30-30 to 38-55 Project

[Maj Dad]

I've got my eye on a plain-jane shooter pre-64 Win M94 30-30 that I may spring for & have it rebored to 38-55 by JES Reboring ( http://www.35caliber.com/ ). I know of one guy who had his done and seems very happy with it - anyone have any experience with them? He charges $250, return shipping included & Redmans gets over $400 plus shipping. I don't shop by prices only, but if the service is equal then it's a no-brainer. Getting enthused...

 

[Clark]

You can get a rebarreled refinished [not collector] 1886 in 38-55 and very good condition for less than $1k.

 

[Maj Dad]

Where? I'm not sure why someone would re-barrel an 1886 to 38-55 - it was never chambered in it from the factory to the best of my knowledge. Factory chamberings were in 38-56, .38-70, .40-65, .40-70, .40-82, .45-70, .45-90, .33 WCF (smokeless powder cartridge), .50-110-300 GR Express and .50-110-450 GR (& 348 in the M71). The 38-55 is much smaller and less powerful than any of these and was an original chambering in the 86's weaker cousin the M94...

 

[Clark]

Whoops, wrong cartridges

 

[Maj Dad]

Used to have one - formed cases from 45-70 and loaded the old Hornady 200 gr FP and a 200 gr FP GC lead. Accurate and fun, but family intervened at the time - no regrets, but I miss it. The one you show looks like someone cut the mag tube off and added a recoil pad - good one to pick up to do a little restoration on, but I'm committed to this 94 project now...
Cheers,
George J.