Extending a 14" bull barrel

[martyball]

I have a .44 mag. 14" bull barrel I would like to extend to 16 1/2 inches so that I can use it with a shoulder stock.  I realize that the extension has to be non removable to satisfy the law.  What suggestions are there?  I am considering a 1" thickwall stainless tube fitted closely over the barrel, attatched with screws into the front site holes and then the screws soldered in place.  This would be like a .22 target rifle with a "bloop" tube.  I think I want to avoid welding on the barrel.

RMB

[Who Me?]

I recently bought a 14" bull barrel in 7-30 Waters that was on ebay.  It had some of the blue rubbed off around the muzzle.  I asked the seller how that happened.  He said that he had a Choate barrel extension on it so he could use the rifle stock.  He couldn't keep the extension in place though and that caused the rub marks.  The front sight screw holes were a little messed up also, so they must have come loose. 

[Lone Star]

...He said that he had a Choate barrel extension on it so he could use the rifle stock.  He couldn't keep the extension in place though and that caused the rub marks.

Good thing the Feds didn't catch him, he was shooting a highly illegal rifle.  The Choat extension is supposed to be welded to the 14" barrel to be legal.


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[Keith L]

...He said that he had a Choate barrel extension on it so he could use the rifle stock.  He couldn't keep the extension in place though and that caused the rub marks.

Good thing the Feds didn't catch him, he was shooting a highly illegal rifle.  The Choat extension is supposed to be welded to the 14" barrel to be legal.


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I wonder if the feds would even buy slip on and solder in the screws like Martyball asked.  I bet it would depend on the fed...

[Lone Star]

The ruling states that an extension must be permanently attached.  Solder is not permanent.  Seems pretty clear to me.


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[martyball]

The permanent part is what has me worried but I figure I own a hacksaw and could cut any barrel to an illegal length in 15 minutes.  Something that couldn't be removed with ordinary hand tools seems equivalent.  I realize I should call BATF but I am sceptical of getting a quick, correct or binding answer.

[Keith L]

I think most permanant extensions are welded on.  I have a .222 super 14 with a welded on extension to make it legal.  I recall one manufacturer in the past used adhesive, and had extensions come off when the gun was fired.  Not good.  I suspect if you weld or braze (or silver solder) on the extension you will be OK.  Any less you will be risking trouble.

Good luck with your project.

[southern utah]

rather than mess up a good barrel you could sell the short one and buy a new longer barrel. shouldn't be that much difference in price.

[blhof]

A better idea is to keep the shorter for pistol use and buy a good used carbine barrel.  That's what I did with my 3030 barrel, I now can use either a pistol or a carbine for hunting, depending on how I feel, and the terain I'm hunting.  The pistol in a holster carries a lot easier and drier than the carbine on long hikes on misty days.

[louiethelump]

I have two of the Choate extensions still new in the package if anyone is seriously interested in making up an extended barrel for carbine use.  They fit the super 14 barrel and are cut out to go around the front sight.  There is a hole in the bottom where it is supposed to be welded.  I had Bob Cogan at Accurate Plating when he was still in Clearwater Florida do the last one I did.  I don't know much about welding but it was some kind of "tig" welding that did not heat up the whole barrel.  He just basically tacked the extension to the barrel around the edge of the hole.  I then filled it in and smoothed it out with black epoxy and you could hardly see it was ever there.  This was on a 30-30 barrel that is still in use with a Choate folding stock.  (by my auto mechanic.  Traded to him for repair work in time of no cash)  Anyway, I have talked to people that have attached them with JB weld and they never came loose, but to do it right, it should be welded.

If anyone is interested in doing one of these, contact me at louiethelump@yahoo.com and I can supply up to two of them.  Choate quit making them and I have two left I found on e-bay awhile back.  Sold off most of my T/C stuff and will sell them if anyone is interested.

Louie