Author Topic: .357 Handi Rifle (Read 3259 times)

tstetz · « **on:** March 15, 2008, 07:11:04 AM »

Howdy folks. This is my first post on Greybeard and I figured I'd start off with a recent project of mine. I've been wanting a .357 Handi-Rifle for years and haven't been able to find one at the local gun shows or shops. So I recently picked up a .243 donor rifle and sent the action back to H&R to have a .357 barrel fitted. A quick 2 week turn around later and I had my .357. My goal was to use this rifle for a camp gun. I wanted .357 for both ammo versatility (ability to use everything from snake shot and .38 wadcutters up to 180gr .357 Magnum loads) and compatibility with my woods revolvers. Since it was going to be a camp gun I wanted it compact. I added a set of Choate youth stocks and had my local smith chop the barrel back to 16 1/2 inches. He did a great job of redoing the target crown and remounting the front sight. Overall length is now a very handy 30 inches overall and has a great feel to it. Weight comes in at 6 pounds if you can believe my digital bathroom scale. It shoulders well and has a nice point to it. The barrel is basically a bull now since its lost most of the taper in the last 6 inches that were cut off. I added a set of Uncle Mikes sling swivels and an old M-1 carbine sling to it to finish it off. Overall I'm very happy with the project and I may send it back to H&R again later on and add a shotgun barrel to it as well.

blackpowderbill · « **Reply #1 on:** March 15, 2008, 07:18:45 AM »

:That's a sweet piece there.

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #2 on:** March 15, 2008, 09:35:29 AM »

I like it. I may have to get a couple more .357 barrels I get these ideas........

Foggy · « **Reply #3 on:** March 15, 2008, 10:12:44 AM »

Darn you and your great Idea..
Nice shorty

Cookiemann · « **Reply #4 on:** March 15, 2008, 02:34:37 PM »

OOOHHH, nice job. Have you tried any shot shells out of it yet. How wide and how far???

tstetz · « **Reply #5 on:** March 15, 2008, 02:47:07 PM »

I shot a couple rounds of .38 snake shot before I had the barrel cut down. Probably only 7 to 10 feet away at my simulated snakes (empty shotgun hulls). They were easy to hit by basically just pointing the rifle at them but the pattern was tight enough that they were getting solid hits that sent the hulls skittering away. I have to try some more now that I have the barrel trimmed down.

Cookiemann · « **Reply #6 on:** March 15, 2008, 02:50:52 PM »

i was thinking along the lines of what you have done only using a 45lc. a ruger vacquaro and shortend handi barrel

oops, still typin' chat style

cookie

tstetz · « **Reply #7 on:** March 15, 2008, 02:57:32 PM »

I thought the same thing. Although I wanted a .357 for this one I was thinking it'd be nice in .45 Colt or .44 Mag as well.

I e-mailed pics to H&R and recommended all 3 chamberings for a factory edition.

Huddleup · « **Reply #8 on:** March 15, 2008, 03:37:35 PM »

That is a cool gun you did a great job!

I would like a short camp gun, what is the legal over all length and barrel length for a rifle?

tstetz · « **Reply #9 on:** March 15, 2008, 03:41:22 PM »

For rifles barrel length is 16 inches and minimum overall length of 26 inches. I always like keeping at least that 1/2 inch buffer on there as well though.

I'm close to both on this one with the 16 1/2 inch tube and 30 inch over all length.

Nick Allen · « **Reply #10 on:** March 15, 2008, 03:53:15 PM »

Looks great Tim. I plan on doing the same thing, except it will sport the stocks you sold me, and maintain the full length barrel. Though I really like the look of that stubby.

Now what you need is a cobra stitch sling. I made one from Black and Olive para cord. It will really add to the "survival" aspect of that whole package. It would look damn sweet if you were to use it in the knife article.

Nick

6Shooter · « **Reply #11 on:** March 15, 2008, 04:05:13 PM »

Now that's a handi-rifle! Well how does it shoot bullets? Whats the maximum range 50yards maybe?

ib_crawlin · « **Reply #12 on:** March 15, 2008, 04:14:15 PM »

You done good!
I've got an older synthetic stocked 44 mag handi and have been thinking about sending it in for a new 357 accessory barrel. I'm a bit leery tho' as I don't want the plastic "light Sights?" like whats on my 500 S&W handi. Should work good tho' for your rig.
Thanks for the pic's !
Ron

Doublebass73 · « **Reply #13 on:** March 15, 2008, 04:33:26 PM »

Nice Work!

tstetz · « **Reply #14 on:** March 15, 2008, 04:33:44 PM »

Quote from: Nick Allen on March 15, 2008, 03:53:15 PM

Looks great Tim. I plan on doing the same thing, except it will sport the stocks you sold me, and maintain the full length barrel. Though I really like the look of that stubby.

Now what you need is a cobra stitch sling. I made one from Black and Olive para cord. It will really add to the "survival" aspect of that whole package. It would look damn sweet if you were to use it in the knife article.

Nick

Like this Nick? That's how she looked before I swapped out to the Choates and had the barrel cut down.

Re: article

That thought crossed my mind as well. I should be hitting the woods again this week so I may drag it along with me.

Re: Sling

That would be a good idea. I need to learn to braid paracord for slings and straps and stuff. It would certainly be handy.

tstetz · « **Reply #15 on:** March 15, 2008, 04:36:12 PM »

Quote from: 6Shooter on March 15, 2008, 04:05:13 PM

Now that's a handi-rifle! Well how does it shoot bullets? Whats the maximum range 50yards maybe?

50 is probably the most practical but I want to see what it'll do out to 100. Bill Siegle has a similar mod and he said he can hit clay birds at 100 yards with his. I'd be very happy with that if I can do the same with mine.

I need to take it out and put it on paper, hopefully this week. I shot it some with the 22" barrel before I cut down but just plinking at jugs out to 50 yards. Now that its how I want it I have to see what it'll do.

Nick Allen · « **Reply #16 on:** March 15, 2008, 05:09:40 PM »

http://stormdrane.blogspot.com/

Take a look at this site. It tells ya how to make all kinds of neat stuff with para cord. I tried to take some photos of the sling I made but my cameras batteries needed to be charged.

And you last photo looks great as well, just what I had in mind.

One of the "other" knives you have would look better in that photo..... hint....hint....

Nick

Nick Allen · « **Reply #17 on:** March 15, 2008, 05:32:34 PM »

I got my camera to work. Here is the photo of the "survival" sling on my .44mag.

tstetz · « **Reply #18 on:** March 16, 2008, 03:58:27 AM »

That's pretty cool Nick. How is it attached to the swivels? Just tied on then?

Nick Allen · « **Reply #19 on:** March 16, 2008, 04:13:39 AM »

Thanks Tim, it is looped on to the swivels. It is sort of difficult to explain. Did you take a look at the link I posted? That will show you how it's done. Look for the instructions info on the right column.

Nick

tstetz · « **Reply #20 on:** March 16, 2008, 04:17:30 AM »

I skimmed it Nick. I'll take a closer look for the details.

Nick Allen · « **Reply #21 on:** March 16, 2008, 04:26:33 AM »

My last post must have gone into cyber space as it's not here. Anyway, I was going to mention the purpose of the loop. It's for your thumb. I've always had trouble with rifles falling off of my shoulder while walking. This loop eliminates that problem. It allows the sling to be pulled snug on your shoulder and if it's cold the position of it allows you to place your hand ( with the sling loop) in a jacket pocket. It is also large enough to allow for gloves.Though I don't like wearing them most of the time.

Nick

tstetz · « **Reply #22 on:** March 16, 2008, 04:43:16 AM »

That's pretty clever!

rbergum95 · « **Reply #23 on:** March 16, 2008, 07:32:06 AM »

tim, nick,

now ya gone and done it. i gonna have slip a new .45 colt handi past the wife now for a new project! thanks!!

ron

MSP Ret · « **Reply #24 on:** March 16, 2008, 08:10:24 AM »

Darn you guys, I have my .357 Mag now Max. I also have my .357 Mag now .35 Remington. I also have my .45 ACP project gun at the smiths and being built as we speak. I was planning on getting a .44 Mag now that the bore diameter problem is corrected. But now you have me thinking about a .45 LC instead!!! I know Tim, "get them both"...that is of course the correct answer, along with having the chamber of the .45 LC reamed out to .460 S&W....funding is the only fly in the ointment....<><....

tstetz · « **Reply #25 on:** March 17, 2008, 07:13:19 AM »

I got out to the range briefly today. My .357 ammo supply is woefully low but i did run some through the rifle as well as some 125gr .38 +P loads and some plinking .38 wadcutters. At 25 yards I'm hitting high and just a touch left (I was using a 6 o'clock hold). I decided to let that keep for now until I decide what to sight in for down the road. As it was I had no trouble bouncing a golf ball around by aiming at its base. I figure that's an easy squirrel or bunny shot so it'll do for now.

I also tried my existing 12 gauge barrel off of my Tamer mod. Worked like a champ but man does it thump. I haven't fired the Tamer in a while either so I guess I forgot what a bear an 18 1/2 inch 12 gauge on a light frame can be.

Maybe I'll opt for a 20 gauge or even a .410 when I get a seocnd barrel fitted for this one!

last but not least, I took a new pic for Nick.

Nick Allen · « **Reply #26 on:** March 17, 2008, 07:28:50 AM »

Thanks Tim, it really looks nice now

A .410 would be great on that gun, good for rabbit or squirrels. I may do just that

Nick

WILD_WEASEL · « **Reply #27 on:** March 17, 2008, 10:38:57 AM »

If you have an old copy of the Speer #10 Reloading Manual handy you may want to try the their 357 Mag load using the .358 180gr JFP, intended for the 35 Remington. You end up with a really cool looking, longer than normal, cartridge. In my 22" barrel fitted to a Buffalo Carbine it is a real tack driver, on top of 15.5gr of H110. I've read where other have used this load on hogs with good effect. While the Speer 158gr and 170gr JSPs may give better terminal performance at the end of the day, it is at least worth trying if you reload.

tstetz · « **Reply #28 on:** March 17, 2008, 11:05:51 AM »

My dad always did my reloading for me but he's pretty much packed it in now. I've been kicking around starting myself and the .357/.38 would be an easy place to start I'm thinking.

I like the idea of a good 180gr load.

WILD_WEASEL · « **Reply #29 on:** March 18, 2008, 04:16:13 AM »

tstetz,

I started reloading in 1980, with an RCBS Jr. reloading kit for 357. It came with a press, scale, powder measure, #10 Reloading Manual, etc. As a mater of fact "80" is stamped on top of the press. I highly recommend RCBS since their customer service is FANTASTIC. They are very helpful and over the years have provided press and die parts free of charge if something breaks, wears out, or I need something not standard. Going strong after 28 years is not bad. Like I said the 180gr loads are more of a novelty for me since this is the first rifle I've owned that can shoot them. The 158 JSP makes a great combo revolver/rifle load while the 170gr JSP would make a great rifle only load. Those180gr JSPs are intended for the 35 Remington look really cool once they are loaded in a 357 Magnum case and shoot great too.