I've built more than a few .38s, mostly in the 38-50 Remington Hepburn chambering. ( a WAY better BP cartridge than .38-55).

That bore size is ALWAYS a problem , weight wise.

There's a Shilo '74 on consignment over at my LGS, standard 30, maybe 32" # 1 heavy bbl profile.....in .38-55.

Pretty rifle, .... but STUPID heavy, that one.

GTC


Member, Clan of the Border Rats
-- “Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it.”- Mark Twain