Finally got a chance to work with my new from the box 30-30. After cleaning, slugged the barrel and it measured .307 in the grooves and .300 bore. Felt pretty smooth so I didn't think lapping was an issue. I then did the 10 shot break in procedure, shoot clean, shoot clean ........ Since I put a Bushnell scope on it the comb was too low and had to put a leather lace on comb on it. Left the recoil pad on it. Both the leather comb and recoil pad are issues that will have to be dealt with, the reasons will be obvious soon. I bore sighted it by putting it in a vise looking thru the barrel and zeroing on an object about 20 ft. away.
At the range today at 25 yards shots 1 & 2 almost right on, made sight correction 3 was in so didn't waste any more ammo. Went to 100 yards 1 was 5-1/2" high, made correction and the next 6 were in. The 2 low verticaly strung shots I believe due to an inability to achieve a consistent cheek weld and proper eye relief with the scope. Primarily the result of short neck-arm syndrome caused by years of shooting heavy cal. handguns with a steel helmet on.
This project at this point validates a long held opinion by me and many others on this forum that the H&R Handi rifle is the most solid, accurate and economical shooting platform in the market today. If used responsibly within its design limitations will meet and excell in competition with other platforms costing hundreds if not thousands of dollars more.
Next step in the project is to create some fine furniture for the 30-30 to wear. Along with an action job, glass bedding of forearm and recrowning.