I have a late model Winchester 1885 in 270WSM that I like a lot, but it's pretty heavy, 8.5 pounds with no scope and the 28" barrel makes it kind of ungainly. - Not the best handling firearm with that long barrel.

So, I took a hacksaw to it, reducing the barrel to 24". ( Click image to see it larger. )



While I cut, I made Bubba-like Hyuk hyuk noises.

I didn't get it quite square, so I filed on it a bit. Then I used a 11 degree muzzle crowning tool I got from Pacific Tool and Gauge to clean it up, and give it a target crown.





Here it is after cutting, and smoothing up the bit of chatter with 220, then 320 grit wet paper. At one point I got tired of cranking it by hand, and briefly had it hooked up to my electric screwdriver.


Then I cold-blued it. Now, the 1885 is shorter, lighter by about a pound, a lot handier and a bit more accurate. Just before dark, I tried a quick group at 50 yards, and put five rounds into .310" with it from a cold, clean barrel.




This is my first try with a hand-cranked muzzle-crowner. It worked OK. Compared to setting up a lathe it's about the same amount of work. If you don't have a lathe, this is the way to go. Pacific Tool and Gauge makes muzzle crowning tools for all calibers, in a variety of crown styles. - I like the 11 degree target crown, but that's just me.

The tool I got does 25, 270 or 7mm barrels with different pilots for the end of it. - It only comes with one pilot that you can specify though... I ordered all three that work with this tool, just in case.

As you can see from the images above, any Bozo with a hacksaw, a 1/4-3/8 drive adapter, a tap handle and some wet-or-dry paper can do a good job with one of these gadgets. If you have an electric screwdriver, it goes quicker and easier but it's not entirely necessary.

If Winchester would offer these guns with 24" barrels to start with, they'd sell a lot more of them. - It really makes a difference!

Looks good.

It's unbelievable how much better it handles now. The balance point is about three inches forward of the action, about right for me. It's about a pound lighter now, around eight pounds with the Leupold compact 2-7 scope.

Now I won't hesitate to tote this thing up into the mountains. - I was kind of dubious about it with the 28" barrel

Jack will make you do some crazy stuff

Hilarious pic!

You in the Davis Mountains per chance? Those are the only west Texas mountains I can think of that are inhabited...

Haha I love the first pic!

That is now what you call a customized rifle.....Congrats...

Yes, I am surrounded by mountains on all sides. The mule deer poop in my yard at night, and you have to watch out for javelinas on the road, especially after dark. About 50 miles to the east I saw a magnificent bull elk by the road, climbing the embankment. I couldn't believe how big he was. If I shot one of those fellows, I'd have to buy a second freezer to hold all of the meat. I've seen the auodad sheep a few times, they're about the size of a stocky whitetail, but a lot more muscular. One time I pulled over on the highway to pick some wildflowers for my wife, and there were two pronghorns just on the other side of the fence there, staring at me.

Hunting is expensive on the ranches here, but from what I understand the results are usually gratifying. I'm starting up a business, so I haven't had the loose cash to go hunting yet.

Glad it worked out for you shortening the barrel, should make for a short easy handling rifle.

I am sure glad Cabela's in Allen sold one before I went back in to get it(didn't need to spend the $$). 1885 Trapper in 38-55, that little 16 inch barrel on an 1885 sure made for a compact little rifle.