Encore 45-70 Conversion Questions

[hubcap52]

What is involved in getting, say, a Encore 45-70 bbl made to shoot as a smokeless ML? I assume something has to be made as a breechplug. Would this plug necessarily need to be permanent? (Could a "cartridge case type device" be used instead? Has anyone used a Bergara barrel for this? Must it be used only as a sabotless gun? Who does the work? About how much does it cost? What about a ramrod, thimbles, and a forend?

[10ga]

Hubcap, welcome! I see you may have caught a serious disease/addiction... and I'll try to treat the symptoms but you might never be cured.

Check these links, should help.

dougsmessageboards.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=build&action=display&thread=6442

dougsmessageboards.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=build&action=display&thread=6520

1. Obtain 45-70 barrel of choice.
2. Obtain breechplug of choice or have "smith" provide it.
3. Breechplug can screw in and out like on most modern MLs.
4. Don't know of anyone who has converted a "Bergara".
5. I have shot mine sabotless with moderate loads.
6. SMI can do the work as can some others.
7. See link or post addressing cost on the "build" forum.
8. No thimbles, regular forend to fit.
9. Contact Mack about a folding ramrod for loading in the field. I use a regular rod at the range and for cleaning etc... but carry the folding rod just for loading.

10. Lurk about here and look through the pages. Use the search application. Post some more questions.

I'm in the process of raising funds for another SML project. It'll be my 4th in 3 years. Best, 10 ga

[edge]

Here is another link and it has a couple of other links too:

dougsmessageboards.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=smokeless&action=display&thread=2514

edge.

[bteague]

PM sent

[tslc]

I have a converted Bergara and it shoots great. I had the barrel sent directly from the supplier to the person that did the work to save on shipping. You should be able to get one for less than 200.00 plus the cost of the conversion.

[hubcap52]

So, must this bbl be used as a sabotless only? If not, what size bullet/sabot would be used?

[bteague]

i use .40 cal sst 200grain bullet and smooth blue harvester sabots.Shoots less than an inch at 100yds.Billy