Build ur own?

[RdHawg]

I've been toying with the idea of building my own 'homebrew' inline muzzleloader. rem870 express stock, modern taper style barrel, breakaction. Anyone know about the legalities of this? Or how to calculate barrel strengths so I don't remove too much material?

Thanks

[vincewarde]

Or how to calculate barrel strengths so I don't remove too much material?

Are you talking about a shotgun, or a rifle? If you building a rifle, you will have to buy a barrel from a barrel maker - unless you are set up to cut the rifling. They should be able to tell you how strong the steel is and what pressure it can stand at an given thickness. If you buy an unchambered centerfire barrel, I would think that you would have few if any problems since centerfires generate a lot more pressure.

The critical part, safety wise, would likely be your breech plug. It will have to be as strong as the barrel, or stronger.

All in all, not having a machine shop, I would probably buy a complete barrel assembly and build from there.... of course if you are building an inline, i assume you are ready to do a lot of machining....

[gun toting monkeyboy]

Why not just get a muzzle loading barrel? I know they make them for the Mossberg 500.

-Mb

[vincewarde]

Why not just get a muzzle loading barrel? I know they make them for the Mossberg 500.

That's they way I would go.

[RdHawg]

Mainly just looking for the challenge. I happen to have an 870 express stock. I was thinking about buying a green mountain barrel to start but then I'd like to taper it to remove some weight. If I built my own aluminum receiver that would further reduce the weight. As for the Breech plug I'd like to try a 3 or four lead thread so I get lots of engagement but it comes in/out fast. Oh yeah - I do have some machines readily available.