I think John said the bulge was 4"- 5" ahead of the chamber. He told me he had relined 2 carbine barrels before, but they were very thin and he was not comfortable with doing it. I have the highest regard for John, his expertise and quality of work. Since I want a good shooter, his recommendation was to put a new barrel on it. He had a Badger barrel on hand and will turn it to match the original contour etc. I'll keep my eye out for a good original barrel, but won't hold my breath waiting for one. I like the .44 WCF very much, but If I stumbed on a good original .38 WCF barrel, I could go that route. But for the time being I'll go with the new barrel and enjoy shooting it, with real BP of course.