Opinions wanted

[xx54]

I have been wanting to build a half stock rifle from a Bill Large barrel that I have. The only trouble is that it is a pretty chunky barrel. It is 34" long, 1.110" at the breech and 1.042" at the muzzle. It is a 54 caliber match grade barrel. I would like an opinion from you guys. Would you cut it down or leave it as is? If I chose to cut it down to make a desirable rifle to hunt with and one that would hold well for off hand match shooting, what should the profile be? What would be your choice? Who would you get to do it?
Thanks

[Bob Roller]

If this barrel has a bolster breech I would stock it as an English sporting rifle with a shotgun style butt plate.If it;s a plain breech it can be made into the same style of gun using a drum an nipple or a flintlock.These barrels are collectors items now. Bill had been gone for 36 years.
Bob Roller

[smokinbuck]

If you cut it you will have destroyed a good target grade barrel and will still have a heavier than desirable off hand barrel. Trade/sell it to someone who will use it and get the proper barrel for what you want to create.

[Dphariss]

If you cut it you will have destroyed a good target grade barrel and will still have a heavier than desirable off hand barrel. Trade/sell it to someone who will use it and get the proper barrel for what you want to create.

If you cut it DO NOT cut from the muzzle, only the breech. Then rethread for the breech. Sounds like a late Hawken profile to me.
One option would be to file it 16 sided  from about the rear sight to the muzzle. This will remove quite a bit of weight. Filing does not stress the steel like machining or lathe turning will.

Dan

[Dphariss]

As was stated above this barrel is worth a premium. I would leave it as it is.
But I like heavy offhand rifles so.

[A.Merrill]

As is, it would make a good cross sticks gun or bench gun. I don't know what types of matches clubs around you do.   Al

[mikeyfirelock]

Buy another barrel for your offhand gun project.   I suspect your Bill Large barrel will only appreciate in value if left original, and you will regret cutting it.

[Frank]

Many of Bill Large’s barrels had a slight choke in them. Do not cut the muzzle end.

[xx54]

I appreciate everyone’s opinions but I didn’t mention that I had all intentions of leaving it the length it is. My intentions were to possibly cut it to a smaller straight taper. I have been chasing old barrels for years and have other barrels more suitable for off hand shooting. This is the only suitable one that would make a nice half stock rifle. It wouldn’t bother me that much to even cut a Bill Large barrel down.

[Daryl]

If this barrel has a bolster breech I would stock it as an English sporting rifle with a shotgun style butt plate.If it;s a plain breech it can be made into the same style of gun using a drum an nipple or a flintlock.These barrels are collectors items now. Bill had been gone for 36 years.
Bob Roller

My preference as well. 

[alacran]

Have Bobby Hoyt turn it Oct to Round. That would make a splendid English sporting Rifle. Turning it would reduce the weight considerably and move the balance back towards the breach.

[smart dog]

Hi,
This rifle has almost the exact same barrel dimensions, is 54 caliber and a joy to shoot.








dave

[Tim Crosby]

 Didn't see it mentioned, what kind of breach does it have?

   Tim C.

[xx54]

Tim, The barrel has a Hawken solid patent breech, left handed which I am a right handed shooter. This is the shortest barrel I have. I was only kicking this idea around but I haven't made up my mind yet on what I would like to do with it. I definitely don't want to use it as is. I'm getting too old for that much weight.
Rod

[xx54]

Dave, Your rifle is beautiful and I really like the style and the color of it. Is that Dutchburn stain on it? I always look at everything you post and can tell you are a very talented engraver. Nice rifle. I am curious about the weight of it?
Rod

[smart dog]

Hi XX54,
Thanks for the comment.  I believe it weighs about 7.5 lbs.  It is a straight taper like yours but with about 1/16" smaller dimensions at both ends compared with yours.  The barrel length is 34" plus 1 " more for the patent breech.  The stock is English walnut from Ron Scott stained with alkanet root powder infused in mineral spirits.  The design of the stock is the key thing on this rifle.  It is the "stand up" "all business"  British design that has never been bettered for a hunting gun.  It balances very well and handles recoil extremely well even with charges greater than 100 grains of powder. 

dave