uh oh..now I've done it...

[Slasher]

Got my 7 y.o. the 243 handi bull barrel and put a youth stock on it... funny thing is... I enjoy this lil gun and have hauled it out and about in the woods hunting myself as its a shooter (after a lil flitz run up and down the bore...) and the shortness is just perfect for when I am hunting the thick pines here in GA. However, the heavy bull barrel throws the balance off for a still hunting rifle... I thought about getting one for myself (non bull barrel) and see about shortening the barrel as a tree stand/still hunting gun... you know a real hany Handi-rifle...

If I remember correctly 16 in barrel length is the legal limit? Anyone know fer sure? a 33 in rifle would be easy to carry and work in the thick stuff!!!

What caliber would do well in a 16-18 in barrel? I figured a lower velocity round like 7.62x39,357,30-30, .44 mag and the like would be ideal and not give up too much punch and still be accurate out to 125-150 yds or so...

anyone ever done anything like this? I figure I can start checking the pawn shops for a good donor rifle... maybe order one from wally word...

[Smokin Joe]

"A weapon made from a rifle having a barrel less than 16" in length or an overall length of less than 26" is a firearm subject to the provisions of the National Firearms Act.

16's the limit, as is 26 OAL. I think the .357 mag or MAX or the 44 would be pretty good.....the muzzle blast with the others would be terrible.

[myarmor]

I too have looked for a shorter "Handier" handi. And some here have went that route and made it by cutting it down. I still may, with a 30-30 or 357. The 44Mag is a great canidate, but with the over bores on most it's a hard hit or miss.
But when I hold my 243 (standard barrel) it really is short and well balanced to the point that I don't want to mess with it. Not to mention how great it shoots.
 I say first off, pick up a standard weight or maybe a lightweight and see how you like it. You just might be surprised how close to perfect it fits...

-Aaron

[handi243]

superlight 243 little over 5lbs 4x32 scope got it for my kids carry it more than MY 308.

[Datil]

 
 I got a 223 super lite hard bored and camber to 25 cal. Just acat Meow.
 
 Marv.

[Fred M]

Marv.
What kind of 25???

[Slasher]

 I got a 223 super lite hard bored and camber to 25 cal. Just acat Meow.
 
 Marv.

I am with Fred...which 25 cal?

25 is nice... 257 Roberts would do real well....

[Datil]

 This is a super lite wt, 25- 35 Win  just 20 in  barrel. Think now get another
 bore it to 7-30 waters, then have a match set. 219 Zipper 25- 35, 7-30 Waters
 30-30. Marv.

[Fred M]

25-35 that is a nice caliber for a Handy 2900 ft/sec with a 87gr bullet. No trouble taking deer with it.

The 75gr V-max at 3100 will do the coyotes out to 250 yards. Very good sensible choice.

[rc51kid]

i am thinking the same kind of thing.  i have a 357 barrel on the way to me from H&R.  i would love tocut it to 18 or 16" but i dont know how i would do the sights.  but i like the idea.

[Slasher]

I dont either... but a gunsmith would have to crown te barrel, so why not put on a front sight... or an aperture sight set while he's at it...

or maybe a scout style EER scope mount to keep the balance point forward and outta the way so its easy to carry by the action....

my thoughts have run away with me... uh oh... Will report back on this as soon as i find a candidate....