About 5 yrs ago, i got an 1886 50-110 barrel from them. It did take about 6 months to get it, but i am very happy with it. The profile is a tiny bit smaller than the original barrel, so the handguard has a small gap around it. However, the blue is good, the sights fit well, and it's (from what i can tell) very accurate. I wish i had known the true wait time when i ordered it, but overall, im happy with what i got in the end.
@@thecinnabar8442 No no, I didn't take it that way at all. I thought it was funny we had almost the same experience. My barrel isn't "perfect", by any means. My 1886 is a shooter, so I'm willing to accept the small differences in the new barrel to the original. It does what I want it to do, and that's to shoot well. You're absolutely right that, if you want a true replica barrel, you should probably look somewhere else. If you want a shooter for a reasonable price, Winchester barrels is the place to look!
Thankyou for doing this review of Winchester Barrels. About 5 years ago I ordered a 1/2 octagon barrel in 40-82 WCF from them. I think it took close to 18 months to get it, but they did come through. The barrel I received was very nice, better than your example. I had purchased at live auction an old 1886 that needed a barrel, a butt plate, and wood. It was really a mess, and not worth what I paid. But the action and other parts were there and looked good. So, after looking at it for while, and searching for a barrel maker, wood and other parts; I decided to make a project of it. I carved and finished the wood, found a very nice butt plate on Ebay, and finally got the barrel. Then I took all the parts to a my Tucson gunsmith, Lawson Gunsmithing, who did a very nice job of assembly. There were some issues matching the parts, but he worked them out. We also reamed the chamber neck as it was a little tight for Starline Brass, even after neck turning. The barrel looks good and shoots great. A friend and I were able to hit 8 inch steel plates at 200 yards, open sights and 70 year old eyes. One old Win '86 saved from the trash.
Hi Mark, Great video and very informative, I contacted John Taylor for a price to re-line my "73" 32-20, the price was $550.00 to $600.00, for a re-lined barrel, the waiting time was 6 months. Since you have been nice enough to upload a wealth of videos, and knowledge on the 1873 Winchesters, I decided to take my rifle apart, and make sure there wasn't any additional issues that might make the rifle less than ideal to drop 600 bucks on a re-line. since this rifle was a gift from both my sons, the value of the rifle is not an issue, because I'll never sell it. but I do enjoy shooting my rifles and use modern replicas when I do competitive shooting. I want to impress upon your viewers that the 3rd option with a poor or dark bore [ as long as it is deemed safe] may be adjusting powder charge, and bullet diameter, and even fillers, and do your research! ballistics products [original buffer works well]. sometimes this combination will drastically change how well these old rifles will perform and the accuracy you can attain with them.
I bought a replacement for my 1886 a few years ago after finding their website. It is in 40-82 and as advertised it is just like the original. I measured all the features compared to the original and they were all spot on. It indexed to the receiver as told it wood and tightened snugly. Of course it was octagon but the numbers were there. I have a couple hundred rounds through it so far with no problems. My gun was a "brown gun" so I browned it as close as I could and after shooting it was very pleased. It took me about six weeks to get it and was told this when I ordered it. It was 450.00 plus shipping. So far so good...
I got a barrel from him and it took I think eight months and I hounded them a lot, it index right up perfectly and it seems to be quite accurate, so I can’t complain. although they left the S off of leverguns 50. But overall it was a good barrel for the money. In 50-110 WCF
“I hounded them a lot” Well, I suppose then that you are at least taking responsibility for for your share of the frustration others are expressing about lead time on their barrel. I have heard from others who say that when they call the wife answers the phone and I never get to talk to the gunsmith himself. Yea, no kidding. I had a guy ask me for a very well known gunsmith’s personal phone number. Yea, like that’s going to happen. I might want him to talk to me again. If/when I send out work the shop rarely hears from me regarding that work unless I change my mind on something. If I do contact them it is short and to the point. Trust me, there are times when I end up on the phone for extended periods, but those social calls take place after hours and on weekends. I have had people remark that this or that gunsmith isn’t very talkative when that isn’t the case at all. It’s just that they have work to do and can’t do it while being distracted.
I purchased a barrel from this company, last March for my 1873 in 38-40. It took 4 months to receive the barrel. I found that the roll stamp was a little different but was hard to tell unless you had both barrels sitting side by side. The mag hanger notches lined up perfectly and the barrel timed perfectly to the receiver. The sight notches were under seized, but I prefer this. I am very happy with the barrel.
