J. Stevens A&T 32-20

Question
QUESTION: would it be better to have the barrel bored or try to fine a new barrel? The rifling is worn and I can not it a target at 50 yards, where would I be able to find a new barrel for this gun.

ANSWER: Doug,

There could actually be other gremlins at work in the accuracy department concerning this rifle but I'll go with "worn rifling" for the sake of the question.

I'm not positive without benefit of personal inspection, that I can properly advise you as to if the gun/barrel is worth re-barreling or re-boring or not. Assuming the average condition and value of this and similar guns it may be a toss up.

I would seek out a qualified gunsmith in your area and deliver the gun to him/her for a personal inspection and on site advice. It may cost you a few dollars but it would be a wise investment.

Try checking out Numrich Gun Parts Co. at www.e-gunparts.com for parts (barrel etc.) for your rifle. If located you'll still have the expense of labor and related costs unless you have the skills and equipment to do the work yourself.

I hope that you understand the handicap that I'm working under considering not having any background info on the gun nor being able to examine it personally. Still..... I hope you find this helpful

Thanks for the question Doug.

Sid Lark

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: What else would cause the the rounds to miss the traget? The barrel is stright, front and back sights look to be in line and looking at the rifling again it looks to be OK. The barrel is round and thick, I belive the gun was made in the late 1800's or early 1900's. The gun belonged to my grandfather, I belive he bought it new.

Answer
Hi Doug,

Well......... a lot of things (or a combination of them all) could be at work including but not limited to; The barrel/stock needs re-bedding, the muzzle needs to be re-crowned, and/or the chamber needs re-chambered. You may also have a really "bad" trigger (eg. creep, rough, excessively high pull, over travel, etc.).There could also be lock-time and/or ammunition issues, not all barrels like all ammo all the time.

If I were to actually put the time/money into bringing this rifle around, I'd probably start with the ammo and make certain the the barrel had zero copper/lead fouling. Copper fouling can cause more problems than most shooters realize.

I would then have the muzzle re-crowned and see if that helps. I see MANY bad crowns in older rifles. The question is, how much time and money do you want to put into the project, and where to start (?).

Good luck and let me know how it works out for you.
Sid Lark