I have a junker 1892 Winchester in .25-20. I was wanting to know can you change it over to a .44wcf. I know you will need a new barrel but, I want to know what needs to be done to the action.

New barrel, new mag tube complete and probably a carrier and bolt w/extractor.

Besides the bolt face, extractor, and ejector being differenet due to the larger size case head. The carrier is also a differenet shape due to the larger cartidge.

However the reciever has three differnet cuts in it for the 44-40 cartidge.
The magazine follower hole and tube recess is larger than the 25-20.
Also there are two notches cut into the LH inside of the reciever for the plunger in the carrier to index and hold the carrier in the down and up position.

It would best to leave it as small caliber.

Jim Wisner
Custom Metalsmith

quote:

Originally posted by J Wisner:
Besides the bolt face, extractor, and ejector being differenet due to the larger size case head. The carrier is also a differenet shape due to the larger cartidge.

However the reciever has three differnet cuts in it for the 44-40 cartidge.
The magazine follower hole and tube recess is larger than the 25-20.
Also there are two notches cut into the LH inside of the reciever for the plunger in the carrier to index and hold the carrier in the down and up position.

Hmmn, that's enough work to make a fella wonder if a shot out 25-20 could be rebored, rerifled, refinished, and reborn as a 32-20...

This is the one that was rebarreled much, back when no one was making anything like this, to .357 Mag. Yes, you could rebore to .32/20 but the .38/357 family might be a bit more appealing. Your bucks. I though the .38/40 and .44/40s were a larger action, but my memory thins with my hair.