Texas Shane Posted February 13, 2020 Share Posted February 13, 2020 I've got an 1866 20" Winchester/Miroku rifle with a ring in the round barrel. The gun is currently 44-40. I already purchased a replacement 66, 44-40 because, apparently, there a no barrels available. (Replacement is a Cimarron) I've asked a few people but no one knows the answer, so I'm throwing this out there, Will a Uberti Rifle screw into the Miroku receiver. I want to make this a 38-40 gun now. If the threads are different, what about using a 24' barrel and machining the correct threads into it to wind up with a 20. I'm not worried about all the dovetails etc lining up, that can be fixed and I will modify or replace the parts to accept the new octagon vs existing round barrel. I've inquired about having it relined, it was a no-go because the front sight dovetail is too close to the bore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat Brules Posted February 13, 2020 Share Posted February 13, 2020 You probably already know this But, in case you do not know..... The octagon barrel will make the gun considerably heavier! That weight can make a lot of difference now and in a few years, especially on a long, hot day. That difference will be the affect on handling, accuracy, and time. Just something to consider. Cat Brules Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas Shane Posted February 13, 2020 Author Share Posted February 13, 2020 Thanks, I have a 73 44-40 in octagon, the weight doesnt bother me with the 20" barrel. My new 66 is octagon, which i prefer for aesthetic reasons! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hashknife Cowboy Posted February 13, 2020 Share Posted February 13, 2020 I e mailed Winchester in Utah when I needed to replace a screw on my new 1873. Paid for 2 at the time and received them in a couple of weeks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkey Flats Jack Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 Thanks for asking this and hopefully someone will have an answer. I have a Winchester in 45 and would love to swap out the barrel for a 44/40 one. Winchester never responded to my email asking where to get a 44/40 barrel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas Shane Posted February 14, 2020 Author Share Posted February 14, 2020 Well, Winchester has been less than helpful, out of all the "Authorized Repair Centers" I contacted only 2 responded, one contacted Winchester and was told I had to use Midwest gun works, when I contacted them, Midwest said they don't work on that type of fire arm. I suppose I could take mine apart and measure the threads. Winchester hasn't responded at all. Nothing like great support from Winchester. My replacement '66 is Obviously a Cimarron! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas Shane Posted February 14, 2020 Author Share Posted February 14, 2020 19 hours ago, Cat Brules said: You probably already know this But, in case you do not know..... The octagon barrel will make the gun considerably heavier! That weight can make a lot of difference now and in a few years, especially on a long, hot day. That difference will be the affect on handling, accuracy, and time. Just something to consider. Cat Brules I weighed both the round barrel and octagon 66's yesterday and found a 4 ounce difference FWIW. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat Brules Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 Okay, you should do what suits you. Ive handled rifles side-by-side, and the octagon barreled rifle feels considerably heavier than the round barreled rifle. Thanks....now we know. Cat Brules Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jailhouse Jim, SASS #13104 Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 2 hours ago, Texas Shane said: Well, Winchester has been less than helpful, out of all the "Authorized Repair Centers" I contacted only 2 responded, one contacted Winchester and was told I had to use Midwest gun works, when I contacted them, Midwest said they don't work on that type of fire arm. I suppose I could take mine apart and measure the threads. Winchester hasn't responded at all. Nothing like great support from Winchester. My replacement '66 is Obviously a Cimarron! You can buy an aftermarket, or Uberti if available, octagon barrel in 38WCF and have it threaded to the spec of your rifle. Be prepared to spend $300-$500 on just the barrel. You can also buy a used barrel and have it rebored to the caliber of choice. None of the options will be inexpensive but can put the rifle back into service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tyrel Cody Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 https://www.gmriflebarrel.com/wl383028-38-40-cal-27-tapered-octagon-blank/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jailhouse Jim, SASS #13104 Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 26 minutes ago, Tyrel Cody said: https://www.gmriflebarrel.com/wl383028-38-40-cal-27-tapered-octagon-blank/ This is a good choice if you only shoot smokeless as it is button rifled. BP needs ballard style rifling to shoot well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warden Callaway Posted February 14, 2020 Share Posted February 14, 2020 Just have the original barrel relined and chambered to 38WCF. