.32 rimfire conversion?

[keeperofthehills]

I have a Remington #4 rolling block rifle in .32 RF in perfect condition and i was wondering if i could have a new breech block and hammer made so it would fire .32 S&W

the firing pin would have to be moved up about 1/16 of an inch i think. i havent really done any research on exact dimensions but in minds eye I think its feasable.

.. or just having the barrel punched out to something bigger

Please help my young mind needs to soak up your wisdom

 

[Jim Watson]

If you moved the firing pin to centerfire, the closest cartridge to .32 RF would be .32 Short or Long Colt.

I have read of the .32 rimfire-centerfire Marlins being rechambered for .32 S&W Long to get the inside lubricated bullets, so it could probably be done even easier on a single shot. Don't know how well the Remington barrel dimensions would work out, though.

Frank deHaas said the No 4 action is not strong enough for any larger caliber. I read of one experimenter who looked at a No 4 for conversion to .22 WCF and decided to build his own action from scratch because the old Remington was not as stout as it looked.

However, if your No 4 is "perfect" it has some collector value that would be wiped out by any caliber change.

 

[Jim K]

You might first try a .32 S&W in the chamber. If it fits, then you could go to the expense of having a new breechblock made and no other change would be needed. If the chamber is too small, things get tough because the .32 Colt AFAIK is no longer made and rechambering would alter the gun.

I say "could" about having a block made because I think you will give up the idea when you learn the cost of doing that. If in doubt, take the block to a local machineshop and tell them what you want, but take your heart medicine along.

Jim Watson is right about the No. 4 not being strong enough for any real "upgrade" to a more powerful round.

Jim

 

[Jim Watson]

Navy Arms has some .32 rimfire ammo made up every once in a while. You might could get some use out of the old timer with no modifications.

 

[keeperofthehills]

the gun came from my grandfather, and he bought it new.
he claims it has had less than 50 rounds put through it.
i have shot some of the ammo from navy arms, and it shoots really well.
the reason id really like to change it to .32 S&W is id like to do custom reloads for it. low pressure so that i could shoot it more and more often.

any ideas now?

 

[Gordon]

I have a Stevens Favorite in .32S&Wlong that an old gunsmith did 35years ago. It shoots factory level ammo very nice, I wouldn't try to hot rod it! I have a #4 RB in .22 LR and would be tempted to leave yours alone and buy the .32rimfire from Old western Scrounger.

 

[Clemson]

Keep grandad's gun in original condition. Buy a cheap Mauser to load for.