What is the difference between recievers?

[Tom H.]

What is the difference between the rifle reciever and the shotgun reciever?

Curious to know.

Thanks
Tom

[John Traveler]

H&R has made single-shot break open shotguns and low-power rifles for several generations.  The latest were/are the M158 "Topper" series.  All of these older guns used cast iron receivers and are intended for shotshell and low-power rifle calibers.

As I understand it, the NEF and H&R rifle receivers are made from heat-treated steel, and are much thicker in the breech area.  Therefore, they are strong enough to hold respectable high-rifle catridges.

HTH
John

[Tom H.]

Thanks John.

I picked up an NEF as a project gun and I'd like to know its limitations before I put any major time into it.
I'm definately picking up one of the slug barrels (or 2) but was also thinking about the prospect of a 45-70 or a 357 max on the shotgun receiver.
Would I have to bush the firing pin, etc.

Of course I could have just bought the rifle version.

 

Tom

[BIGBOREFAN]

Tom H H&R will not put a rifle barrel on your shotgun receiver. The only way to get a rifle barrel is to send in a rifle receiver. The firing pin between the two are the same. You may look around and find a seperate barrel for sale, but it still might not lock up tight on your receiver.


BBF

[John Traveler]

I might add that an acquaintance of mine made a .223 Remington chamber sleeve for a break-open 20 gauge shotgun and fired it against my advice.

A few dozen rounds later, the .223 case head blew a neat hole right through the breechface.  It looked like it was done with a 3/8" punch!!  Luckily the shooter was not hurt.  Object lesson:  old shotgun receivers were never designed for high-intensity rifle cartridge pressures!

I don't recall the brand name, but it was an old single-barrel shotgun.

[John Traveler]

Tom,

NEF states that receivers made before a specified serial number are NOT suitable for fitting with rifle barrels.

I don't recall the s/n breakpoint, but suspect that it has to do with a change in materials and/or manufacturing methods.  a change from cast iron to investment cast alloy steel for example.  As we know, Ruger made it's great reputation on investment cast steel receivers and major parts  for almost all of it's product line (bolt action and single-shot centerfire, shotguns, revolvers, pistols, etc).

HTH
John

[Tom H.]

...Exactly why I posted here.

I knew that NEF would only put a rifle barrel on a rifle reciever, just didn't know the particulars.  I do kow that if I pick up a rifle reciever I won't have to worry about anything.  

Thanks for the advice and the info. It's more than appreciated.

Tom