Good lock-up is a combination of things, the sum of which means that the stiffness of the action when loaded is the maximum it can be and consistent from shot-to-shot. To achieve good lock-up there must be adequate engagement 1/16+ inches and the load distribution before and during firing must be even across the latch /lug interface so that no twisting effect is present that will drastically lower the stiffness of the lock-up under load. And of coarse the standing breech should be flush and tight. The part that the spacer and fore-end should play is to help return the barrel to it's original position ready for the next loading/firing. NEF does a reasonably good job of ensuring most but not all of the above. Two of the three Handi's that I own had the lug/latch mating surfaces cock-eyed and they shot all over the place with and without the fore-end in place. Gradually I have been correcting this problem by stoning the shiny parts of the lug mating surface after each range session. Before each range session I degrease and re-blue the lug mating surface so that the new shiny parts will be visible. I believe that the stiffness of an individual Handi has a direct bearing on whether or not it can be shot accurately from a bipod.
I think that NEF could and should ensure that all the above is done before a rifle leaves the factory so that inexperienced(with Hand's) shooters don't get frustrated with the erratic performance of some Handi's out-of-the-box.
Sorry for the rant, but NEF really needs to carry out the fit-up process a little more scientifically instead of relying on feel and visual tests IMHO.
Mc
