Frame number confusion

[keith44]

I have been reading about SB1 and SB2 frames and have a question.  Neither of my Handi Rifles have SB anything anywhere on the frame.  All three barrels have SB2 on the chamber swell area, all three barrels came from factory. 

One of my frames has a serial prefix of N U (2004 (?) vintage)

Is this an SB2 and how can I tell for sure??

Keith

[cwlongshot]

Welcome!!

IIRC, There are pics in the faqs. 

But basically unscrew the pad from the butt stock. With a long extention and a 9/16 socket unbolt the butt from the receiver and look at where the bolt attaches. It will be solid if it's a SB 1 and have two "open voids" one above and one below if it's a SB 2.

CW

[quickdtoo]

Welcome! Other than current SB1 frames with the marking on the right side, frames aren't marked at all as to their type, barrel markings are irrelevant as to the frame type, I just bought a new Ilion made SB1 framed 44mag youth rifle with an SB2 marked barrel. 

Tim

[keith44]

That's why I was confused Tim. 

I found the pics, pulled down the frame, definately an SB2.  I knew that the barrel markings were for the barrel only, and the serial number didn't seem to offer any clues.  It's been a good rifle so far, shooting 45-70 and .44 mag equally well.  I've taken deer with the 45-70, but so far the .44 has only been used for load development. 

I noticed in other posts that the barrel length for .44 mag has been shortened to 18 inches.  Why would they do this??  Mine is 22 inches and shoots laser cast .431 dia 240 gr bullets better than I can hold (with the open sights)

Thanks for the info guys

Keith

[cwlongshot]

Simply public demand. People want it so they making it. IIRC it's the new Talonline with this shorter barrel.

CW

[quickdtoo]

The 44mag is currently available in three barrel lengths, the standard 22" slick barrel, 20" slick barrel youth, and the Talo 18¾" barrel with sights, all on SB1 frames. Just an FYI, the Talo 45-70 also has an 18¾" barrel with sights, but comes on an SB2 frame, you can almost always tell what frame a new H&R firearm is on by the model number on the box, although some fall away from that with a Y for youth or an S for scoped following the SB instead of a number, or a C instead of the B for combos with two barrels.

Tim

http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/default.aspx?item=sb1-S44

http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/default.aspx?item=72648

http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/default.aspx?item=72372

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/262/products_id/54395