Author Topic: Convert NEF 20ga. to 22 hornet or .... (Read 622 times)

Dmcgee · « **on:** January 03, 2006, 03:50:57 PM »

I was wanting to convert my 20 ga. to a 22 hornet, or a .204. I saw on the website they only have the 22 hornet barrels. But they make a 204 handy rifle. Can I get a 204 barrel? which one is better 22 hornet or 204.
I dont hand load so I'll be using factory ammo so I want to consider ammo price and accuracy. Also are they both effective out to 200 yds?

I already have a ruger .243 and a .223 so I wanted something different.
I have this 20 ga laying around collecting dust and I want to make it a truck gun for coyotes and bobcats.

Busta · « **Reply #1 on:** January 03, 2006, 04:07:20 PM »

Welcome Dmcgee,

They wont fit a rifle barrel to a shotgun (SB-1) frame. The rifle (SB-2) frames are machined from a block of steel that has been hardened to a much stronger frame to prevent stretching. The shotgun (SB-1) frame is machined from a casting then case hardened to a degree, but not to the degree of the rifle frame.

Read this from H&R/NEF's barrel program and it should answer most of your questions.

Barrel Accessory Program

Additional barrels may be added to firearms of our manufacture since 1987 only, with a serial number that begins with N or H. We do not install additional barrels on any other manufacturer’s firearms.

Additional barrels are available as additional barrels only. We will not exchange barrels for existing barrels on shotguns and rifles, as it will change the model.

Rifle frames may be fitted with additional rifle, shotgun, and muzzleloader barrels.

Shotgun frames may be fitted with additional shotgun and muzzleloader barrels only.

We do not sell additional barrels outright. All barrels must be factory fitted.

We do not sell barrel blanks or do custom calibers.

In order to obtain an additional barrel(s), the stock, forend and frame (receiver) must be sent to us so they may be properly hand-fitted to the barrel, to be sure they are correctly head-spaced and proof-tested.

trotterlg · « **Reply #2 on:** January 03, 2006, 04:27:52 PM »

If you think the shotgun frame is strong enough, the hornet is a farily low pressure round, you could either find a hornet barrel for sale or buy a 22 mag bull barrel rifle for a donor and chamber it up to a hornet, that will then fit the SB1 frame. Do some frame pressure calculations first to see if you think the frame will hold it. The origional hornet bullets were 22 rf diameter, .223 dia, and the later ones were .224, they make rounds and bullets in both sizes. Sell off the rimfire frame or get another barrel for it. Not suggesting it will be safe, just that it will fit and shoot at least once. Larry

Dmcgee · « **Reply #3 on:** January 03, 2006, 04:30:57 PM »

thanks guys

Paul5388 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 03, 2006, 04:40:16 PM »

I think my Hornet is on a SB2 frame right now, but I did have it on a SB1 frame. I don't have a problem with using the lower pressure chamberings on a SB1 frame, but that's a decision I can live with and may not be for everyone.

The real question for me was, how's the trigger? I wouldn't bother if the SB1 doesn't have a good trigger to start with. I'm not like Quick, who does his own triggers.

Paul5388 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 03, 2006, 05:12:59 PM »

That may be true Tim, but I have better things to do, like reloading and shooting! :wink: Therefore, I don't buy 'em unless they have a trigger I can live with.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #6 on:** January 03, 2006, 06:07:11 PM »

Ah, but that's where the wise man spends a few minutes working on a trigger to gain many, many great hours of quality shooting time with an excellent trigger compared to a mediocre factory trigger!!! :wink:

Am I right, Fred???

Fred M · « **Reply #7 on:** January 04, 2006, 07:19:48 AM »

Yes Tim you are more than right.

I am so used sooting light triigers, I fired a rifle last fall that a young fellow wanted me to try. He shot some poor groups.

I loaded the rifle, and it would not fire. I ask the fellow if there was something wrong with the safety. No, no he said you have to pull pretty hard.

That trigger had to be 25lbs. It was not but it sure felt like it. I know a lot of people with strong hands use heavy triggers with good success. I am not one of them.

mitchell · « **Reply #8 on:** January 04, 2006, 07:47:55 AM »

Quote from: quickdtoo

Heh heh, triggers are so easy, I really think anyone can do em, once they get over the initial anxiety....specially with all the instructions provided by Perklo and Raynor!!! :grin:

A BIG +1 . with the instructions by those two its fool proof