Author Topic: Need Help Choosing .243 Rifle (Read 581 times)

Mainer · « **on:** December 31, 2004, 04:51:40 AM »

Well, after nearly causing my brain to explode trying to pick the right caliber for shooting at the range and for whitetail deer and the occassional coyote and antelope (on trips out west), I've finally settled on .243 Win. (at least I think I have).

I'm now trying to decide between the HB Handi in blue or the stainless Handi.

Can anyone tell me whether the stainless Handi in .243 is HB or regular barrel? The 2004 NEF catalog only lists the stainless .22-250 as being HB, but I've read some posts and seen pictures that suggest that the stainless .243 is also HB.

I am inclined to favor HB because I assume that accurary will diminish less after multiple shots at the shooting range.

I am inclined to favor stainless for its longevity. (I figure I can spray it with flat black stove paint if it's too shiny).

If I can get a .243 Handi with both stainless construction and a HB I will be a happy man.
:grin:

BuzzKill · « **Reply #1 on:** December 31, 2004, 05:23:20 AM »

Hey Mainer-

Good choice in caliber for your intended uses. I do not have the stainless .243 barrel, but I believe it is a regular contour. However, H&R's regular barrels are still heavier than most other manufacturer's regular/standard barrels. I know there are members here with the SS .243, hopefully they will confirm this and let you know how various loads shoot. If you get it, think about filling the hollow buttstock with expanding foam or if desired, a hevier fill of poly bondo. This will remove the hollow sound of the stock, better balnce the weight of the gun and reduce recoil. Oh yah, if done, place a piece of pvc/copper water pipe down the center before filling to leave a channel for removing the buttstock bolt. I know my 243 H&R shoots great, have fun with it. Antelope hunting would be a blast. Long stalks and shots. BuzzKill

Mainer · « **Reply #2 on:** December 31, 2004, 08:15:37 PM »

BuzzKill: Good info. I opted for the blued HB .243 Handi. I special ordered it Fri. afternoon at Wal-Mart. It was $43.00 less than the stainless, and I intend to apply the difference toward the purchase of a quality scope. I can't wait for the rifle to come in.

zrexpilot · « **Reply #3 on:** January 05, 2005, 07:45:47 AM »

I suggest not going with the bull barrel, the NEF already has a pretty heavy barrel. I dont like the extra weight, and i dont think you will tell the difference in accuracy. I have a .243 in a REM VLS with a bull barrel and it's a pain to tote around, and it's just to heavy for my youngest to shoot, looks darned nice but thats it.

Mainer · « **Reply #4 on:** January 05, 2005, 03:57:20 PM »

It's a done deal. I special ordered the gun last Fri. It should be in any day now.

The Rem 700 VLS is a 9.4 lb rifle, whereas the HB .243 Handi is in the 7 lb range.

This is shaping up as a relatively long-range rifle, as I have Bushnell Elite 3200 4-12AOx40 scope on order as well.

If it turns out to be too heavy to carry around I can always keep this barrel/scope set up for long range work and get a standard .243 barrel and a 4x or 2-7x scope as a woods gun.