I'm the kind of guy who feels comfortable doing some things myself. Change the oil in the car. That sort of thing.
But when it comes to my guns, I always prefer to have any "gunsmithing" stuff done by the professionals. In my mind, I just want it done RIGHT.
I recently purchased my first Handi, a fine specimen in 45-70. Barrel fit great, etc.
However, I had a hankering for some additional barrels, and soon secured three: .500 S&W Magnum, 270, and my favorite among them 45 LC carbine.
The 500 and the 45 LC were wobbly, and the 270 would not latch completely.
I read all of the FAQ's here, and many of the follow up threads, and saw that the shim method was the popular way to self-fix the wobbles, and some judicious filing was the way to fix the lock up issue, with possible shelf work. Well, I don't like the idea of shims on my gun. And, I was nervous about the filing/shelf stuff. I decided that for relatively short money (compared to my local gun smith, who quoted a much higher cost), I'd send the gun and barrels back to H&R for fitting. A quick re-confirmation with Brian here, and the gun was on it's way to Illion for fitting.
I included a note, with the nature of how the barrels currently fit, and an inquiry with regard to replacement of missing factory sights on a couple of the barrels. I was willing to pay for the replacement parts, let me know how much. That sort of thing. I shipped the gun, in pieces, off to H&R, and was very pleased when I got it back a week or so later, with all three barrels fitting perfectly. NO SHIMS!
Not only was all work done perfectly and professionally (and looking like they were an original set direct from the factory), the gunsmith had also replaced the missing factory sights, replaced a dinged up rail, updated some internal parts in the action, and test fired the gun to assure that I would be happy with the results.
HAPPY?? I was thrilled!!!!!
The bill was VERY reasonable, considering the extensiveness of what was done. I am so glad I made the decision to sent this in for this fitting. The process was simple and painless, the gunsmithing was done fast but precisely, and the gun was returned to me professionally packaged.
I have a sense that Brian somehow had a hand in how well this turned out, seeing as I checked with him in a PM about confirming what needed to be sent back. If that's true, then THANK YOU, Brian!!! Somebody there did an excellant job of it!
Look, if you have an accessory barrel(s), and want it done right and reasonable. . . . and have your gun fitted to your barrel(s) without shims or the slip of the file....... send it into the factory, and have them do it right. I have an heirloom rifle set that I would be proud to pass along to my son.