Lapping Barrel on Winchester 1886s?

[LisaA]

I have two Winchester 1886s, one in .38-70 and the other in .45-90. The .45-90 was made in 1889, and the .38-70 was made in the 1910s.

A friend suggested that I use diamond paste and lap the barrels to remove dirt and oxidation, starting out with a 600 grit paste and then ending with 3,000 grit paste. Another friend told me if I lap the barrel, then I should only use 1,200 grit or higher to start, and then use 3,000 grit. A third friend said not to lap the barrel at all, just clean it and shoot them.

What do you recommend? I also want to take them apart and clean them.

[Pukindog]

If you are wanting to "clean up" the barrels try JB Borer Cleaner. It will not foul the barrels nor is it imbedding. I would not lap the barrels on either of those rifles. .45-90 ammo and/ brass is relatively easy to get; .38-70 is another story. It was not very popular and was discontinued after a couple of years. You can make the brass from basic .45 cal.brass or make short cases from .45-70 brass. Bullet diameter is .379; the same as the .38-55.

Jeff

[LisaA]

Thanks for the response, Pukindog!! With little experience I have with older guns, your suggestion makes the most sense. I have seen articles on lapping barrels, using a lead plug and an abrasive.

I did some research on the .38-70, and you are right that it is obsolete. RCBS and CH4D make dies for this caliber, and I have them. Also, you can get obsolete ammo from Buffalo Arms.

http://www.buffaloarms.com/

Fortunately, as you noted, .45-90 is still available.

Again, thanks for your help.

[nazratt]

Ditto what pukindog said...stay away from the abrasive hand lapping

[LisaA]

Ditto what pukindog said...stay away from the abrasive hand lapping

Thanks, nazratt. I already looked into buying JB Bore Cleaner.