Traditional Muzzleloading Association

Traditional Firearms => Caplock Long Guns => Topic started by: burch on August 08, 2009, 11:53:47 AM

Title: Taboo Question
Post by: burch on August 08, 2009, 11:53:47 AM
I have a Dixie Tennesse Rifle .32cal.  I know these are rare now a days but I just can`t get use to the long barrel guns.  Can this barrel be cut down and still maintain accuracy ?  ;)
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Post by: R.M. on August 08, 2009, 01:00:01 PM
Sure, it could be done, but I'd suggest hanging on to it as is and wait for the one you really want. There could be somebody out there just itching to get the Dixie the way it is.
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Post by: Sir Michael on August 08, 2009, 01:39:46 PM
Have you looked at getting a shorter drop in barrel?
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Post by: paw on August 08, 2009, 01:43:54 PM
I had a dixie tenn that had been cut back to 31 inches it shot just as accurate as the long one I had which I sold because it was to muzzle heavy for me. the cutdown rifle was done by someone who was obivously a pro as if you didnt know that dixie never sold a short rifle in this model you would have thought it came that way. unfortunatly mine was stolen along with numerous others. cutting it back is a personal choice and if you do so you will still have a higher quality rifle than the crockett. keep in mind that in all probability the value of your gun will be less if you cut it down than if you leave it in its orignal state. on the other if you dont intend to sell or trade it in the future you will get more enjoyment from it use if you customize it to suit you
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Post by: david32cal on August 08, 2009, 02:12:22 PM
is it a caplock or a flinter
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Post by: burch on August 08, 2009, 02:14:59 PM
Quote from: "david32cal"
is it a caplock or a flinter

  caplock
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Post by: burch on August 08, 2009, 02:16:39 PM
Where can I get a drop in barrel and would it just as accurate ?
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Post by: burch on August 08, 2009, 02:23:54 PM
Quote from: "paw"
I had a dixie tenn that had been cut back to 31 inches it shot just as accurate as the long one I had which I sold because it was to muzzle heavy for me. the cutdown rifle was done by someone who was obivously a pro as if you didnt know that dixie never sold a short rifle in this model you would have thought it came that way. unfortunatly mine was stolen along with numerous others. cutting it back is a personal choice and if you do so you will still have a higher quality rifle than the crockett. keep in mind that in all probability the value of your gun will be less if you cut it down than if you leave it in its orignal state. on the other if you dont intend to sell or trade it in the future you will get more enjoyment from it use if you customize it to suit you

  If it was all original i`d think twice before doin` any alteration. When I got it someone had driven about 50 tacks in the stock and had overlaid a star on the patch hole. I ran a post on refinishing it and it turned out pretty good. Whoever did the tacks and star work on it should stick to just shooting `em. I had a heck of a time refinishing it but it does look a lot better but you can still see the tiny holes if you look close. It`ll never be what it once was but the bore and lock are in excellent conditon so it`s worth keeping.
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Post by: david32cal on August 08, 2009, 02:26:55 PM
buddy has a Crockett he might trade if youd be interested
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Post by: Ohio Joe on August 08, 2009, 03:12:41 PM
Personally, I would not cut the barrel down, especially if this is one of those old Dixie Tenn. fullstock Rifle's that Kirkland Turner started out offering way back when.

The other thing I would be concerned about is the make of the barrel.  I don't know, it might have a Douglas on it and you need to be careful cutting those back to get the lands & grooves at just the right place at the muzzle.  Otherwise a Douglas will shoot goofy.  It's always best to cut a Douglas from the breech end.

If it's a Numrich, you may have some concerns with it's center bore?

IMHO, I would get a new barrel in a larger caliber for less weight.  Green Mountain, Rice, or an Ed Rayl.  Check with Track of the Wolf.
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Post by: burch on August 08, 2009, 03:58:36 PM
Quote from: "Ohio Joe"
Personally, I would not cut the barrel down, especially if this is one of those old Dixie Tenn. fullstock Rifle's that Kirkland Turner started out offering way back when.

