H&R Accuracy And Trigger Pull

[delmer]

I'm considering an Ultra in .223, and have never owned any model from this manufacturer.  I've read a lot from people putting down the accuracy and trigger of these guns (any caliber) on other forums.  I realize that most of these people have probably never even shot one of these guns and own something else (TC?), but I would like an objective opinion about these issues.  I also realize that feedback will likely be biased in favour on this forum , but I would like to hear from acutal gun owners, not second hand hearsay.  Thanks.

[poncaguy]

I have 15 complete Handi's............44 mag has very stiff pull, accuracy so-so, same with my 270. All my others, 22-250,223,204,243s,7-08,30-30,308,35 Whelen and 45-70 have great triggers, which all the newer Handi's seem to have. My 22 Hornet, 17HMR and 17 HM2 have good accuracy and triggers too............

[motordog80]

My 22-250 has a great trigger from the factory, although I had to tinker a little to get good patterns.  Such as floating the barrel and finding a good round.  But that is why I like the handy rifle so well, I can work on it myself and it doesnt cost an arm and a leg.  Look at the FAQ sticky and you will see several ways to possibly improve any handy. 

[OR-E-Gun Bill]

I started out with a H&R Ultra .270 w/Comp. and the trigger was a bit heavier than I liked. When I decided to add another barrel, .223, I requested a factory adjustment (no charge with new barrrel purchase) to the trigger to under 4 pounds while they had it in the shop. The lighter trigger has made a world of difference for me.

[stimpylu32]

I took only my H&R's to shoot P-Dogs this spring and was more than pleased with how well they shot , i was shooting out to 500+ yards with my .223 HB and could not see any diffrence between them and the high dollar bolt guns that some were using .

The only one i have that gives me fits is my 450 Marlin barrel and i feel that it is only a matter of finding a load it likes .

All in all , you can not go wrong with a handi , with a little work they will hold their own with just about any gun around .

Just my .02 worth

[greenjeans]

I only have two Handi's, a standard synthetic 30-06 and an Ultra 25-06. I don't reload so have to rely on factory loads. I hunt with mine, not bench shoot, so probably don't expect as much as some. I also don't expect dime size groups from a $200. rifle. I have settled on Winchester PP's and use 150 gr. in the 30-06 and 120 gr. in the 25-06. I get 1-1/2" groups with the 30-06 and about 1" with the 25. The only thing I have done to either is put the O-ring on the barrel stud. My triggers are between 4 and 5 pounds and break cleanly so has never been a problem. Wouldn't hesitate to buy another for my particular needs.

[quickdtoo]

Welcome to GBO, Delmer!! I'm one of the sickest of the sick here with 20 complete rifles plus 4 additional barrels, in calibers from 17M2 to .45-120. I've shot all but my 7mm-08 barrel as of today, the majority shoot sub moa with the right load, some I still haven't found that load for them, my .204 is one of em, it's right at 1-1¼" with factory ammo, haven't handloaded for it yet. Shot the .25-06 with factory ammo and .280 w/handloads today, neither likes to be shot real warm, the first 2 shots will be less than ½", then the 3rd will open the group to 1" or slightly less, some work with the forends is necessary, an RTV bedding job(see FAQ) is in their future before the next range visit.

For big game hunting accuracy, out of the box shooting with the right factory ammo should net you 1½" 100yd groups, the triggers on late production guns have improved a lot in the last couple yrs, I have a 2003 built 7x64 Brenneke that had a 7-8lb trigger when I got it, it's now down to 4lbs, still needs a bit more work which if you are the DIY type, isn't hard to do (see FAQ), most triggers can be honed to 2-3lbs, my lightest is 2.2lbs on the .204. The factory will do a free trigger job when you send a frame in for extra barrels, to 3-4lbs as was mentioned.

Some rifles will need a little tinkering with forend pressure and loads to shoot their best(see Woodchuck Sniper's thread), but if you're the kind that likes to do that kind of stuff, you'll be real happy, sometimes they can be a little challenging. If you're they kind that expect a sub moa group right out the box, then you'll not likely get it right away, and you'll be disappointed, but for a $200 rifle, they can be very rewarding, too!

Tim