I made an interesting acquisition today and received a Handi in .243 Win on trade that has never been fired. It has a walnut checkered stock and a medallion on the butt stock that says "Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation" on it. These same words are stamped into the barrel below which are the words "Youth Model" but when I stand it beside my other handi-rifle, the LOP's are the exact same. I was under the impression that the LOP of the youth models were shorter than the standard handis? From the FAQ and having a NH prefix to the serial number, I guess this rifle was made in 1993.
Now for my dilemma. I had planned to send the receiver in to the factory to be fitted with a .223 heavy barrel and sell the .243 barrel that is on it now. However, since the barrel and stock are both marked with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation I thought it might be a limited edtion. Does this model have more value than a standard handi so that I should just leave it like it is? Like I said, it is in pristine condition and the blueing on the rifle looks much better than my standard handi.
I hope some of the Handiholics here can tell me more about this rifle.