Thanks for sharing your experience. It sounds like more common barrels may not take as long to receive, however I know one buyer who's been waiting for a year and a half for three 1886 barrels he ordered.
Always buy an excellent example then when one buys another which has a shot out barrel, the barrel on the good example can be sent to the barrel maker for duplication. Mark, I was going to comment on the profile but you beat me to it; I see what you see. I worked for John Martz Luger carbine maker when I was a young man and we always machined barrels from 3" diameter rifled blanks. We machined the front sight ramp integral to the barrel as well as the rear sight section and timed / tapered threads.
Hi Mark, First, this was a really good video, thank you for letting us know about them. Second, did I understand you correctly that you can reline the old pistol caliber barrels? I ask because I have a M92 in .25/20 that the bore has seen better days. Someday I'd like to get it in better shape. It's just a fun little thing to go play with even though the accuracy is only about a gallon jug at 50 paces. Thanks!
Just got my 1876 barrel from them that I ordered over 7 months ago, only difference from the original barrel is the caliber stamping, now reads Cal. 45-60 when original barrel read 45-60WCF and was 1/16 turn from indexing correctly so had to chuck it in my lathe to correct.
Great review Mark! Answered alot of questions that I had. Got a few old Winchester's Id like to get shooting again, and better myself. Thank you for making this video! Take Care!
The price for a replica barrel, chambered at $500 isn't that bad. Would expect for a very close reproduction but am not sure that Winchester was much better. Comparing two barrels that may have come off two different machines or multiple machines and operators, one would expect differences. Although this is an assumption, as I have not done a comparison to verify. My competition barrel blanks run in the $350 plus range and generally have to wait at least 10 months, which they are generally honest about up front. Then it will cost me at least $350 for chambering and cutting the crown, add additional for threading the muzzle for a tuner. Thanks for sharing Mark. Always informative and your commentaries are fair and well evaluated.
The differences in the stamps and barrel profile from original barrels is what will be troubling for those looking for a correct replacement barrel for a high-quality restoration. They'd be fine for a "shooter" grade rifle.
Rebarreling services for lever actions is as rare as hen's teeth. Would love to have rebarreling options like bolt action rifles. I would love to see more cartridge options in western style tube magazine lever actions.
I've been waiting 11 months for a replacement magazine tube and fore end for my Uberti 1873 rifle through Uberti's sole UK importer. They were expected in August 2023 and there's still no sign of them. It's very disappointing and frustrating after buying 4 new guns from them.
Good review. Mr.Mark, I have a question that I have yet been able to get a definitive answer on and I figure you’re the fella to know. I’ve got a couple of pre 64 model 94 Winchesters. When I close the action up it locks up good and tight and they don’t require any extra upward pressure on the trigger stop/ safety bar in order to fire. I’ve seen others that require some upward pressure to depress the safety bar/trigger stop to fire and figured that was from wear. So I wasn’t sure which way was correct??. Thanks and enjoy your channel.
If you have to consciously squeeze the lever in order to depress the trigger safety stop, then it's too stiff. One would have to explore what the cause is on an individual rifle. It could be as simple as the spring being too stiff.
Between gunsmithing, video production and our recent purchase of Wyoming Armory in Cody, I'm having more than a little trouble finding the time to make barrels. Still trying though. Know of any barrel makers looking for work out here in "God's Country"? 😃
Gosh I wish I were a younger man I would have got into gunsmithing I love working on my own guns I just finished tuning my Cimarron 66/22 and it's working great now and do most everything except barrels just due to not having the right equipment, If I were a gunsmith out there looking for work and are good at it you should reach out to mark I would have loved to work with someone like you your knowledge and do what it takes approach to doing things right is admirable!! @@thecinnabar8442
I would not recommend any barrel made by Winchester barrels. Since I made this episode, I've dealt with several more of their barrels and all have had major quality control issues.
(Mike C) Hey Mark! Have you ever had an original barrel re-bored & re-rifled? Wondering if that's ever an option on old lever guns ( 38-40 to 44-40 or something similar). I had a rolling block (43 Spanish) bored out to 50-70 so I could shoot it for less than $7 per round (A guy near you did the work as I recall)! It actually turned out great. Question #2, is your P & W rifling machine progressive depth rifling capable?
