considerable fine tuning of the fit and/or load.   Personally,  I think the Southern classic is too light in 45 and 50.   I think it is more appropriate in 40 caliber or less... 

thanks mucho for your insight on the Southern Classic. 


Also, I hollered at Jason, we may learn more about this Squirrel thing soon!

[flinchrocket]

Yes, we are whimps. We don't want to drag a 10 lb rifle up the hills and through the hollers just to shoot a dinky little squirrel. The lighter barrels are available ,so might as well use one. Wouldn't want them to lay around and rust ( on the inside).

[JasonS]

Hello Everyone,  As i understand it there are a few questions concerning what calibers are available in the Southern Classic bbl.  Also about a new bbl that Rice Barrel Co. has come out with year.  Lets first start with the Southern Classic bbl.

The Southern Classic is a "A" wt which means the breech dim is 15/16" across the flats.  At 10" from the breech the bbl measures 13/16".  The waist is 3/4" and the muzzle 13/16". The bbl length is 42".  Standard calibers are .40 .45 & .50.  Available in .32 & .36 upon request.  You will notice that the bbl has the same dim at the 10" mark and the muzzle.  A lot of shooters need the rear sight to be further down the bbl so that they can see it more clearly.  If the rear sight is placed at 10" + than the front sights will be on the same plane.  This allows  for very low mounted sights like many of the original rifle.  This profile is suitable for late flint and percussion period rifles. I currently have a few .40 available & ready to ship.

Onto the Squirrel bbl.  Over the past few years I've had many request for a light swamp bbl in small game calibers, with a minimal amount of taper and flair. This is what i've come up with...
The breech is 13/16". At 10" form the breech .700. The waist is 5/8" and the muzzle .700.  I've made this profile in barrel length of 38", 42", 44" & 46". I will soon be making some in a 32" version.   Standard calibers .32 .36 .40.  I currently have a mixture of calibers in the 42" bbl. When compared to a standard "A" with the same caliber and barrel length the Squirrel bbl will weigh 1 lb to 1 1/2 lbs lighter.  I hope this answers your questions.  If you would like to purchase a bbl please call the shop at 336-492-2614.

[ottawa]

that's sound like what I need .I will have to check this ( the squirrel barrel in 36 )

[WadePatton]

THANKS for clearing things up Jason.  I had missed your reply, now i GET it, and can't wait to "need" another bbl or two.

If it ain't swamped it ain't for me.   

[bama]

I built a SMR on a 13/16" straight 40 cal x 42" GM barrel and it turned out to be a very nice handling little rifle. Really balanced well for a offhand gun and could be carried in the woods without killing yourself. My customer loved it. I will agree that if you can afford the tapered and flared barrels by Jason they will make a much better balanced gun.

[stuart cee dub]

 I second 'Bama .
The 13/16ths barrel in .40 cal is one of the few straight barrel /caliber/length combinations that actually work ,and make a nice rifle .
I'm finishing one up now.
 This barrel and furniture combination yields a very slim rifle,even with a 3/8'' ramrod .
The balance point ended up forward of the rear ram entry point .But there is just enough hang weight in the front so it should be steady but not to heavy by the end of a day.For good target only work it may actually be too light overall.
 Getting the wrist right has been the biggest challange so far but it seems to be working.
How some of you guys make rifles on 3/4'' barrel is a puzzlement .
 If I were going any smaller caliber wise I would use a swamped barrel .The reason I used a straight barrel is simply stubborness.
Regards Stuart