28ga or 20ga

[Jerry Sine]

I have a 54 cal Leman rifle . I am thinking about converting the rifle to a smooth bore rifle.  The  rifle has a green mountain barrel 36" length 1" across the flat. Would it be possible to ream out to 20 ga. or will I have to go with 28ga. And last who would be a good contact to do the job.    Would appreciate any help.

[Uncle Russ]

Jerry, I suspect your question is waaay over my head, but let me assure you there ain't no fleas on a .56 cal / 28ga.
I own an old "el-cheapo" T/C smoothie in .56 that shoots every bit as well as I can hold it, even better!
I have had this old beast for twenty or so years, and she gets better looking every year.

I most cases, I am not allowed to shoot her in smooth bore matches, it because she has a rear sight...that's what they say.
She does indeed have a rear sight, but she shoots a PRB like a house-on-fire, and that may be the real reason I'm not allowed to compete, but what would I know?

Ohio Joe instituted a rule, this year, in his "Smoothie Match" that allowed me to let her strut her stuff, and the old girl made me quite proud.

Insofar as shot is concerned, the best I remember the recommended load for the .56/28 is 7/8 oz shot over 65 or 70gr FFg...my regular load is 1 full oz. over 70gr FFg....
I have shot 1.25oz #6 shot over 75gr FFFg quite often, and as far as pattern goes, it depends greatly on the thickness of the OP wad....in my gun.

When using 70gr FFg, I break in half a 1/2" tall fiber Wad, when using FFFg I use the full Fiber Wad.

I always two (2) OS cards, no matter what load I'm shooting, and I NEVER Mix shot, although some do claim great results with a mixture 6's & 7's, even 7's and 8's, or even 6's and 8's for that matter, but my own experience with mixed shot has never been all that great.

I didn't answer your question, not even close, but I would suggest that if you ever get the chance to try-out a 28, or .56 cal smoothie, give it a try......you just might like what you see.

Someone with more knowledge on this subject than myself will come along shortly and give a more definitive answer...no matter the choice you make, good luck in your decision.

Uncle Russ...   

[Jerry Sine]

Thanks Russ. I have  never owned or shot a 28 ga. I am sure they shoot well. I have this 54cal Leman that shoots quite well I have had no luck in  trying to sell. I just can't see well enough to shoot open sights. So my plan is to make a good squirrel gun I had some concerns about the 28ga for squirrels. What is your though as far as squirrel hunting with 28.           Thanks Again

[dmarsh]

Jerry, I would suspect that you can get a 20 gauge out of that but you need to let the expert decide.  It depends on the depths the dovetails are cut for the sights and lugs.  I send mine to Bobby Hoyt and tell him to bore it out as big as he can safely do.  I have had about 6 done and happy with everyone.  Two smoothies and the rest rifled.  Give him a call (717) 642-6696.  Good luck.

Dave

[Jerry Sine]

Thanks  Dave,  I  sure would like a 20ga. I think it would make a better squirrel  gun versus a 28 ga. As I said I never owned a 28 or fired one. I believe a 20 would be a better choice.           Thanks Again

[Semisane]

20ga is no problem in a 1" octagon barrel. Green Mountain used to sell a 1" 20ga drop in barrel for TC guns.

[Jerry Sine]

Great that sounds good!

[amm1851]

Are you still interested in selling the rifle?  A friend of mine is a lefty and might be in the market,  but I am not sure.