Yes, boring a barrel to a larger caliber is definitely a good option and I should have mentioned it. The challenge is to obliterate the original caliber stamp and restamp the caliber correctly and make it look right. Of course, if it's a shooter grade rifle or it's going to be refinished, it isn't as big an issue. For your second question, no it can't produce progressive depth rifling, but can produce progressive twist (gain twist) rifling.
I gave up i never wanne do busness with them again.....As from the Netherlands this man Bob Williams made my blood cook so many times with his exuses why the barrel wasnt ready....I orderd a few octagonal 1886 barrels in 45-70 and a octagonal 1895 Winchester barrel in 30-06 stamped with caliber 38-72 (save u the gun laws in the Netherlands) but this man after more then 1,5year never deliverd and he was selling 1886s barrels in 45-70 on ebay..............So i am done with them........ The barrels i had from him for a 1897 and for a 1892 in 32-20 and a few 86s barrels and 1 1894 barrel where all great,meaning they fitted well and the wood was tight and and nothing wrong with it,but the service is poop.........
Since I made this video, we've had a couple of their barrels come into Wyoming Armory from customers that had terrible quality issues. They're cheap, but you have to deal with poor service and the quality of the workmanship has really gone downhill as well. I would no longer recommend them for even a shooter-grade firearm.
About 5 yrs ago, i got an 1886 50-110 barrel from them. It did take about 6 months to get it, but i am very happy with it. The profile is a tiny bit smaller than the original barrel, so the handguard has a small gap around it. However, the blue is good, the sights fit well, and it's (from what i can tell) very accurate. I wish i had known the true wait time when i ordered it, but overall, im happy with what i got in the end.
Please don't take this episode as bashing the company. I was trying to stay neutral and give as accurate an evaluation as I could.
@@thecinnabar8442 No no, I didn't take it that way at all. I thought it was funny we had almost the same experience. My barrel isn't "perfect", by any means. My 1886 is a shooter, so I'm willing to accept the small differences in the new barrel to the original. It does what I want it to do, and that's to shoot well. You're absolutely right that, if you want a true replica barrel, you should probably look somewhere else. If you want a shooter for a reasonable price, Winchester barrels is the place to look!
Thankyou for doing this review of Winchester Barrels. About 5 years ago I ordered a 1/2 octagon barrel in 40-82 WCF from them. I think it took close to 18 months to get it, but they did come through. The barrel I received was very nice, better than your example. I had purchased at live auction an old 1886 that needed a barrel, a butt plate, and wood. It was really a mess, and not worth what I paid. But the action and other parts were there and looked good. So, after looking at it for while, and searching for a barrel maker, wood and other parts; I decided to make a project of it. I carved and finished the wood, found a very nice butt plate on Ebay, and finally got the barrel. Then I took all the parts to a my Tucson gunsmith, Lawson Gunsmithing, who did a very nice job of assembly. There were some issues matching the parts, but he worked them out. We also reamed the chamber neck as it was a little tight for Starline Brass, even after neck turning. The barrel looks good and shoots great. A friend and I were able to hit 8 inch steel plates at 200 yards, open sights and 70 year old eyes. One old Win '86 saved from the trash.
Hi Mark, Great video and very informative, I contacted John Taylor for a price to re-line my "73" 32-20, the price was $550.00 to $600.00, for a re-lined barrel, the waiting time was 6 months. Since you have been nice enough to upload a wealth of videos, and knowledge on the 1873 Winchesters, I decided to take my rifle apart, and make sure there wasn't any additional issues that might make the rifle less than ideal to drop 600 bucks on a re-line. since this rifle was a gift from both my sons, the value of the rifle is not an issue, because I'll never sell it. but I do enjoy shooting my rifles and use modern replicas when I do competitive shooting. I want to impress upon your viewers that the 3rd option with a poor or dark bore [ as long as it is deemed safe] may be adjusting powder charge, and bullet diameter, and even fillers, and do your research! ballistics products [original buffer works well]. sometimes this combination will drastically change how well these old rifles will perform and the accuracy you can attain with them.
I bought a replacement for my 1886 a few years ago after finding their website. It is in 40-82 and as advertised it is just like the original. I measured all the features compared to the original and they were all spot on. It indexed to the receiver as told it wood and tightened snugly. Of course it was octagon but the numbers were there. I have a couple hundred rounds through it so far with no problems. My gun was a "brown gun" so I browned it as close as I could and after shooting it was very pleased. It took me about six weeks to get it and was told this when I ordered it. It was 450.00 plus shipping. So far so good...
when you said marl i laughed, was hell to find a replacement, wish i knew you 20 years ago and have you craft a fine one, great vids, 10/10 keep it up
Thanks a bunch!