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jailhouse Jim, SASS #13104 Posted February 15, 2020 Share Posted February 15, 2020 7 minutes ago, Warden Callaway said: Just have the original barrel relined and chambered to 38WCF. He said the barrel is too thin at the muzzle for the dovetail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warden Callaway Posted February 15, 2020 Share Posted February 15, 2020 1 minute ago, Jailhouse Jim, SASS #13104 said: He said the barrel is too thin at the muzzle for the dovetail. TJ Enterprises makes a liner a little smaller in diameter. Also, take out dovetail parts and recut dovetail to remove where reliner intruded into dovetail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jailhouse Jim, SASS #13104 Posted February 15, 2020 Share Posted February 15, 2020 3 minutes ago, Warden Callaway said: TJ Enterprises makes a liner a little smaller in diameter. Also, take out dovetail parts and recut dovetail to remove where reliner intruded into dovetail. I remember your post and that's an acceptable remedy for me. The other option would be to turn the muzzle end down a bit and step drill the bore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas Shane Posted February 18, 2020 Author Share Posted February 18, 2020 Those are great options, wonder why I was told my dovetail was too deep. I also see green mountain has 38-40 round barrels for under $100. Since my rifle is alredy a round, I'd rather go that way so I dont have to change too much, just thread, cut a few dovetails, chamber, blue and go. Does anyone know what the thread pitch is on a miroku? is it metric or SAE? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warden Callaway Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 T.J's Enterprise contact is a little hard to find. They don't have web site. Do everything by mail of phone. TJ's Enterprises3652 Neltner RdAlexandria, KY 41001(859) 635-5560 This should be Mike Sayers email address. tjsliners1992@gmail.com Last I contacted him he had turn operation over to his son. The reason I posting this is because they offer a 38WCF barrel liner smaller in outside diameter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fireball #7709 Life Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 I had a ringed barrel Browning B92 (Miroku) that shot just fine with the ring... I eventually re-barreled it, but it ran for a long time with the ring shooting cowboy loads. Something to consider. I've not had any barrels out of my current Mirokus, but I can tell you all of the screws are sized and threaded to the same pitch as Ubertis, which would lead me to believe there is a good chance the barrel is the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas Shane Posted February 18, 2020 Author Share Posted February 18, 2020 Thanks Fireball. I have considered just shooting it! Heck, I shot a whole match with the ring (I'm assuming the ring was excessive bore butter left from the last match a few months prior). I should tear the Miroku down and check the threads . The ring is between the mag tube dovetail and the fore-end cap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fireball #7709 Life Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 3 hours ago, Texas Shane said: Thanks Fireball. I have considered just shooting it! Heck, I shot a whole match with the ring (I'm assuming the ring was excessive bore butter left from the last match a few months prior). I should tear the Miroku down and check the threads . The ring is between the mag tube dovetail and the fore-end cap. I can't see where the ring is, from the pic, but with a 20" barrel it's probably too far back to cut off and not become an SBR? Unless it really bothers you or throws shots all over, I think I'd run it, sure doesn't look like much of a ring from the pic. While a new barrel is only $100, unless you have the tools to turn the barrel shank, cut threads, cut the chamber, cut the extractor/tab grooves and sight/mag hanger dovetails, that will quickly rise in cost. I'm not sure the new mag tube hangers are actually rotary dovetails like the originals/Ubertis. Theres some evidence they are soldered in place. You can of course source a mag tube hanger if need be, but at additional cost. You'll also need to inlet your round forend to match the octagon. Maybe just name that gun "Ringer" and run it! Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas Shane Posted February 19, 2020 Author Share Posted February 19, 2020 I've considered shooting it, I've been told Absolutely no and why wouldn't you so I'm on the fence safety wise. The ring is noticeable if you know where it is, otherwise not so bad. I thought about having it mag particle checked or eddy current for cracking, just not cost effective. I only shoot black powder, none of that funky smokeless stuff! As far as barrel, I'd go with a round one from GM to avoid having to configure for an octagon and I have a local guy who can fit the barrel, chamber and dovetails if the threads are SAE, if metric, I'll have to outsource that. The rifle was 1,000$, I already bought a replacement in 44-40, so if I can come in around $500 for a replacement in 38-40, I'll be happy. Thanks to everyone who posted, all good advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas John Ringo, SASS #10138 Posted February 19, 2020 Share Posted February 19, 2020 Shoot it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkey Flats Jack Posted February 19, 2020 Share Posted February 19, 2020 1 hour ago, Texas Shane said: I already bought a replacement in 44-40 If you decide to let go of that barrel I might be interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas Shane Posted February 24, 2020 Author Share Posted February 24, 2020 I recon I'll be in touch as soon as I can get this barrel replacement figured out! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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