New Member with a couple of questions.

[Tack Driver]

Hello All! I have been lurking in the shadows for a couple of months now, and have learned alot from all of you. I have a couple questions that have not yet been answered.

I think the easiest and smartest way to get into the handy addiction is to buy a pawn shop rifle (of almost any caliber) for the receiver and then send it in for the barrels I want, which btw are primarily .243 24" heavy fluted, 22" or 24" .308 heavy or heavy fluted, and .223 heavy or fluted. I may then get something krazy like a .500sw or something.

My questions are.....
1. I understand the difference in older and newer barrels- extractor vs. ejector, but is there any difference in recievers over the years that I should be aware of?

2. Am I gaining much in going with a fluted bull over a standard heavy barrel?

3. I have a 10x super sniper scope with target knobs, sunshade, A.R.D., and flip ups. (amazingly great scope for the $ btw). does anyone know how tall of rings I will need? I've got a few laying around to try, but I think I would want some new ones, with a new rig.

I plan on using it punching paper out to 6-700 yards or so, and punching coyotes, bobcats, and p-dogs if I ever get a chance.

[myarmor]

Welcome aboard to GBO

To your questions:

1- Yes. Look in the FAQs and it will tell you all you need to know. You are looking for a 1999 or newer receiver to fit up all the barrels listed.

2- Not in my opinion really. But many here like fluted and they may cool a little quicker. They do look nice though.

3- A lot will depend on the rear bell. I would say try what you have, then go from there.


Have fun
-Aaron

[Tack Driver]

I didn't see the distingtion between 99' pre-  and post- receivers. I understand the difference between sb1 and sb2's but I don't see anything about years.

[Tack Driver]

  Where are my manners- Thank you!

[stimpylu32]

Tack Driver

Welcome to GBO , the years are about 1/2 way down in the FAQs , what your looking for is a rifle that starts with NN or HN as a 99 frame or newer .

As for barrels the Fluted do tend to cool a little faster in free air , i happen to like the big heavy bull barrels myself .

For the scope it will depend on the scope itself , some can use the Med. rings while others will need the Tall or even the Ex-tall to have proper hammer clearance .

stimpy

[Tack Driver]

Thanks guys, I see it now. Does anyone know what the actual difference is? For knowledges' sake?

[quickdtoo]

Welcome aboard Tack Driver! The older frames weren't heat treated to provide the same strength as post '98 SB2 frames are. H&R won't fit any barrel to a frame made prior to 1987, the build year info is also in the FAQS.

Those barrels marked with an asterisk * on the accessory barrel list, are those that require an NN or HN and later frame.

http://hr1871.com/Support/accessoryProgram.aspx

At this time, you can probably get a 450 Marlin barrel with an ejector, no promises, but they have been acquired recently by members here. All bets are off on getting an ejector on any other centerfire rifle barrel. They're still available on shotguns and rimfires.....I think!!



Tim

[DalesCarpentry]

I hope they never switch the rim fires to extractors. That would be a real pain in the ass.

[Tack Driver]

No, I'm cool with the extractor. I think I actually prefer it. I never like to leave brass in the woods, and it's alot easier to find in the barrel !

I see about the reciever.

Since the "used handi buyers guide" link is down, what do I need to look for?

Is there any reason why I couldn't get this frame to shoot M.O.A. or less with any of the barrels mentioned?

[BANG_OW]

Tack Driver,
                 Welcome aboard! As a newbie to these rifles myself, I've found them more capable of M.O.A performance than I am.
Get ready to enjoy yourself, these guys will get you addicted fast!
Don

[quickdtoo]

Is there any reason why I couldn't get this frame to shoot M.O.A. or less with any of the barrels mentioned?

A factory fitted barrel is a good way to go, if it doesn't shoot good, or there's a problem, H&R will make it right. Although their accuracy requirements aren't as strict as we'd like, they expect 1½MOA to 2MOA with factory ammo. 

My new .444 Marlin barrel shot 1½-1¾" with 3 different factory loads at the factory, with my handloads it shoot ½moa, see my range report.

Tim

[Tack Driver]

2 MOA kind of scares me. Guess that's what I get for owning savages all these years. They raise the bar too high.

[stimpylu32]

Tack Driver

Don't let the 2 MOA scare you , most will shoot much better than that with 1 MOA or better being normal . My 22" 45/70 will shoot 1" groups or less if i do my part . Most hunting rifles do lend themselves to shooting factory ammo at 1" and by hand loading you can shrink those groups quite a bit .

Remember that the Handi was never ment to be a Bench Rest rifle , my 223 BB will consistently kill tennis balls @ 300 yards as will my 22-250 . Like with any gun you must find the load that it likes .

stimpy

[Tack Driver]

My local gunsmith here has got a regular handi (non-laminate stock) with a .44 MAG heavy barrel. He wants $190.00 for it. I don't know what in the world I would use a .44Mag for, but what do ya'll think about the $

[stimpylu32]

Tack Driver

$190 is a bit steep for a used handi , the new will sell for around $220 to $260 , also with it being a 44 you may find the over sized bore that was common with that cal. granted with the right sized cast bullet it will shoot ok also quite afew have reamed the 44 to the 445 super mag to get a better shooter .

That being said , these are the reasons that i just never saw the need for one .

stimpy

[quickdtoo]

As Stimpy said, depends on when it was made, real old 44mags had good bores and great rifling, but up until recently, late model Handi 44mags were very overbore, the only bullets that would shoot well in them were those that were pushed faster in the 445 Supermag or with .432" cast bullets. Recently, they seem to be better, there have been some good accuracy reports and bore slugging at .430". Many, many here have given up on their 44mags and sold them.

BTW, the 44mag is only made in standard contour, it's a big bore so has a big barrel.

Tim

[wcf3030]

Tack Driver

$190 is a bit steep for a used handi , the new will sell for around $220 to $260 , also with it being a 44 you may find the over sized bore that was common with that cal. granted with the right sized cast bullet it will shoot ok also quite afew have reamed the 44 to the 445 super mag to get a better shooter .

That being said , these are the reasons that i just never saw the need for one .

stimpy

I paid $150 out the door last month for a used 30-30 SB2 frame that looked brand new with no dings or nicks.

[Tack Driver]

Thanks for all the info guys.