Happy to report that the new receiver works flawlessly. Took a lot of time on the "barrel fitting" threads, and a file of my own on all 3 barrels.
Of note, I used a sharpie marker instead of 'candle smoking' the breech face and latch surfaces. i didnt let the ink dry and it worked just fine.
I made sure the breech face was flat and even, and leveled out the latch surfaces. But the key seemed to be the lug recess, a tiny bit deeper and it was locked in with ZERO visible gap and no feeler guage would slip in!
I got to the point where i feel actually pretty confident I could do it again! I used the 20ga as my 'tester barrel' since I have another 20ga The Boy likes. But once I
didnt mess up the 20ga, I did the 243 and 30-30 just fine. I am thinking I might even try the ROSSI 22LR barrel- that's how confident i feel right now! (*)
I still have this bogus lemon of a receiver: receiver is pristine except for some dings around the holes from pin removal and reinsertion. Hammer face has been filed down a bit. Transfer bar "falls" per previous post (i have a replacement still in the bag from Numrich); and firing pin spring has been snipped. I bet the trigger guard has some dings I havent seen from pin insertion difficulties. I am
not going to check as I hope to NEVER take it apart again. Maybe I'll use it as a parts gun. Or a paperweight. Maybe I'll sell it, if someone likes a 'fixer upper'. Whatever.
Anyone know if I can send the receiver alone back to H&R with a note to "fix this"? no barrel fitting, no explanation (other than these posts) just a generic "this is totally useless as a firearm, so fix it please"? and will that cost more than its worth?
Anyway, thanks indeed for all the advice and for a superlative, informative forum. I was really turned OFF by my experience with this particular receiver,and now am 'redeemed' and like these things alot.
C-
(*): knowing me, i will wait, and read for another month before i try the 22LR Rossi bbl. I have some 'cooky' ideas that SOUND reckless. But really i am rather cautious with this stuff. But I sure do want a 22LR barrel for my handi collection... I mean for my kids to use...
