Liner in an original Steven Ideal 44

[Fogman01]

I am looking at a BPCR silhouette rifle for my wife and saw a Stevens Ideal 44 with a 24" half octagon barrel in nice shape except the bore is "fair". The gunstore said the bore would not be up to target shooting. They said I could put a liner in it. I hesitate to mess with an original rifle but is this something that could make it shoot well and be an acceptable modification to an original since I would not be changing the caliber? He wants $1500 for it now.

[Don McDowell]

I am looking at a BPCR silhouette rifle for my wife and saw a Stevens Ideal 44 with a 24" half octagon barrel in nice shape except the bore is "fair". The gunstore said the bore would not be up to target shooting. They said I could put a liner in it. I hesitate to mess with an original rifle but is this something that could make it shoot well and be an acceptable modification to an original since I would not be changing the caliber? He wants $1500 for it now.

That’s about two times the money I paid for one with a round target barrel in really good shape.

[Fogman01]

I talked with my gunsmith and you are right - it would have to be half that price to even consider a liner. I'll keep looking - no big hurry. Hope to get up to Smithmoor and Cody's match, if not this time then the next one.

[Don McDowell]

Don’t know if we’ll make this next match, but hope to get the January one

[Nuclearcricket]

If you like the Stevens, then you really want to look for a 44 1/2, much stronger and better action than the 44. The easy way to tell the difference is the block in the 44 1/2 will drop out the bottom of the frame when you open the action up.
You might want to keep an eye on ASSRA.com, they have a for sale section and you never know what will come up or when.
Sam

[Fogman01]

If you like the Stevens, then you really want to look for a 44 1/2, much stronger and better action than the 44. The easy way to tell the difference is the block in the 44 1/2 will drop out the bottom of the frame when you open the action up.
You might want to keep an eye on ASSRA.com, they have a for sale section and you never know what will come up or when.
Sam

OK - I will keep my eye out - I do like the 44 1/2 model. The Winchester 1885 low walls would be another choice.