Looking for info on a Topper Combo (mod 058)

[Clodhopper]

I have in my possession a model 058 combo gun (20 ga. 3"/30-30).  The question is; can I put a .223 barrel on this receiver and is it safe?  The receiver was made in 1984 (s/n AY) and looks like an SB2 (machined, small firing pin hole, etc.)  I have searched this forum and the internet and have not found the info I need other than the gun isn't elegible for the accessory barrel program through the factory.  Any help would be deeply appreciated............Jack

[quickdtoo]

No, see the FAQs and Help sticky on what happened to an old shotgun frame when a member used a .223 barrel on it, it wouldn't have been pretty had he been holding the gun, probably wouldn't have survived to tell the story here.

Tim

[Clodhopper]

Thanks Quick!  Info like this is why I hang around in this forum.  I already had a pretty good idea that this wouldn't be safe, just wanted to make sure.  Looks like I might be looking for a handi in .223.  Thanks again!

[quickdtoo]

See the Sale on Handis thread down the page, WH has .223s for around $200 +shipping. 

Tim

[Winter Hawk]

I had one of those (.30-30 / 20 ga.) combos which I foolishly sold.  Silly me.  I have a .30-06 NEF with 20 gauge Ultra barrel and 20 ga. slug barrel which I would gladly trade for a 058 combo!

-WH-

[carbineman]

Clodhopper, While you won't add a .223 barrel to the mix, you can enjoy your combo and look at the benefits it has. The barrels are lighter than present day barrels, and thus are really a joy to carry afield even on a full day outing. The 30-30 should probably have been drilled and tapped so a scope could be added. All the older H&R 30-30 barrels that I have had those real nice flip up sights from Lyman attached to them as well.

If you handload for 30-30 you can make up some real nice hard hitting loads using the lighter 125 and 130 grain bullets that exist today, or use the standard 150-170 grain factory offerings that usually showed good accuracy out of the Topper or combo rifle/shotgun.

And if you ever decide to sell/trade, the Topper crowd here would help you out!

[Clodhopper]

Carbineman, I do have a scope mounted on the 30-30 barrel, an old Weaver K2.5, and I do hand load for everything.  I have shot everything from 125 gr. ballistic Tips to 180 gr. cast gas checked in it.  It is pretty accurate.  I originally bought it for my late wife and shortened the stock for her as she was only 5'2" so I am going to look for a replacement stock as I am 6'2".  The combo is a joy to shoot and carry and I think I am going to keep it.  I'll probably look for a new handi in 223 or maybe get a new barrel for my contender.