The rimfire ammo ID question has me asking...

jjmitchell60

August 23, 2012 17:04

I have looked at a couple of Stevens 32 RFs and 25 RFs over the years but due to cost and rarity of ammo, have not bought either. Now my question; has anyone ever heard of or seen a conversion on either from RF to a 25 CF cartridge or a 32 CF cartridge? I was wondering like on a 25 RF short maybe 25-20 or on a 25 RF long maybe 25-35? Same as to the 32 RFs, maybe a 32 CF round suchas theS&W 32 or 32-20, 32.40, & etc.

Just wondering if anyone has seen it done or know of it being done? The hammer would not be a problem however the ejector and case rim might be a problem so here I am asking IF it can be done.

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  rufe-snow

  August 23, 2012 17:13

  The only one I'm aware of is a Marlin lever action,dating to the late 19th Century. Wasn't very successful, as rifles chambered for the 32-20 cartridge were way more popular.
  
  EDIT #1, Just checked out "Cartridges of the World". According to them the centerfire cartridge the Marlin model 1892 rifle was chambered for, was the old .32 Long, black powder cartridge. Supposedly the smokeless 32 S & W Long, and 32 Long Colt/32 Colt New Police, will work in these guns.

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  hrf

  August 24, 2012 04:38

  Most of the extant .25 and .32 RF's are single shot "boys' rifles" such as the Remington No. 4 rolling block and the Stevens Favorite, and those actions are not strong enough for .25-20, .32-20, etc.
  
  I've seen Remington No. 4 .32's converted to .32 Short Colt and .32 S&W, but I'd consider even the long versions of those rounds unsafe.
  
  It would be possible to convert .25 RF's to .25 ACP (which is semi-rimmed) but even the little ACP's pressure probably exceeds the old RF's considerably.

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  Riomouse911

  August 24, 2012 07:40

  It might be easier (and safe and cheaper, too) to reline them as a .22LR, etc. At least they can be shot again without having to scour the internet for obsolete ammo.

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  chicoppee

  August 24, 2012 12:29

  Years ago I had a 92 Marlin in 32 caliber that had two firing pins. One was for CF and the other was for RF. I used both but I have forgotten what type of 32 CF ammo I used.
  I have seen several Stevens Favorites converted to CF and they seemed to work well.

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