M92 32/20

[Stoney]

G'day Fellas,
I just recently picked up this nice condition M92 in 32/20. It has been re-blued, re-barreled and had other interesting things done to it. Upon inspection of the barrel it looks like a Lee Enfield .303 barrel was used with the HVSC stamp behind the rear sight, would this be correct? Also the stamp 310 + 32, does that mean it can use .310 Cadet + 32/20? I know they are very similar, but the Cadet runs a larger projectile in most cases. It also has cork bedding on the front end which is starting to degrade if anyone has a solution to it's replacement. I only want it for a fun, cheap, plinker so I will plonk a rear tang peep on it and see how I go. Cheers.

[LawrenceA]

First question first
Yep a 310 barrel will go and as well as using a potentially larger bore the 310 has a thinner rim.
Basically dont use 310 ammo in it and as you will be reloading suggest to hammer one through to check bore size and use a bullet a coupla thou bigger.
Thing is it will be fun anyway but a small projectile is far more likely to leave leading and will be less accurate.

For the cork consider using card.
Loaded with TB the cost of a round is like 10 cents if you cast as well.
Real cheap to run and a ton of fun.

[No1Mk3]

G'day Stoney,
Yes, it is a former 303 barrel cut down and re-chambered to take 310 Cadet and 32-20. This is normally managed by making the base diameter a little larger than 310 and the rim thickness step deep enough (.065") for the 32-20. The 310 Cadet is nominally only .002" larger than the 32-20, although most reloaders prefer a 0.316" bullet and some Cadets like the 0.323. All of these will fire in a 303 barrel, but the 0.323 may foul fairly quick if you have a tight barrel. As for the front end, I would re-cork it with some gasket cork for a cheap quick fix, but a proper bedding compound would be best, Cheers.

[Gamerancher]

I don't know about "nice" condition, been "bubba'd" pretty well, but if it works and you didn't pay a lot for it, good luck to you.
As Lawrence suggested, slug the bore, .312 - .314 is usual for .32-20
If you let us know the serial number or at least the first three and number of digits, I could tell you what year it is.

[bigrich]

at least you found a good use for enfeild's stoney old mate , convert them to 32-20

[Stoney]

at least you found a good use for enfeild's stoney old mate , convert them to 32-20

I'm going to make you buy one, one day

I don't know about "nice" condition, been "bubba'd" pretty well, but if it works and you didn't pay a lot for it, good luck to you.
As Lawrence suggested, slug the bore, .312 - .314 is usual for .32-20
If you let us know the serial number or at least the first three and number of digits, I could tell you what year it is.

I bought it because it was cheap and non original Gamerancher, that way I can use it a lot and not worry about knocking it around and losing value. I don't think it's " bubba'd ". The work on it is neat and tidy, it's just a little bit more " utilitarian " and less beautiful. I always preferred function over form anyway Oh and it's a 1909 rifle I believe.

[Maxjon]

I have a real soft spot for the 32-20.....thinking of rebarrelling one of my cadets. I thought of rechambering a 310 barrel, but I don't want a heeled 32-20....

[No1Mk3]

I have a real soft spot for the 32-20.....thinking of rebarrelling one of my cadets. I thought of rechambering a 310 barrel, but I don't want a heeled 32-20....

Literally hundreds of Cadets were converted to 32-20 by Smiths in Sydney by simply running a reamer into the chamber, nothing else was done at all. They shot perfectly well, many are still around and in use. Not all were stamped with the new calibre. 2 of my un-modified Cadets accept and shoot 32-20 without any problems.

[Maxjon]

I have a real soft spot for the 32-20.....thinking of rebarrelling one of my cadets. I thought of rechambering a 310 barrel, but I don't want a heeled 32-20....

Literally hundreds of Cadets were converted to 32-20 by Smiths in Sydney by simply running a reamer into the chamber, nothing else was done at all. They shot perfectly well, many are still around and in use. Not all were stamped with the new calibre. 2 of my un-modified Cadets accept and shoot 32-20 without any problems.

Yes I know No1....K@gy I bought one from Timbo years ago, it shot terrible. But I guess some out there may shoot well.
A Swan barrel is $760...I would rather find a decent shooter for that money....
Hope you are well mate..A%am