Widder, SASS #59054

I bought a fake Christmas tree from TN Williams. The next day, I got a sinus infection and funny cough. I went to the doctor and he said I had a 'Phantom Infection'. Basically, Its a fake infection. Stuffy sensation but no infection. I ask why my cough sounded like a chicken kackle? Then he ask....... "WHO did you get the fake tree from"? Another true story. Ya just don't make this stuff up! ..........Widder

According to my 2nd edition Richard LEE modern reloading book: rim 44-40 is .525 rim .45 colt is .512 44-40 rim is .013 larger case length 44-40 is 1.305 case length .45 colt is 1.285 44-40 case is .020 longer Based on these numbers and having a little understanding of the Marlin 1894 action, you should be able to reline the barrel or get a new barrel, AND....... in keeping the firing pin hole center to the bolt and primer, you should be able to open up the bolt face with no discernible difference.....EXCEPT, if it were me, I would cut off the small tab on the bolt face, but leave the bottom tabs...one on each side of the bolt. AND, you may have to tweak the spring on the Extractor (weaken it) in order for it to have some slight movement to allow the larger size rim to fit under it smoothly. NOW, after stating all that, I just tested one of my .45 Colt Marlins by running some dummy rounds and empty brass thru it and it ran perfect. BUT, my bolt face already has those mods that I listed (removal of the small tab on the bolt face and lightning the Extractor spring). Again, my only concern is ensuring the firing pin is hitting center to your ammo, therefore probably requiring a little opening up the bolt face just a few .000's EDIT: test your .45 Marlin with a primer only piece of 44-40 brass and see where your firing pin hits on the primer. This will tell you more about your bolt face than anything I can suggest. Nice project............. Good luck. ..........Widder

I heard a rumor that after this match, other Cowboys started calling you 'Lefty Calloway'. Good job! ..........Widder

Chicken George, I reckon this successful surgery means that Scrap P is still gonna be able to whoop up on me again with his 97..... I am happy for the good news and may the Good Lord bless him with a complete and speedy recovery. God Bless. ..........Widder

JB, If that Henry is a Widder Soft Stroke .22, check out what Lumpy stated above. When I set up the bolt and firing pin, I give a good polish to the bolt channel AND the firing pin to where the firing pin will freely movel in and out of the bolt after you remove the pin at the rear of the bolt. If the firing pin won't freely fall out, then something is obstructing its free movement. ALSO, measure the firing pin AND the bolt slot area. The Firing Pin should be anywhere from .025 to .035 longer than the bolt slot that it sits. The .025 to .035 gives adequate indentation on rimfire cartridges when the FP is smacked by the hammer. If ya got any questions, feel free to call me. Good luck. ..........Widder

Sorri JB. Most, if not all, of my .22 shooting is during warmer weather..... 50's and above. ..........Widder

I faintly recall my FIRST record was a 45 by Bobby Bare....'Detroit City'. I still like that song. Cost me .10 cents. ..........Widder

I faintly recall seeing the 76 in Mohawk Brown and the Seneca Green..... but I wouldn't swear to it. ..........Widder

I'm 74. for nearly 55 years, I eat the sausages and bacons, fresh eggs, whole milk, hamburgers, hot dogs, milkshakes, etc...... And then the effects of that fatty stuff started effecting my heart. Soooooo, I started reducing my consumption of bacon, started eating those Cholesterol free eggs, drank fat free milk, fewer burgers and hot dogs, and milkshakes. Started taking lots and lots of medicines. FAST FORWARD to age 69: double bypass surgery AND replacement of my Aorta valve. Still eating what I want but a little less of it. I stay on my medicines. BUT BOtToM LINE: I ain't about to cut out all the stuff they want me too. I still have a taste for fried foods and basically eat what I want, when I want. Dairy Queen still gets some of my business..... ..........Widder

CB, Yea.... those Nylon series have gotten expensive over the past few years. Of course, seems like MANY of the guns I like have gone way up in price. My 1st S&W model 41 (.22 semi auto) was $146 ...NEW in the box. Now, they are at minimum between $12-1400. ..........Widder

Gosh, I had no idea and had not heard about his thumb situation. Prayers up for a 'Scrapy' kid. There has not been many folks, especially young folks, that I have listed in 'MY HERO' list....... but Scrap P has been one of them for a couple years now. You have a fine family and not only is my Prayer for Scrap P, but your entire family. He's blessed to have all Y'all to help him heal up good. Take care. ..........Widder

Thanks for posting those pics, TW. 1st pix is my Remington Nylon Mohawk Brown with its 'mat finish'. Definitely not a high shine finish. 2nd picture down is the Marlin model 101 'T' bolt. I think browning owns the name for 'T' bolt, but Marlin actually made one. A true single shot and the 'T' was the cocking mechanism for each shot. The single PEPSI bottle is my favorite designed bottle. It even has one of the earliest lid designs. But, admittedly, the lid is not during the 'cork' era. I wish it were. ..........Widder

The next time, lets send in the reporters from NBC, MSNBC, CBS and ABC. ..........Widder

Hey Pards. I've handled this 73 that Howdie is letting go. It is indeed a super nice rifle. But, he fell in love with MY Marlin .32 (Widdermatic) and the rest is history. He lives close to me and we've done some shooting back on the farm, he has discovered his fondness for the .32 H&R. I guess his selling/trading his 73 can be blamed on me. ..........Widder

WOW. One tough character. ..........Widder