Skinning the 38/55 cat

[mm1ut1]

My club has been holding 200 yard "Buffalo Gun" matches. Only rules are that you shoot 38/55 or 45/70, cast lead. Shooting is off hand and prone or sitting with sticks. Targets are metal chickens/rams and paper targets. Rounds are single loaded, slow fire. I have been shooting a trapdoor, but it just is not quite accurate enough to win.
I've been toying with the idea of using a lever action in 38/55. Options are buying a Winchester 94 in 38/55, getting one in 30-30 and having it bored to 38/55, having my Marlin 30 bored to 38/55. Option 1 may be pricey. I'm leaning towards option 2 if I can get a 24"+ barrel. Getting my Marlin 30 bored is the cheapest, but I'd really like a longer barrel with it's longer sight picture. Final version will have target sights front and rear. I'm set on 38/55 because, well, that's what I want !
Rifle must be able to shoot inside a 4" group at 200 yards to give me a chance to compete with the big boys and the $$$$$guns. Any advice would be welcome. Thanks !

 

[ball3006]

Why don't you look at some of the replica Sharps, or like, rifles in that caliber? They can be had for under a thousand bucks....chris3

 

[hardluk1]

Maybe a H&R buffalo classic. They can be bought for around 375 . 45/70 cal. Got the longer barrel too. Look for a used one and save a bit more.

 

[Jim Watson]

The Uberti Highwall starts at $900 and is made in .38-55.
Can you buy a lever action and have it rebored for that?

It has only been a few years since Marlin was making .38-55s. If they have any barrels left, a replacement would probably be less expensive (and longer) than a rebored .30-30.

 

[Gunnerboy]

get a lee enfield and have it rebarreled and modified to 38-55 that is what im currently considering. its not classic but it'd be cool.