Cost to Chop & Thread Marlin 1895 CBA

[TxLite]

I have a 45-70 that I'd like to chop to 16" and thread for my suppressor. The issue I am running into is that it is a CBA model with an 18.5" octagon barrel and has a dovetailed front sight post and magazine tube support.

I spoke with one smith who said due to the dovetail he is unable to chop it/relocate the front sight and magazine tube support. Also, due to the location of the magazine tube, it doesn't look like there is enough room to thread it as is. The two local shops I spoke with said they can do it for $500 and $275, respectively.

Does $275 sound reasonable? It seems high to me but I also understand there is additional work associated with chopping the mag tube and adding the dovetails.

 

[KenLee]

Maybe it has sentimental value to you, but I'd sell that no recoil pad having rascal and buy a Ruger made model that aalready has a short threaded barrel.

 

[TxLite]

Maybe it has sentimental value to you, but I'd sell that no recoil pad having rascal and buy a Ruger made model that aalready has a short threaded barrel.

No sentimental value. Purchased late 2019, updated the rear sight, worked up a load for it, and it's sat in the safe since. I really like the Ruger models but with the prices they are wanting I was thinking it would make financial sense to just have the work done on this one.

Definitely has some thump to it though without a recoil pad.

 

[KenLee]

No sentimental value. Purchased late 2019, updated the rear sight, worked up a load for it, and it's sat in the safe since. I really like the Ruger models but with the prices they are wanting I was thinking it would make financial sense to just have the work done on this one.

Definitely has some thump to it though without a recoil pad.

I thought any 45-70 was a beast til I bought a later Remlin 1895 GBL cheap with heavier laminated furniture and factory Pacmeyr Decellerator pad. It handles like a pussycat. Bought another on the next sale.
Prices have gotten stupid for sure

 

[WKB]

Bro. Please don't chop the Cowboy. Get a used 1895 Guide gun and go to town.

 

[KenLee]

Bro. Please don't chop the Cowboy. Get a used 1895 Guide gun and go to town.

I feel a "trade for Ruglin" post coming

 

[WKB]

Also, they shouldn't be chopping the mag tube. The CBA/SBL all had 6rd tubes. The 1895 standards and 1895 Guide guns had 4 round tubes. If you are dead set on cutting a desirable variant, the easiest thing to do is just get a 4rd tube and mag spring/follower from a donor 1895 and relocate the dovetail/tenon. This ensures consistent feeding.

 

[TxLite]

Bro. Please don't chop the Cowboy. Get a used 1895 Guide gun and go to town.

Have considered this or the trapper as well.

Also, they shouldn't be chopping the mag tube. The CBA/SBL all had 6rd tubes. The 1895 standards and 1895 Guide guns had 4 round tubes. If you are dead set on cutting a desirable variant, the easiest thing to do is just get a 4rd tube and mag spring/follower from a donor 1895 and relocate the dovetail/tenon. This ensures consistent feeding.

Hadn't considered this. It seems most smiths generally chop the magazine tube

 

[yfarm]

Love my trapper, smoothed out the rough edges and just use it.