New Handi Riflle owner with a few questions

[stant23]

I just got a used HR with two barrels a few weeks ago and have been spending a lot of time lurking around this forum since then.  There is a ton of great info, but apparently I am a little slow, cause I still need a little help 
 
First, a bit about the rifle...the serial number starts with NK, it came with both a .22 Hornet and .243 barrel (both bull), the .243 barrel appears to not be a factory fit (SN on the barrel lug doesn't match the receiver and is hand engraved), both barrels lock up tight and shoot well.  Now for the questions...
 

• Can I get HR to fit other caliber barrels on this rifle?  The FAQ page seems to indicate no, but the HR website seems to say yes...I be confused!!!
• Do the Boyds thumbhole stock fit bull barrels, or just standard barrels?
• Anything to worry about with the .243 apparently not being factory fitted?
• Lastly, any other helpful information you might have would be appreciated.

So far I really like this rifle and am sure it will fast become one of my favorites!!!

[cudatruck]

Welcome here!
on barrel fitting i would guess the faqs are probably correct.   but you could call customer service and ask.
all the factory buttstocks i believe interchange. some fore ends can be a little more work, different barrel channel size.
if the .243 locks up tight and solid and shoots fine, whats the worry?
congratulations on the hornet, everyone that has one likes it!
I just got a .243 barrel for mine and am looking forward to trying it out.
 

[stant23]

Thanks Cuda...the Hornet is really what I was after, so no big loss if I can't get other barrels.  I also really like the .243, so glad there shouldn't be any concerns since it locks and shoots.  I did read something about the .243 breaching when fired, and since this rifle has an ejector the first few shots made me a little nervous!
 
I hope you like the .243...it is one of my favorite calibers...nothing like it for coyote hunting 
 
I am planning a doing some trigger work and maybe trying to go to the extractor...but I am the kind of garage gunsmith who never starts a project unless I have money saved for a REAL gunsmith to fix what I did!!!  I will be back posting with the results of my escapades.

[quickdtoo]

Welcome! The only centerfire barrels H&R will fit to the NK frame are 357 and 44 mags, as well as most shotgun barrels because it was made prior to 2000, they'll only fit other CF rifle barrels to frames made 2000 and later, the FAQs and the H&R site say the same thing, although in different words. 

Tim

[redleg11b]

To answer the Boyd's question, the stock will fit and the forearm should.  If it doesn't, a dowel wrapped in sandpaper will open up the channel.  I've done the dowel "trick" to open plenty of stocks for a heavier taper.  Just remember to seal it if gou have to sand it.

[45-70.gov]

I DON'T LIKE THAT   MULTIBLE BARRELS FOR A SINGLE RECIEVER


get another barrel and your fireing pin  or hammer spring breaks
you have 3 broken guns


for a few $$s more you can  buy a whole  gun
now   you have a spare parts department