Universal Cabine

[bayou28]

Need help finding a gunsmith to replace the barrel on my .30 carbine. Has any one had this done or know if it is worth it?

 

[velocette]

Possibly these folks can help: http://www.dgrguns.com/

Their reputation is quite good.

Roger

 

[KosmicKrunch]

Why does the barrel need to be replaced?

Unless you have another Universal made barrel, you will need to have a USGI barrel machined in a few places as well as some receiver work. Universals I just checked are going for $350 on GB, a lil higher on AA. Machining and gun smithing fees will run you about $125 + the cost of the newer barrel. barrel relining would cost about $90 plus the liner (liners are easy enough to find, about $40). The liner needs two nothes cut into the chamber side and needs to be cut/crowned to length.

If you already have a new universal barrel, the job is fairly easy, they are not built like USGI. They are threaded (loosly) and pinned, you do not even need a barrel/receiver vise. They do not require any set back machining but you may need to use .0005 -.001 shims until you have a TDC barrel and then drill the new pin space on the topside of the barrel through the reciver band hole and place the pin in. The only thing you may have to do is alter/polish the ramp and throat. Smith fees for this would be about $75 + misc parts if you already have the barrel.

 

[rscalzo]

From what I remember about the line way back, there were variations. Some would accept mil. surplus parts and some were proprietary. In any case probably going to cost more than the rifle is worth. The one I had years back was not the best quality.

 

[kaferhaus]

From what I remember about the line way back, there were variations. Some would accept mil. surplus parts and some were proprietary. In any case probably going to cost more than the rifle is worth. The one I had years back was not the best quality.

You're correct. I have two early ones that are GI clones in every respect. Most of the parts are USGI parts including the barrel, trigger group and stock. A third one that I used to have only had USGI Trigger parts (not the housing) bolt, sights and GI stock. The everything else was not even close to being a GI part.

 

[bayou28]

Thanks for all the information. I got the rifle in trade for some welding work. He told the barrel was shotout before the trade but wouldnt let me do the work for free. It has about an eighteen inch ten shot group at 30yds. Did not improve after a good cleaning.

 

[kaferhaus]

get a magnifying glass and check the crown..... even a shot out bore will shoot better than that.... bet the crown is nicked or gouged.

 

[bayou28]

Checked the crown looks good. But I noticed about two inches down from the muzzle there is a complete off color ring that has some pitting and in one spot it look like it is cracking. Kinda wish I never got it. Sounds like its not worth the cost of fixing but now I want one. Thanks for the help.

Just my info any clue what might have caused the ring inside the barrel. It is almost a pefect circle like it was cut and welded back but the rifling matches perfect.

 

[GRIZ22]

Just my info any clue what might have caused the ring inside the barrel. It is almost a pefect circle like it was cut and welded back but the rifling matches perfect.

Sounds like a barrel obstruction and someone tried to shoot it out.

 

[Bluehawk]

I have one that is not pinned but the barrel was cut too short...the ATF allowed me to keep it (if I removed the barrel) after they had my customer waiver it to them. Am hoping to someday rebuild it but can't for the life of me remember where I put all the parts 'cause all I can find now is the receiver and bolt! :banghead:

 

[KosmicKrunch]

Griz, that is what is sounds like to me too. The 18" groups, I would bet there is a slight bulge in that barrel at that ring. You could try to full length LAP the barrel you have, that is simple and cheap enough to do. If anyone wants to sell their Universal or Plainfield and Iver Johnson M1 Carbine parts, I will buy them if low enough as I can always use piece parts here to repair other ones brought in here. Send me a PM with what you have and how much you want.

 

[Holo]

could you get the barrel cropped just before the pitting?

 

[rcmodel]

Cutting 2" from a 17 3/4" M-1 Carbine barrel would make it 1/4" too short to be legal.

However it could have been counter-bored past the damage and still be O.K..

rc

 

[Bluehawk]

KosmicKrunch said:

If anyone wants to sell their Universal or Plainfield and Iver Johnson M1 Carbine parts, I will buy them ...

Sorry Kosmic, but no sales from California to you!!!!

 

[KosmicKrunch]

Fine by me, I do not want anything from or sent to Cali gun wise. Sooner or later that state will fail and then peace shall be throughout the land.

+1 to RC on barrel length.