uneven shelf latch -Update-

[hhunter]

New here but have been reading a lot.  Recently got a Dick's sporting goods .308 and been having a blast with it.  Less than 30 rounds thru it and it has accounted for 12 hogs already.

Been going over the faq's several times but I am a little unclear on the shelf latch.  I read that it should be even all the way across.  Mine is not but it is wearing in some on one side and not at all on the other.  I filed a touch, just barely removed the bluing then got cold feet and quit. It is not as bad as the faq's picture showing an improper latch engagement. Kinda heavy on one side and then starts dropping off and making no contact on the other.  No gaps in the barrel, locks up strong, no pop opens, locks up tight on tin foil.

It is minute of hog for sure and is performing its intended role well.  I am not a paper puncher but I would like it to be as accurate and consistent as I can get it.  I liked these guns so much that I went out today and got another one just like it.  Addicting is the word.  These are client/guest ranch/truck utility guns but lately, I find myself reaching for the Handi everytime I head out.  My other go to bolt guns and No. 1 are having to stay at home.  I did not bother to use the supplied scope.

My question is should I leave it alone?  Is the round count to low to see if it is going to eventually wear in properly? Or is it a high spot that needs to be stoned down?  Sorry bout all the questions but I would be happy knowing that I have done all I can do.  I do not want to send it back to H+R.

Thank You in advance.

[Mac11700]

Don't fix what ain't broke...

If your happy with it's performance..then leave it alone till you aren't..

Mac

[hhunter]

Thanks Mac.  I have been searching and studying your posts regarding this issue and felt like I needed to post and ask for sure.  Not OCD or anything I just felt like it could get better if it was showing an even wear mark along the shelf.  That was the conclusion I gathered from all that reading.  I have always been the type to leave it alone but.....

You guys have already been responsible for me buying two Handis.  I do like messing with them. Sighted it in. Then touched up the crown due to a burr. Used Tim's ball bearing trick and then floated the barrel.  Used some jb bore paste to clean it up. Shot again for zero and then started working on the hogs.  Accuracy improved after these items so that got me wondering about that latch.

[quickdtoo]

Welcome!! I agree with Mac, if it does what you want, don't fix it, but for peace of mind,  H&R's accuracy standard is 2" or less, 100yd 3-shot groups with factory ammo, if it won't do that, contact them and get it "fixed" so it will, they'll git er done. 

Tim

[hhunter]

Thank you Tim.  Glad to be here.  I have read a ton of your posts as well.  If I had to send my rifle anywhere it would go to you.  It amazes me the amount of information here.  The knowledge obtained through the experience of others is empowering to say the least. 

[bikerbeans]

HH,

Congrats on the hog blastin'!  If you need some help thinin' the herd let me know.  Have 45 70 will travel.

Bikerbeans

[McLernon]

Interesting that the factory has published a 'factory standard for accuracy'. Though I do not know what use a 204 that shoots 2MOA is. ( My best reloads shot 1-1/2MOA). That's 3 to 4 inches at 200 yards..........not a good GH or PD gun at all. The 'factory standard' is fine for a deer rifle but Remington needs to do better on varmint calibers. Note I am still really interested in these rifles and love the balance and simplicity but I think Remington has to try harder. ie better barrels and better(stiffer and more even) lock-up. JMHO

Mc

[hhunter]

I do favor the compactness and function of the handis.  It has not failed on me for it's intended purpose but I am starting to want more.  Shots at 100 yards and most of the time inside 75 yards are no problem on hogs. I know that the shot will be "in there" but after those distances it is anyones guess on where it will land.  Sure it will get a hit but I do not like to track. Head, neck, and shoulder shots are the goal.  A little to far back and the game changes.  Heck I would be thrilled with consistent 3in groups at 200 yards.  It is all that I need.  Until I get there I have to bring out another weapon for the longer shots.  I am just wondering if this Handi can do it all.

Back to that shelf, I have noticed that after the shot it takes more pressure to unlock the barrel.  I know that it is wearing in but it leads me to believe this has to be degrading the accuracy.  I don't want to send it back if a little file work will get it done.  

Now I need to start breaking in the other one. Want to get the first one done before I begin on the other.

[hhunter]

Thanks Biker.  Yea the 45/70 does get the job done.  I used it for some work for a couple nights in a row on management "thinning".  It is a guide gun and it was fun but after that I was banged up pretty good.  It now gets used on certain hunts.  Not my weapon of choice for all night pop. control hunts. I don't know if I would call those hunts though maybe more like a "session".  Use a tactical auto shot gun for those.

[hhunter]

Well, I just had to find out so here is what happened...

After smoking the shelf I took a stone from my Spyderco Sharpmaker which fit the shelf perfectly and LIGHTLY hit it a few times.  Smoked it again and saw an improvement.  Did it a little more, put the candle to it again and the result was an even mark across the shelf.  It did not take MUCH at all.  I was surprised at how little it did take.  I can see where all the advice to go slow is true.  A couple of good licks with the coarser stones out of my Lansky set could have done it real quick and might of gotten it past the point of no return in a hurry.

I do not know if it will make any difference but I now know that I have done all I am willing to do.  Going to take it out this evening and work on some more hogs.  Gun is 12 for 12 so I hope I did not hex myself.

hh

[zoner]

let's see....12 for 12 on hogs,locks up strong,no barrel gap...what was wrong with your gun again? Close the action briskly and put some ammo thru it, lots of Handi's shoot better after break in. 

[D Humbarger]

let's see....12 for 12 on hogs,locks up strong,no barrel gap...what was wrong with your gun again?

Thats funny!

[necchi]

Aww, he's just a true Handiholic in the making,,likes ta tinker ta sqeeze every little bit out of'm
It's fun and generally beneficial.

I'd say he ain't done no harm yet, ya otta read fredsters accurizing tips,,he does some advanced stuff to that latch an shelf!

[hhunter]

Got back in late Sunday night.  Killed 3 more, 15 for 15 now.  One at 75 yards from the blind. Next evening caught them in a pasture and shot one DRT at 191 yards and hit the second at a fence line at 404 according to my rangefinder

She has stretched her legs now and I am good with that.  Will leave it alone now.

[STUMPJMPR]

I think hogs will once be a memory in your part of the country.