Lightweight barrels

[44 Man]

First I have to say that I like light, 'handy' rifles.  Rifles that balance well and are short and quick.  Most of the barrel contours on the H&R's at my local retailer I have looked at seem on the heavy side.  I just passed up a used 30-30 for $130 because the barrel was much heavier than on my old H&R 30-30 and it just didn't feel right to me.  I really like a medium or light contour barrel on a rifle.  What is available now with a lighter contour barrel?  Thanks.  44 Man

[rickt300]

The current standard contour barrel for the 30-30 would benefit from being shortened.  My 30-06 has the identical contour and the rifle is light enough for this cartridge.  The superlight barrels come in 243 and 223 I think.  Follow the Facs link to the barrel accessory program and see what is offered.

[Jeff H]

I have a 20" LW .223 and I feel it's just right.
I have a 22" Standard Hornet and it's beefy.
So far, I have only seen the .243 in the "LW" configuration but I may be missing something.

I agree with 44 Man on "short/light/handy."  Have always had a preference to that format and have heard a lot of criticism about it as well.  I once owned a .308 Ruger Ultra-Light M77 (Tang Safety era) and that barrel was SLIM.  All the same, if I waited ten or fifteen minutes between shots, it would put three full-tilt 110 gr. Sierra HPs into a 5/8".  Now, THAT's a varmint rig, in my mind.  Any other 'chucks around usually hole up on me after the first shot and don't come out until whatever I am using cools off anyway. 

Jeff H

[carbineman]

We now have three of the old pre-bancruptcy slim profile 30-30's and really like the lightweight quick handling of these rifles. They are truly a handi-rifle and fairly accurate to boot.

[quickdtoo]

The only accessory barrels available in the 20" Superlight contour are 22Hornet, 223 and 243, all but the Hornet are available with or without sight, Hornet is sights only, but all are drilled and tapped for a scope rail......unless they've change that too since the last update!! 

Tim

http://www.hr1871.com/Support/accessoryProgram.asp

[Jeff H]

The only accessory barrels available in the 20" Superlight contour are 22Hornet, 223 and 243, all but the Hornet are available with or without sight, Hornet is sights only, but all are drilled and tapped for a scope rail......unless they've change that too since the last update!! 

Tim

http://www.hr1871.com/Support/accessoryProgram.asp

I JUST came from there (the site) and you seem to have nailed it, Tim.

[myarmor]

I am still hung up on passing on a $130 Handi 30-30 Go back and nab that thing!
At least keep it or sale it here in "the family"




-Aaron

[44 Man]

Aaron, I decided to do just that after I got home, but between then and looking at it, someone bought it or I would have.  Then I would have made a 30-30 AI out of it!  44 Man

[myarmor]

Well ya did what ya could. Some of the best deals I still kick my self for not just jumping on.... I seem to linger on if I NEED it or not a lot