Well my trade worked out but I didn't end up with a Ruger #3 in 45-70. Instead I got a Browning High Wall in 45-70 and am now interested in finding someone to barrel it to 7x57 with a light 22-24" barrel, maybe an octagon. Any suggestions? Mart

Mart,

If memory serves me right...The bbl on the 1885 is Octagon. I can tell you now, that getting an Octagon bbl replaced with another octagon is going to be very expensive. I have researched getting a Mauser bbl'd with an octagon and I am looking a $1000.

Since you mentioned that you were intending to come up with a Ruger #3, tthen I assume that you are not opposed to the Ruger action. Therefore, I would suggest that you look around and purchase a Ruger #1-A in 7x57. If you don't like the sights, have them removed and reblue with a satin, matte finish. You would end up with a very classy lwt in 7x57. You should be able to acquire a used #1 for about $450-$550. Add in perhaps another $100 for gunsmithing, and you are still way ahead of having the Browning rebarreled.

Another alternative would be to contact Browning and see if they have any leftover bbls from the B78 in 6mm. That could be easily bored and rerifled to 7x57. But I'd say those chances are slim.

Just my thoughts...the9.3Guy

9.3 Guy,
The deal never came together on the Ruger #3. I found the Browning and thought it would be a good alternative. I have checked into having it barreled with a round barrel and there are several who will do it, albiet expensively. To be honest I wish I had not traded for the Browning now. The stock is pretty rough but the barrel is good and it shoots very well as a 45-70. I just don't have any use for a heavy, long barreled 45-70. I have a Marlin 1895 that I use for a close cover gun and for open country I prefer a light rifle in classic chamberings (7x57, 257R, 300H&H). I think I will get rid of the Browning and stick with LH bolts. As for the #1A in 7x57, the cheapest used one I have found up here is $650 and they can be a lot more than that. I saw one at the last gun show that may have done double duty as a shovel or post maul and the guy wanted $750 for it. The only reasonably priced one I have ever seen up here was a rebarreled one in 222 for $450. Ruger #1's in Alaska command a premium. I have a couple actions coming from Montana Rifle. Maybe I will build a very light 7x57 on one of them. Thanks for the info. I better go. My lovely wife and I started a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle featuring two whitetails and if I don't get helping her, the little progress we have made is going back in the box. Mart

Mart,

Would you be interested in selling the 45-70? Please email me at lkydvl@hotmail.com if so.

Thanks

Andre'

Andre,
That was an old post from last year. I realized that it was not going to be cost effective to rebarrel it so I sold it last winter. Thanks for your interest.
Mart