A few questions about the H&R/NEF .280

[jaded]

Hi everybody, this is my first time here and I have a few questions about the H&R and NEF Handi rifle and the Ultra Hunter.  First, I want to buy the handi in a 280.  I don't think the Ultra Hunter is available in that caliber.  So, is the Ultra worth the extra money over the Handi rifle enough that I should buy the ultra and compromise the caliber I want?  What else am I getting for the extra $$?  And the most important question I have is about the durability and quality of a gun that's only costing me that much?  From my looking around the gun retailers, it seems that most of them are telling me that you get what you pay for.  I just like the simplicity of the single shot rifles, and I don't really want to spend a ton of money, but I need a good reliable deer gun.  From what I've seen and heard about these guns they fit the bill pretty well, just looking for some reassurance.  So anybody that wants to add their input I would appreciate all the opinions I can get.  Thanks a lot

[quickdtoo]

Welcome to GBO! Please read thru the FAQs, your questions are answered there, in particular, at the very bottom of the page is a lengthy thread that addresses buying an H&R.

Briefly, the Ultras have laminated stocks and a scope rail that's 1" longer, that's the only current production difference, they used to have nicer finishes on the frames and barrels, but that's no longer the case. The .280 is only available with a 26" barrel in a Handi, no Ultra version, but any current H&R stock with work with any H&R frame, be it shotgun, rifle or rimfire, so swapping stocks is easy and a nice upgrade for those models not offered as an Ultra.

Tim


http://hr1871.com/Firearms/Rifles/hunter.aspx

[Spanky]

The big difference is nicer wood on the Ultra.

There will be no difference in the way either one shoots.
Don't compromise on the caliber you want.

Handi's are dependable, basic rifles that shoot well.


Spanky

[rex6666]

i don't think you will find a better single shot rifle for the price.
what does a single shot break action rifle need to cost?
for a hunting rifle i like the plastic stocks, if i was on the bench i would want some pretty wood.
some guys paint theirs, you can do about anything to them, if you read this forum enough
you will hear the good and bad. their is some thing about these little rifles that i haven't been
able to put a finger on, but one is not enough.

[Brett]

If a solid, dependable, low cost, deer rifle is all your looking for then the Handi Rifle fits the bill.