Dog catcher, even if re-barreled, The rifle maker might still be liable for damages if the action is determined to be defectively designed/manufactured.
After a bankruptcy and multiple owners, that would take one hell of an attorney.
No one knows what happened - that's why I said "rifle maker" not "Winchester".
My point was that notwithstanding manufacturer's warnings to the contrary, the mere fact that someone modifies a firearm or uses hand-loads doesn't
automatically absolve a manufacturer of liability for a defective product.
The injured man should certainly have the rifle and ammo examined by experts.