Bulging barrels?

thegundude · 04-23-2005, 08:38 PM

How much of a problem is a bulging barrel? In case that sounds stupid (it even does to me), let me explain.

I've been collecting handguns for a long time now but have never encountered a situation where the barrel had a bulge. Sometimes cases bulge but not barrels. Thought I have seen some rifles do that.

Any how, I seem to se it on Lugers from time to time. Is that something that should be a deal breaker? You can't even use that as a shooter, can you? Will that need to be rebarreled? I know the collector value would be shot because of it, but what level of shooter it is worth?

As always, thanks for furthering my education...

Ron Smith · 04-23-2005, 09:07 PM

Steve,

Depending on the severity of the bulge. It may shoot fine. Just be damned sure that the metal is'nt cracked. Or so badly stressed that it may burst. Kind of an iffy proposition. As well as unsightly.

I would'nt trust it. The integrity of the metal at the point of the bulge has been compromised and weakened. Just my opinion.

Ron

thegundude · 04-23-2005, 09:59 PM

Thanks Ron.

How much does a new barrel cost? I would only consider it as a shooter anyway, or would it still have collector value with a mild bulge?

If the price is right, say $300-350, is it still worth it?

Ron Smith · 04-23-2005, 11:30 PM

Steve,
If it's in decent condition,(no severe pitting or damage). The parts are worth that. Check with Tom, look for forum name "Lugerdoc". He probably has a couple of barrels laying around, and would probably change them out for you at reasonable price.

Ron

thegundude · 04-24-2005, 12:57 AM

Thanks Ron. I may pick this one up if I can get it cheaply enough then. I could use a shooter.

Vlim · 04-24-2005, 11:08 AM

Hi,

I recently had a 1970's Mauser Parabellum in .30 luger refitted with a fresh barrel, after a reloading mishap. Bought it in this damaged state (with bulged barrel) from the first owner. Found an original factory barrel (which was a bit of a challenge in itself) and had it refitted and reproofed in Germany. As this was all meant as a project and very much labour of love by those who worked on it, the cost was reasonable (300-ish euro), but not cheap. If done completely commercially, costs would have grown above the 500 euro mark...

I guess refitting an original P08 is actually easier than reworking a post-war one, but I would only buy one as a bit of a project, not as an economical solution. Usually the finished product costs more than a decent, working shooter.

But then again, I like to see things come back to live again. Part of the fun and a bit of a sentimental side of me I guess

thegundude · 04-24-2005, 02:03 PM

Thanks for the advice. That's omething I'd not really consiered. If I were Thor, it might make a lot of sense to buy this to fix, but it might be more out of my leauge. I'm just looking for a shooter, cheap as possible yet serviceable. I'll start spending $1,200 + for collector grades next year after I satisfy some other needs.

I guess I'll just keep my eyes open for another shooter grade.

I'm sure grateful for these forums. :-)

04-23-2005, 08:38 PM	#1
thegundude User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Western NC Posts: 1,137 Thanks: 3 Thanked 16 Times in 3 Posts	Bulging barrels? How much of a problem is a bulging barrel? In case that sounds stupid (it even does to me), let me explain. I've been collecting handguns for a long time now but have never encountered a situation where the barrel had a bulge. Sometimes cases bulge but not barrels. Thought I have seen some rifles do that. Any how, I seem to se it on Lugers from time to time. Is that something that should be a deal breaker? You can't even use that as a shooter, can you? Will that need to be rebarreled? I know the collector value would be shot because of it, but what level of shooter it is worth? As always, thanks for furthering my education... __________________ Keep your knees in the breeze and your iron in the air. ~Steve

04-23-2005, 09:07 PM	#2
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	Steve, Depending on the severity of the bulge. It may shoot fine. Just be damned sure that the metal is'nt cracked. Or so badly stressed that it may burst. Kind of an iffy proposition. As well as unsightly. I would'nt trust it. The integrity of the metal at the point of the bulge has been compromised and weakened. Just my opinion. Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

04-23-2005, 09:59 PM	#3
thegundude User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Western NC Posts: 1,137 Thanks: 3 Thanked 16 Times in 3 Posts	Thanks Ron. How much does a new barrel cost? I would only consider it as a shooter anyway, or would it still have collector value with a mild bulge? If the price is right, say $300-350, is it still worth it? __________________ Keep your knees in the breeze and your iron in the air. ~Steve

04-23-2005, 11:30 PM	#4
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	Steve, If it's in decent condition,(no severe pitting or damage). The parts are worth that. Check with Tom, look for forum name "Lugerdoc". He probably has a couple of barrels laying around, and would probably change them out for you at reasonable price. Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

04-24-2005, 12:57 AM	#5
thegundude User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Western NC Posts: 1,137 Thanks: 3 Thanked 16 Times in 3 Posts	Thanks Ron. I may pick this one up if I can get it cheaply enough then. I could use a shooter. __________________ Keep your knees in the breeze and your iron in the air. ~Steve

04-24-2005, 11:08 AM	#6
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,987 Times in 1,205 Posts	Hi, I recently had a 1970's Mauser Parabellum in .30 luger refitted with a fresh barrel, after a reloading mishap. Bought it in this damaged state (with bulged barrel) from the first owner. Found an original factory barrel (which was a bit of a challenge in itself) and had it refitted and reproofed in Germany. As this was all meant as a project and very much labour of love by those who worked on it, the cost was reasonable (300-ish euro), but not cheap. If done completely commercially, costs would have grown above the 500 euro mark... I guess refitting an original P08 is actually easier than reworking a post-war one, but I would only buy one as a bit of a project, not as an economical solution. Usually the finished product costs more than a decent, working shooter. But then again, I like to see things come back to live again. Part of the fun and a bit of a sentimental side of me I guess

04-24-2005, 02:03 PM	#7
thegundude User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Western NC Posts: 1,137 Thanks: 3 Thanked 16 Times in 3 Posts	Thanks for the advice. That's omething I'd not really consiered. If I were Thor, it might make a lot of sense to buy this to fix, but it might be more out of my leauge. I'm just looking for a shooter, cheap as possible yet serviceable. I'll start spending $1,200 + for collector grades next year after I satisfy some other needs. I guess I'll just keep my eyes open for another shooter grade. I'm sure grateful for these forums. :-) __________________ Keep your knees in the breeze and your iron in the air. ~Steve