I got a barrel from him and it took I think eight months and I hounded them a lot, it index right up perfectly and it seems to be quite accurate, so I can’t complain. although they left the S off of leverguns 50. But overall it was a good barrel for the money. In 50-110 WCF
“I hounded them a lot”
Well, I suppose then that you are at least taking responsibility for for your share of the frustration others are expressing about lead time on their barrel. I have heard from others who say that when they call the wife answers the phone and I never get to talk to the gunsmith himself. Yea, no kidding. I had a guy ask me for a very well known gunsmith’s personal phone number. Yea, like that’s going to happen. I might want him to talk to me again.
If/when I send out work the shop rarely hears from me regarding that work unless I change my mind on something. If I do contact them it is short and to the point. Trust me, there are times when I end up on the phone for extended periods, but those social calls take place after hours and on weekends. I have had people remark that this or that gunsmith isn’t very talkative when that isn’t the case at all. It’s just that they have work to do and can’t do it while being distracted.
I purchased a barrel from this company, last March for my 1873 in 38-40. It took 4 months to receive the barrel. I found that the roll stamp was a little different but was hard to tell unless you had both barrels sitting side by side. The mag hanger notches lined up perfectly and the barrel timed perfectly to the receiver. The sight notches were under seized, but I prefer this. I am very happy with the barrel.
Thanks for sharing your experience. It sounds like more common barrels may not take as long to receive, however I know one buyer who's been waiting for a year and a half for three 1886 barrels he ordered.
Always buy an excellent example then when one buys another which has a shot out barrel, the barrel on the good example can be sent to the barrel maker for duplication.
Mark, I was going to comment on the profile but you beat me to it; I see what you see.
I worked for John Martz Luger carbine maker when I was a young man and we always machined barrels from 3" diameter rifled blanks. We machined the front sight ramp integral to the barrel as well as the rear sight section and timed / tapered threads.
Hi Mark, First, this was a really good video, thank you for letting us know about them. Second, did I understand you correctly that you can reline the old pistol caliber barrels? I ask because I have a M92 in .25/20 that the bore has seen better days. Someday I'd like to get it in better shape. It's just a fun little thing to go play with even though the accuracy is only about a gallon jug at 50 paces. Thanks!
Glad to see a very honest review. Great video.
Thanks Paul
Just got my 1876 barrel from them that I ordered over 7 months ago, only difference from the original barrel is the caliber stamping, now reads Cal. 45-60 when original barrel read 45-60WCF and was 1/16 turn from indexing correctly so had to chuck it in my lathe to correct.
Great review Mark! Answered alot of questions that I had. Got a few old Winchester's Id like to get shooting again, and better myself. Thank you for making this video! Take Care!
The price for a replica barrel, chambered at $500 isn't that bad. Would expect for a very close reproduction but am not sure that Winchester was much better. Comparing two barrels that may have come off two different machines or multiple machines and operators, one would expect differences. Although this is an assumption, as I have not done a comparison to verify.
My competition barrel blanks run in the $350 plus range and generally have to wait at least 10 months, which they are generally honest about up front. Then it will cost me at least $350 for chambering and cutting the crown, add additional for threading the muzzle for a tuner.
Thanks for sharing Mark. Always informative and your commentaries are fair and well evaluated.
The differences in the stamps and barrel profile from original barrels is what will be troubling for those looking for a correct replacement barrel for a high-quality restoration. They'd be fine for a "shooter" grade rifle.
Bore scope of the rifling would be much appreciated.
Great video as always Mark. Thank You.
Good honest review Mark.
Rebarreling services for lever actions is as rare as hen's teeth. Would love to have rebarreling options like bolt action rifles. I would love to see more cartridge options in western style tube magazine lever actions.
I've been waiting 11 months for a replacement magazine tube and fore end for my Uberti 1873 rifle through Uberti's sole UK importer. They were expected in August 2023 and there's still no sign of them. It's very disappointing and frustrating after buying 4 new guns from them.
Thank You Mark Great Stuff To Know 😊😀👍🏼
Thank you Mark.
You are very welcome, Rick!
Great info. That was some shoddy work on a barrel that took that long to get back.
