Topper 158 Questions

[kody]

It was interesting to read that the topper weighs in nearly a pound lighter than a handi. Is that with equal components ,stock type and material, Caliber, barrel length and which frame SB1  or 2  [If they are different in weight] ? What is the reason for the difference?     KODY

[quickdtoo]

The original Toppers were made by the old H&R that went out of business in 1986, there was no SB1 or SB2 designation, all frames were ductile iron, commonly referred to as cast iron. Weight difference is mainly in the barrel which are contoured very similar to the current Superlights where the barrel thins substantially just ahead of the chamber swell and then is pretty much straight instead of tapered like the standard contour barrels are. 

I split this post off as it's not related to original topic to which is was posted which is an FAQs topic.

Tim

[kody]

Thank you for that info. