357 mag handi project - your advice please

[smittty]

I don't have a handi rifle.  I've been considering one for some time but just haven't been able to take the plung.  I like the idea of a 357 mag carbine but I'd have to get a rifle in a different caliber to start the project. 

I'd like a rifle receiver in the matte finish.  I don't care too much about the stock but it should be the low stock for use with iron sights.

I'm thinking of starting with the Survivor in 308...is there a sight kit that I can buy that's not expensive to install it on the 308 barrel?  Can i use the sights that fit the muzzle loader?

I'd dreaming of a fancy walnut straight stock handi-rifle triple combo...308 or 30-06 barrel with iron sights, 357 mag barrel with iron sights and a 12 ga barrel. 

Is the 308 survivor the best handi rifle to start this project?

Thanks in advance for your advice,
Smitty

[quickdtoo]

None of H&R's 308 barrels come with sights, you'd need to order an accessory barrel with sights for an extra $47 or more(dunno if they've raised the price), or have a smith drill and tap the barrel for a front sight, the Williams WGRS-H&R from H&R for $18 can be mounted in the two rear scope base holes if you want an aperture sight. Also see Peep and Firesights in the FAQs for more info on sights.

A complete 357mag rifle will be available, but it can only be fitted with shotgun/Huntsman barrels since it comes on an SB1 frame, it's also planned as a combo with 20ga barrel.

The Survivor barrel is a bull barrel, dunno if that fits your plan or not, it also doesn't have a recoil pad, just a hard synthetic butt.

Tim

http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Rifles/handiRifle.aspx

[Doublebass73]

I ended up going a different route. I bought an SB2 receiver from the classifieds.
I sent it in to NEF for a .357 barrel, 28 Gauge barrel and synthetic stocks. After
seeing pictures of the Buffalo Classic carbine I decide that was the look I wanted
so I bought a set of BC stocks from the classifieds.

This is my first Handi and I love it. I have a great rifle for New England deer hunting
and a great shotgun for Partridge hunting. I also have a Pardner Turkey for
spring gobblers. I'm thinking of getting a .22 LR Sportster so I can be covered
for squirrels. My daughter uses a Versa-Pack for squirrels. I have a Ruger 10/22
for squirrels now but wouldn't mind having an all H&R line up for hunting.

I have a 20 Gauge Topper Deluxe Classic on order that I'm giving to a friend who wants to get
into hunting. If I like it I may order one for myself.

[smittty]

I like the shape of the stocks on the these http://www.hr1871.com/Popup.aspx?zoom_Synthetic_23rem  handi's.  Are they new for 2008?

Does anybody know the outside barrel diameter at the muzzle of the 30-06 and 357 mag barrels and the outside diameter at the chamber?  I'm guessing the outside diameter at the chamber is the same with all calibers.

If someone would be kind enough to give me this information I could look for sights for both barrels and decide which to get.

Thanks,
Smitty

[quickdtoo]

Muzzle diameters are listed in the FAQs and Help sticky in the More Handi info section about half way down. All SB1 and SB2 barrels are 1.1XX" at the chamber to fit the frame, 10ga shotgun and 12ga slug barrels are 1.2XX".

Tim

[coyotejoe]

I like the shape of the stocks on the these http://www.hr1871.com/Popup.aspx?zoom_Synthetic_23rem  handi's.  Are they new for 2008?

Thanks,
Smitty

I too think those new synthetics are a great improvement, with much cleaner lines. I understand why the wood stocks are just a shapeless blob, it makes for easy machining and quick finishing on a belt sander. But since one of the virtues of synthetic is that it can be molded to any shape, why on earth would they copy their own shapeless wood stocks?