Author Topic: handi rifle vs. ultra rifle (Read 1220 times)

kysingleshot · « **on:** June 06, 2004, 12:17:41 PM »

I am looking at a 30/06, but am wondering what is the difference between the handi rifle and the ultra rifle. I have read that the ultra rifle needs quite a bit of work to be a good hunting gun but the handi rifle seems ready out of the box. Is this true? Thank you for your responses.

Mitch in MI · « **Reply #1 on:** June 06, 2004, 01:03:39 PM »

There shouldn't be much functional difference between a handi 30-06 and an ultra comp.
The ultra may have a better finish (seems like they polish them a bit more before bluing, but I'm not sure). The main difference will be in the laminated, checkered wood, and the compensated barrel. Effective length is 22" in either case, but the comp has a 2" muzzle brake added on the end, so recoil will be less and noise will be greater beside and behind the gun.

Either gun will probably benefit from some of the tricks mentioned here, like putting a rubber spacer under the forearm mount to float the barrel above the forearm.
Mitch.

handirifle · « **Reply #2 on:** June 06, 2004, 03:17:09 PM »

kysingleshot.

All of what Mitch said, except, unless you buy a used gun or and older new one that hasn't sold yet, there is no longer an Ultra Comp rifle. the 30-06 is now called the Ultra Hunter and it does NOT have a compensated barrel. They used to but discontinued that line.

I have standard Handi rifles and an Ultra and there is no difference except looks. If you want a hunting rifle and not gonna worry about scratching it, get the Handi, otherwise go the Ultra. Some Ultra's do offer a slightly longer barrel, so look closely for what you want.

The Ultra does not accept any barrel the Handi does not, ALL SB-2 receivers accept the same barrels, including the Buffalo Classic and the Target model 38-55.

Mitch in MI · « **Reply #3 on:** June 06, 2004, 04:01:18 PM »

I was going by the 2003 catalog when I wrote the comments above. A quick look at the H&R web page shows no Ultra Comp, and the 30/06 and 270 Ultra hunters are listed with 23" barrels. Is that a typo, or are they really an inch longer than a Handi rifle?
http://www.hr1871.com/firearms/index.php?cat=4

ScatterGunner · « **Reply #4 on:** June 06, 2004, 04:04:40 PM »

to be sure, buy both rifles !

i have a 243 ultra varmint, it's really nice. also have a few handi's and a bunch of barrels, they're great too !

sg

handirifle · « **Reply #5 on:** June 06, 2004, 08:46:34 PM »

Mitch
I'd bet against it being a typo. NEF usually puts all the smae barrel length calibers in one listing and I notice they purposely separated the 270 and 30-06 from the rest. Why 23" I'll never know.

Ditchdigger · « **Reply #6 on:** June 07, 2004, 07:39:18 AM »

My Ultra came with the better scope mount, with the set screw. you can use it to gain a little elevation if you need it . The Ultra's come with longer barrels sometimes.
Digger