219/220 gunsmith to fit barrels???

[Mike Armstrong]

Has anybody used a gunsmith to fit 220 barrels to a 219 frame that they would care to recommend?  I have a 20 guage barrel I'd like fitted to my .30-30 frame.  If you'd rather use email, my email is mikearmstrong3030@gmail.com.

Thanks for any recommendations/help you can give!

[Garnett]

Mike, I have put a 219 barrel on a 220 frame and it fit fine.  I suppose I just could have been lucky.  We are fortunate to have 3 really good gunsmiths here in Valley Grande.  I will ask them if they are willing to take the job.  I have never used them for this, but for lots of other things.  If they are, I will send you their names and phone numbers and you can contact them direct.  Garnett

[Mike Armstrong]

Thanks, Garnett.  I have two 220 barrels for a newly acquired .30-30, a 28" 20 guage and a 26" .410, with forearms.  Once I get the rifle action in hand, I'll try the two barrels on it.  But I think that since they have been on other frames, it IS merely luck if they fit.  One or both will very likely need fitting.  All are Utica-made, as is the .30-30, a "-219-" model.

It isn't a big job, but you need to know what you're doing.  If they're very close to a fit, you can just use emery cloth on a file  or block to fit the barrel lugs.  If not, it takes some precision filing, which I would rather have a pro do.

[Garnett]

Please let us know how they fit when you try them.

[Mike Armstrong]

The 20 guage slipped right on the .30-30 frame like it was made for/with it.  The .410 really needs some metal removed to fit.

[Garnett]

Do you have a gunsmith who can fit it for you?  Does the forearm for the .30-30 fit the 20 gauge and .410 barrels?

[Mike Armstrong]

No, I don't have a gunsmith yet to fit the .410 barrel/forearm to the .30-30 frame.    The 20 guage barrel (which came with no forearm) fits the .30-30 frame and forearm perfectly.

[Garnett]

Thanks for the additional info.