These are interesting and unusual guns. About 60-70 years old. Can be fed .22LR as semi auto or LR/L/S on straight pull bolt action. Oddly, it’s also a bolt-close-on-trigger-release action. I love old 22’s and got this for a very good price. Turns out at 19” just above the end of the feed tube it has a bulge and a hairline crack on said bulge. Doubt that’s safe. The appeal of choosing single or semi is nice for a supressor. I just happen to have a SilencerCo Spectre II in NFA jail..... so it got me to thinking. I could cut the barrel to 17” (from 24”), shorten feed tube, professionally have the thread concentric 1/2x28 done, muzzle crown and have the barrel ceracoated. I hate to chop old guns but this would give it new purpose and love.

Ideas? Comments? Am I horrible gun owner to chop something like this?

Also, I love sonic cleaners. This is after I used oil and a paper towel etc

Here’s the receiver. It’s in decent shape, a nice stock and functions fine. Other than 4 small scope rail holes, it is 100% unmolested original survived right down to every part. Even has the first owners tiny initials and city (Warren, WA???) carved into the buttplate.

If it's unsafe as is . . . then hell yeah, I like your "chop it" plan! That would be cool.

I found an extra barrel, which is easily swapped. I’ll be following through with my plan for the original bulged Barrel