Went to a local smith today looking parts to a rimfire rifle and while I was there I asked if "by chance" he had any .32 or .36 cal ML's for sale.
Well, he had a brand new .32 Cherokee barrel and a used Cherokee stock with a really neglected .45cal barrel installed. $125 later and I was out the door with the .32 Cherokee barrel, stock, ramrod and the .45 barrel.
Got home and checked the .32 barrel, yep very sweet and in pristine condition, minus the rear sight adjustment screw and spring.
Stock is servicable as is, could use a new finish to get rid of the old high gloss coat though. Does has a few minor scratches and two rough spots on each side of the barrel, looks like a improvised sling rubed the wood or it rode in a rifle rack for an extended period of time. Lock insides are great, the hammer shows some wear on the cup lips and could be replaced but appears to be servicable. The tang has some rust but nothing that cant be taken care of with a dremel and some bluing.
As for the .45 barrel, it rough in places on the outside, inside looks somewhat rusty but not to the point of being total junk. So I drop the rod down the tube and notice that its sittin REAL high!
Yep, she's obstructed!!! At present time its sitting in my shed full of oil. Since the nipple is rounded and probably corroded inplace I am considering scrapping the barrel. Not sure whats down the bore, what powder was put in, or how long its been that way. To be honest I am skiddish about trying to pull the load even if I soak it for a week!
Anyway, if I dont get a .45 barrel out of the deal I am still pleased with the brand new .32 Barrel. Once I finish the stock and get some .32 do-dads I will see how she shoots.
Regulis7
Well, he had a brand new .32 Cherokee barrel and a used Cherokee stock with a really neglected .45cal barrel installed. $125 later and I was out the door with the .32 Cherokee barrel, stock, ramrod and the .45 barrel.
Got home and checked the .32 barrel, yep very sweet and in pristine condition, minus the rear sight adjustment screw and spring.
Stock is servicable as is, could use a new finish to get rid of the old high gloss coat though. Does has a few minor scratches and two rough spots on each side of the barrel, looks like a improvised sling rubed the wood or it rode in a rifle rack for an extended period of time. Lock insides are great, the hammer shows some wear on the cup lips and could be replaced but appears to be servicable. The tang has some rust but nothing that cant be taken care of with a dremel and some bluing.
As for the .45 barrel, it rough in places on the outside, inside looks somewhat rusty but not to the point of being total junk. So I drop the rod down the tube and notice that its sittin REAL high!
Yep, she's obstructed!!! At present time its sitting in my shed full of oil. Since the nipple is rounded and probably corroded inplace I am considering scrapping the barrel. Not sure whats down the bore, what powder was put in, or how long its been that way. To be honest I am skiddish about trying to pull the load even if I soak it for a week!
Anyway, if I dont get a .45 barrel out of the deal I am still pleased with the brand new .32 Barrel. Once I finish the stock and get some .32 do-dads I will see how she shoots.
Regulis7
