Hi Sarq,

so nice to hear that there are also others using subsonic big bore on game.

I guess that this gunsmith is knowledgeable in this matter as he has made tens of these IJ-18 conversions. I reckon he used the old model exclusively. He has also made several shotgun/DR conversions as well as falling block actions from scratch. I know that he has done the action strength calculations on these by himself. Based on this all I suppose that he knows about those things.

Another point is that both the old AND the new ones may well be strong enough (and I believe they are, as Baikal currently makes those chamberings you mention). I just remember this smith saying that the old model was stronger, but that's all. However, I want to emphasize that we had this discussion many many years ago, and at that time the production of the new model had just started. If I'm right the new model was available in those days only in 12gauge and .222 Rem.

I moved away from him and I haven't been in contact with him for years. I don't know about his current endeavours.

I'd just love to help you with this. As I said we have plenty of those second hand single barrel Baikals for sale here... And I was about to put up a business in used gun import/export this year, but only yestarday I got a good full time job in game mgmnt that'll start in a few weeks and last at least for two years. Unfortunately for you I'm not willing to sell my own barrel either.

I suppose you have the gun already, as you asked only for a barrel. Let me suggest you the following: If you're not able to get a spare barrel, then find a competent gunsmith and ask him to make an IJ-18 'monoblock' from scratch using yours as a model. The construction of the block & extractor is simple and it is relatively easily machined. Actually, this is what this Finnish gunsmith mainly did. Of course he used also sawed off monoblocks, but mainly he used these home made ones that he machined in small series.

I visited NZ in 2003 with my wife as we attended in a biological congress in Christchurch. We got engaged during our visit and we had the greatest time as we drove around the Southern Island after the congress. At least in those days the Shooters Supplies in Christchurch had some used Baikal SxS guns. It might be worthwile to ask them for the single barrel. You never know... you just might get lucky.

Regards
Saku