Author Topic: older handi rifles? (Read 686 times)

snap · « **on:** September 20, 2005, 10:59:41 AM »

Hi guy's

I am new to the forum but have been visiting for a while now. I wanted to know if the older handi rifles "pre marlin" are good guns? I know you all have probaly covered this but I missed it.

I ask this question because I have come across an unfired 1995 rocky moutain elk foundation .280 that I can pick up real cheap. :lol: But I know that the older frames can not be fitted with most high power rifle barrels per NEF. Is the frame not strong enough or something? If I buy this rifle will the .280 beat the frame in to an early death? Thanks for any input you all might have.... Snap.

Norseman112 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 20, 2005, 11:06:54 AM »

Hello Snap and welcome to Graybeards

Come back often.
If I were you I would call customer service at (978) 630-8220

Norse

Datil · « **Reply #2 on:** September 20, 2005, 11:07:31 AM »

Snap, This is my .02, If I wanted a 280, They are good for the cartiage
it was manifacter for. being factory cambered for 280, I would say
it is good for any going. NEF will rebarrel for hi-intense cambering..
Take care. Marv.

The other poster gave the best answer.

tallyho · « **Reply #3 on:** September 20, 2005, 12:37:23 PM »

Hi Snap, and welcome to the Handi gang!

I agree with Datil about it definitely being able to handle the cartridge it was manufactured for.

However, it ain't likely that NEF will add ANY high pressure barrel to the frame. Phone them with the serial number to find out for sure.

I phoned them about a .308 I have, and was told they would not put any higher pressure barrel on... those marked with an asterisk (*) in the barrel accessory flyer, of which the .308 Win is one - even though it came with a .308 Win barrel! It is a 1995 manufacture as well.

The issue seems to be a 'legal' one about which was the original company that manufactured the gun. (post or pre-Marlin)

Doesn't seem to make practical common sense, but the truth is, when issues with legalities enter the picture, one should not remain too attached to practical common sense!

Cheers
Kerr

snap · « **Reply #4 on:** September 20, 2005, 01:34:20 PM »

I talked to customer service a few days ago and the man I talked to told me that the only reason that they would not install any barrels other than 30-30 45-70 22 hornet and a few others is because the "they changed some of the internal workings" on the newer "Marlin ownership" guns. But I know how some times companys tend to tell you what they want so you do not blame them for a faulty product. So I thought I would come to you guy's because you all seam to have Handi's down to a tee... lot's of knowledge here. Thanks Guy's Snap

Varminter · « **Reply #5 on:** September 20, 2005, 01:41:11 PM »

Welcome aboard! Pull up a chair and stay awhile.

If it came with the 280 barrel i wouldn't be afriad to put any other barrel on it.

mt3030 · « **Reply #6 on:** September 20, 2005, 01:46:30 PM »

What Drew said!

Wally

Mac11700 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 20, 2005, 06:49:06 PM »

Some here have had good luck with adding other barrels onto the earlier frames...NEF says not to do this...so if you do..you do at your own risk...

Now...that being said..I don't think you'll beat the stuffins out of it as a 280...it's a great round and should serve you well...for many many years...and fitting a different barrel has been covered in the FAQ sticky up on the top of the page :wink:

Mac

snap · « **Reply #8 on:** September 22, 2005, 12:57:26 AM »

Well I really wasnt worried about installing other barrels on this rifle but if I do it will be 30-30 or 45-70 and customer service said that was o.k. :wink: . I have heard rumors that pre marlin hanid's were prone to frame streching or set back I the higher perssure calibers, I don't know this to be true but thought that you guy's might. Do any of you have/shoot any pre marlin handi's? Have you had any problems, or do you think that they are as good as the current production?

Thank's Guy's Snap

DanielWGriggs · « **Reply #9 on:** September 22, 2005, 08:17:55 AM »

Snap I have three of the older handi's one is a 58cal muzzle loader made before 1976. The other two are a .223 and .308 I have nothing but warm fuzzy feelings about both of these rifles. I would love to get a 280 and would not hesitate to buy just because it is before Marlin. My 308 is a Rocky mountain elk foundation youth model and is very handi for brush country due to its slightly smaller size. I have not had any trouble with stuck cases or poor accuracy with any cartridges I have shot. my advise is get it get it now! Shoot it and enjoy it buy reloading equipment and shoot it more. Welcome.

The 58 is the one I have to use in Illinois for deer hunting till I get my shotgun set up from H&R. It has not failed me in a hunting situation and the accuracy is better than I expect from ML predisc rifles.

EVOC ONE · « **Reply #10 on:** September 23, 2005, 02:14:51 PM »

Hello snap, Welcome.

If you should choose not to purchase the .280, I would like to arrainge for its purchase and have it sent up here to Md.

I'm not interested in adding barrels. I've become a fan of the .280 and would just like to have the Rocky Mountain edition.

Thanks,

EVOC ONE