swapping barrels?

[jammer308]

hey just a quick question here guys. got a handi rifle in 30.06 and thinking about putting shotgun barrels, both 20 and 12 gauges occasionally on hunting trips. i've read` the firing pins are smaller for the rifle, so is this ok? will i experience any loss in accuracy or ignition problems? also maybe want to use a .357 mag on it too....just curious what my limitations are here... thanks.   jammer

[gcrank1]

I will work fine.
FWIW, I have 20s and 12s, and prefer my 20s (but thats just me) but I also have the low comb, recoil pad buttstocks on the swap barrel set-ups; a Monty Carlo on a shotgun I dont think would work for me, though it might for you. Point is, that if you like the MC on the '06 and swap to shotgun, but have to swap buttstocks, you might as well buy an inexpensive 20 or 12 complete and be done with it. Both long guns will fit nicely in a two gun hardcase and your are ready at a whim.

[petemi]

I don't swap barrels.  I keep all my Handis, Pardners and Toppers on their own dedicated frame and stock set.  I don't know if it's an accuracy issue as much as the fact I'm just lazy.   For one thing, the synthetic stocks fit very tight on a socket and they're a pain in the butt to take on and off.  The other thing I do is keep 3 or4 spare SB2 frames and stock sets around.  It makes it very easy to fit other barrels.

Pete

[Troyboy]

I do lots of barrel swapping. That is one of the things that endeared me to the Handi.

[jammer308]

thanks for the replies fellas. petemi, i hear ya on the synthetic stocks. i got tired fast of pulling my socket out of there with a needle nose pliers :/ 

[Spanky]

//

thanks for the replies fellas. petemi, i hear ya on the synthetic stocks. i got tired fast of pulling my socket out of there with a needle nose pliers :/ 

I bought a junk Chinese 9/16 socket and thinned it out with the belt sander. It's my designated stock socket now.



Spanky

[petemi]

Spanky, that is exactly what I did, but I used a grinder.  I don't know why they can't open that stock up another 1/8 or 1/16 inch.  I think it is another instance of people doing the drawings that never held a tool in their hand.

Pete

[jammer308]

my thoughts exactly. thanks for the laugh guys.

[jammer308]

hhmmm.. how about a hole saw with an extra long pilot bit to open up that stock? i'll try it when i get home

[gcrank1]

The pilot would need to be the dia. of the existing hole to track right; and remember, the wood aint that thick to the outside!
It is cheaper and easier to 'thinwall' a cheap socket, you are only going to apply about 20 ft.lb. of torque anyway.

[gunther66]

Cut a slot in the bolthead and use a screwdriver. G66

[quickdtoo]

Use a thin wall socket or replace the bolt with a socket head, there's no hole in the synthetic stock like a wood stock, it's just a hollow cavity that's tight at the bolt head.

Tim

[bobg]

  Savage isn't any better. Still have a socket stuck in the stock on mine. Makes it easier if i want to remove the stock again.

[gcrank1]

Because of the way the socket opens up internally to the 9/16, you may be able to get a 'coat hanger hook' down through the 3/8 square to act as a puller.
Of course, once the stock is off you should be able to drive the threaded end back and pop the whole thing out.

[OldSchoolRanger]

And I thought I was the only one that was going bonkers with the socket problem on the synthetic stock.    I put a lock washer on the bolt, to raise the bolt end a little, it seemed to help, but I like Spanky & petemi idea better. Thank goodness, that I don't plan on changing the synthetic stock.

Hey Spanky, thanks for the extra headache!  .

[MNSHOOTER]

You guys would be realy suprised how easy they come out of the stock if you spray the crap out of them with 100% pure silicone spray !! I mean till it drips off the socket. My snap on heavy walled  deep well comes out like a breeze. Old millwright trick !!! Mark