New to the hole Handi thing

[FJ_Russo]

If I switch the barrels on my handi, can I expect to keep the accuracy of my barrels or do you guys find they need some fine tuning once you have taken a barrel off and put it back on? I know the encore boasts that theirs stays right on just curious if thats what people are finding with their handis. And if so whats some tricks to keeping their accuracy during a barrel exchange?

[quickdtoo]

The barrel has it's own scope and once sighted in on the frame, as long as the screw torque is the same each time the barrel is installed, the one variable that will change when swapping barrels, there will be no changes. Screw torque can affect how it shoots since it affects the forend, so it's imperative that the screw be tightened the same each time, just as it will with any stock. A fully bedded stock or pillar bedded and floated forend will reduce the impact of screw torque, but that's another subject, one you can read about in the FAQs.

Tim

[FJ_Russo]

Thanks Tim I realize the scope is mounted on the barrel. I had a T/C Encore and whenever I switched between my 30-06 and muzzle loader barrel, it would never stay right on. I keep reading posts about how much the fore end makes a difference, T/C told me it was the receiver and that it needed to be shipped back to T/C and re-worked. They were not able to get it back to me by this deer season so I asked for a refund and after a little bit of the run around I got it. While looking for a replacement I ran across NEF. I bought the shotgun receiver not realizing I could not have center fire rifle barrels fitted, my fault the result of a quick decision. So what I'm looking for is not whats supposed to happen, just some actual experiences on how people keep the fore end screw the same or if it really makes a huge difference in switching barrels. I just don't want to invest alot of time and money on different barrels for the SB2 I just bought if the interchangeable barrel option is not a reality without alot of tweaking after the exchange. Thanks and sorry for not being specific enough the first time.

[burntmuch]

One way would be to have a forearm for each barrel. Mark the forearm & screw. That way it will be the same everytime.

[quickdtoo]

Although I have dedicated frames for all my barrels, I've taken the barrels off many times without having to rezero them, but I use a torque sensing screwdriver to install the screw, the same setting for all of em, so they're always the same.

The TC forend leaves a bit to be desired too, I have an Encore frame with a .375H&H Prohunter barrel and t-hole Flex-tech stock. Before I ever shot it, I did a lot of research on it. The forend may need every bit as much attention as an H&R, fortunately, it's also easy to do. I made pillars to float the barrel for mine similar to Davemuzz's, and made sure the "ears" that cover the frame pin don't touch the frame, it worked well.

One option that a lot of Handi owners that have multiple rifle barrels on a frame, is to buy an extra forend with the barrel that can be "tweaked" to optimum accuracy for that barrel and is dedicated. One issue that isn't applicable to the TC is the forend stud isn't in the same identical positiion on every barrel, the forend has to be adjusted to that barrel, once fitted, bedded or whatever, it should be completely repeatable when swapping barrels.

As burntmuch mentioned, indexing the screw is one way of making sure it's the same each time, but won't account for changes in compression of the wood or weather(humidity) and temp changes which can make a big difference in the fit of a forend.

Tim

[FJ_Russo]

thanks guys good to hear its do-able, just with a little bit of attention and time. I think maybe a forend for each barrel would not be a bad way to go. Not like its a huge investment!..LOL Thanks for the info.