32 Winchester Muzzle Split

[ironhead7544]

I came across a 32-20 in a gunshop "junk box". The barrel has a split at the muzzle about 1/2 inch long. The revolver is an early one with cylinder notch inserts. Otherwise seems to be in good condition except the nickel finish is poor.

I was wondering if this split could be welded up and shaped, then the barrel relined? Has anyone ever done this? Might make a nice project gun. The round butt grips are in nice shape and surprisingly there is another identical revolver in the same box, in worse shape. I didnt look too closely at the two but got to thinking about it later. I would like to keep the original barrel but could switch them.

What do you think?

 

[cgt4570]

Why not just replace the barrel? They turn up on Gunbroker all the time.
Otherwise, since the split is near the muzzle, why can't it just be cut off and a new front sight installed?
It doesn't sound like this gun will ever have any value beyond possibly being a knock-around shooter. It wouldn't be worth the cost to make it anything else.

 

[DWalt]

I can't imagine what would cause a muzzle split, and don't remember ever seeing one. An obstruction would normally cause a bulge, not a split. Maybe defective metal?

Assuming the bore is OK, and not rusted out (as many .32-20s are), shortening the barrel and silver-soldering the sight blade back on would be the most cost-effective approach to making it a shooter again.

 

[2152hq]

Any of the above fixes will do. You can also weld the crack, file & polish the outside of that area back to a decent shape & look.
Then counterbore the muzzle down past that repair. Saves cutting,crowning the bbl and re-setting the front sight.
I've seen a couple in this condition counterbored w/the cracked bbl muzzle wall left as-is.
You can do that too if the costmetics of it doesn't bother you.
If you have to pay someone to do most any of the repairs listed, it may not be financially sound for what you end up with. But as a project gun and doing the work yourself, it sounds like a perfect candidate.

 

[ironhead7544]

Guys: Thanks for the replies. I also have never seen a barrel split like that. I will be doing the work myself. I am just interested in a 32-20 S&W shooter.

I like the old time looks of this revolver. It is a 4 inch and the bore is poor so needs a reline. The weld up and counter bore is also a good idea and will consider it.