Well I finally got my new ultra sonic cleaner in the mail yesterday. Now I can go about finishing the cleaning soft slugging and reassembly of this rifle. I am doing it for a friend and so far I have found that there seems to be a bulge ? about 8-12 inches from the chamber which is the reason why I soft slugging the barrel. Dirty and I emphasize dirty this gun functioned like glass and smooth as butter. If it turns out to be a wall hanger I may offer my friend a price to buy it. 38-55 ammo or components are as scarce as a hooker at first mass. I will take some pictures before I reassemble it.

How difficult and expensive would it be to re-barrel this rifle to a more user friendly caliber mate? I’m not familiar with the 38-55 caliber (I need to do some research), but I’m sure you could reload for it mate.

The 30.30 case is based on the 38-55, so it wouldn’t be too difficult to size and fireform 30.30 cases out to 38-55.

Well, my function in all this is to inspect, clean and conserve this rifle. And finally to determine if this rifle is safe to fire. Now on this point I defer to the KJV Deut.13-14 "then you shall inquire, search out, and ask diligently"... and test it myself before it is given aback to the owner. I believe that I have a moral and ethical duty to do this and if I find it to be not safe then to return the rifle without a critical part so as to forestall anyone from using it and getting hurt. I still haven't taken any pictures but they will be coming.

Fair call mate.

What a worthy project. It is always great to restore a classic firearm. I hope this turns out to your satisfaction. All the best...
Gil