Smooth bore #4

[oughtsix]

I picked a #4 RB takedown this week with the intention of relining to make a plinker. The bore seemed to be so foul that no rifling could be seen. After much cleaning, it appeared completely shot out. I happened across a comment in DeHaas' Single Shot Rifles... that there were a few smooth bore 22 rifles made for shot. The bore slugs at .2185 and shows no marks on the slug and the bore is pitted. Is there a way to tell if this is actually something rare? I would really hate to ruin a nearly one of a kind barrel, even if it is in bad shape.

Any advice or opinion appreciated,

oughtsix

[ndnchf]

I can't help with the smoothbore question. But I can tell you that I have two #4s. One in .22 that I had relined by Redman's many years ago. It is a tack driver now. The other is a .32 that I converted from rimfire to centerfire. I shoot .32 Long Colt in it and it is proving to be very accurate. They are sweet little rifles.

Does yours have the early or late takedown system? How about posting a photo?

[oughtsix]

I think it is the early model. It has the thumb lever, not the screw. I have it taken apart for cleaning. I need to replace the block and hammer screws, they were a mess. May be a while before it's back together. My plan was to reline it, I knew the barrel was crap, just didn't know it might be rare crap.

-06