The other thing I would be concerned about is the make of the barrel.  I don't know, it might have a Douglas on it and you need to be careful cutting those back to get the lands & grooves at just the right place at the muzzle.  Otherwise a Douglas will shoot goofy.  It's always best to cut a Douglas from the breech end.

If it's a Numrich, you may have some concerns with it's center bore?

IMHO, I would get a new barrel in a larger caliber for less weight.  Green Mountain, Rice, or an Ed Rayl.  Check with Track of the Wolf.

   I don`t think it has a Douglas or anything upgrade on it. How can I find out the date of manufacturing >
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Post by: mario on August 08, 2009, 04:03:48 PM
Quote from: "Ohio Joe"
IMHO, I would get a new barrel in a larger caliber for less weight.  Green Mountain, Rice, or an Ed Rayl.  Check with Track of the Wolf.


I agree.

Or leave it as is and sell/trade it to someone to fund the one you want.

Mario
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Post by: burch on August 08, 2009, 04:22:56 PM
Quote from: "david32cal"
buddy has a Crockett he might trade if youd be interested

  If I decide to trade it i`ll shoot for a Cherokee first. Thanks for the offer Dave
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Post by: Sir Michael on August 08, 2009, 06:26:38 PM
Does it have a drum and nipple?  If so the Oregon Barrel Co. can make you a 13/16" barrel any length you want it.  Green Mountain also has 13/16" barrels but I don't know how responsive they are to customs.
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Post by: burch on August 08, 2009, 10:39:15 PM
Quote from: "Sir Michael"
Does it have a drum and nipple?  If so the Oregon Barrel Co. can make you a 13/16" barrel any length you want it.  Green Mountain also has 13/16" barrels but I don't know how responsive they are to customs.

yes it has drum and nipple
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Post by: Sir Michael on August 09, 2009, 12:50:37 PM
That makes it easy.  Get a barrel the same width, 13/16in I believe in the length you want.  Breach it.  I'd recommend you remove the breach from the barrel you have and install it.  Mark where the drum goes, drill and tap it.  Install the lugs and sights and install it.  You're off to the races. 8)
Title: dixie rifle
Post by: paw on August 10, 2009, 02:59:25 PM
if you get another barrel this still leaves the wood to be cut down so what would you have to loose by cutting back the barrel also. i suggest you take the gun to a qualified gunsmith with muzzleloader experience and get his opinion
Title: Re: dixie rifle
Post by: burch on August 10, 2009, 04:05:09 PM
Quote from: "paw"
if you get another barrel this still leaves the wood to be cut down so what would you have to loose by cutting back the barrel also. i suggest you take the gun to a qualified gunsmith with muzzleloader experience and get his opinion

  I thought I was getting quailified gunsmith`s opinion`s here.  :lol:  If I decide to cut down this barrel i`ll do all the work myself. A little common sense and research goes a long way my friend
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Post by: snake eyes on August 11, 2009, 06:48:16 AM
Quote from: "Sir Michael"
Green Mountain also has 13/16" barrels but I don't know how responsive they are to customs.
burch,
    I have always found Green Mountain to be very customer
responsive. I was a bit concerned when Knight went under,but was
assured by sales rep Keri that the Knight closing will have
absolutely no effect on GM operations.
snake-eyes
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Post by: Mike R on August 14, 2009, 11:54:07 AM
As other have said, buying a shorter 'drop in barrel' [it won't be that easy] will require cutting down the stock and possibly refitting the ramrod tubes--then besides the extra expense of the new barrel, you'll still have the original long barrel which will be of no use to you anyway--so I'd either leave it alone or cut down the original barrel.  Personally, I prefer the longer barrel in a squirrel rifle--the weight ain't that bad, helps shooting and has a better sighting plane.  I thought I wanted a short barreled .32 once and had one built with a 36" barrel--I still have it, but regret the decision and wish it was 42".  It is nice and light, though.  I'd keep the Dixie as is or trade it as is and buy what you really want.
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Post by: PeashooterJoe on August 17, 2009, 04:51:49 PM
I agree with Miker R.  about the shorter barrel, got a 36" not very happy with it also. Still prefer my 42" barreled rifle over my 36" one. Good luck with what ever you decide.. PeashooterJoe