They're a bargain priced barrel that'd be okay for a shooter grade barrel, just going to take a lot of work to make them look good for a restoration
Very neat video
Good review. Mr.Mark, I have a question that I have yet been able to get a definitive answer on and I figure you’re the fella to know. I’ve got a couple of pre 64 model 94 Winchesters. When I close the action up it locks up good and tight and they don’t require any extra upward pressure on the trigger stop/ safety bar in order to fire. I’ve seen others that require some upward pressure to depress the safety bar/trigger stop to fire and figured that was from wear. So I wasn’t sure which way was correct??. Thanks and enjoy your channel.
If you have to consciously squeeze the lever in order to depress the trigger safety stop, then it's too stiff. One would have to explore what the cause is on an individual rifle. It could be as simple as the spring being too stiff.
@@thecinnabar8442 thanks Mark👍🏻
Great information Mark I had John Taylor make a octagon barrel for my Rossi 92/454 I thought you were going to start making barrels ?
Between gunsmithing, video production and our recent purchase of Wyoming Armory in Cody, I'm having more than a little trouble finding the time to make barrels. Still trying though. Know of any barrel makers looking for work out here in "God's Country"? 😃
Gosh I wish I were a younger man I would have got into gunsmithing I love working on my own guns I just finished tuning my Cimarron 66/22 and it's working great now and do most everything except barrels just due to not having the right equipment, If I were a gunsmith out there looking for work and are good at it you should reach out to mark I would have loved to work with someone like you your knowledge and do what it takes approach to doing things right is admirable!! @@thecinnabar8442
Sure enjoy your videos! Have you reviewed the Winchester 50-95?
Any advice/preference on cut or button rifling if purchasing from winchester barrels?
1886 chambered in .45-90.
Thank you for any input.
Also is there a process for "break in"/"fire lapping"?
I would not recommend any barrel made by Winchester barrels. Since I made this episode, I've dealt with several more of their barrels and all have had major quality control issues.
(Mike C) Hey Mark! Have you ever had an original barrel re-bored & re-rifled? Wondering if that's ever an option on old lever guns ( 38-40 to 44-40 or something similar). I had a rolling block (43 Spanish) bored out to 50-70 so I could shoot it for less than $7 per round (A guy near you did the work as I recall)! It actually turned out great. Question #2, is your P & W rifling machine progressive depth rifling capable?
Yes, boring a barrel to a larger caliber is definitely a good option and I should have mentioned it. The challenge is to obliterate the original caliber stamp and restamp the caliber correctly and make it look right. Of course, if it's a shooter grade rifle or it's going to be refinished, it isn't as big an issue. For your second question, no it can't produce progressive depth rifling, but can produce progressive twist (gain twist) rifling.
How can I contact you sir?
Our contact information is on our website: www.wyomingarmory.com/about-contact.html
@ thanks I called your place earlier today and I think I talked to you about a 92 that I bought that had the barrel cut
Way to many differences from original for me.
Nice to see there is an option though.
In my opinion, they aren't appropriate for a high-end restoration, but are fine for a "shooter" grade rifle.
@thecinnabar8442 Are there sources for barrels for the high end restoration?
Love your stuff. I can’t believe how far off those barrels are. Especially when you sent the original. That’s terrible. IMO
👍👍👌👌
I would send that barrel back. I would invest in a laser engraver and it allows almost perfect font match and do it in-house
I gave up i never wanne do busness with them again.....As from the Netherlands this man Bob Williams made my blood cook so many times with his exuses why the barrel wasnt ready....I orderd a few octagonal 1886 barrels in 45-70 and a octagonal 1895 Winchester barrel in 30-06 stamped with caliber 38-72 (save u the gun laws in the Netherlands) but this man after more then 1,5year never deliverd and he was selling 1886s barrels in 45-70 on ebay..............So i am done with them........
The barrels i had from him for a 1897 and for a 1892 in 32-20 and a few 86s barrels and 1 1894 barrel where all great,meaning they fitted well and the wood was tight and and nothing wrong with it,but the service is poop.........
Since I made this video, we've had a couple of their barrels come into Wyoming Armory from customers that had terrible quality issues. They're cheap, but you have to deal with poor service and the quality of the workmanship has really gone downhill as well. I would no longer recommend them for even a shooter-grade firearm.
@@thecinnabar8442 Thank you for the update! and the video!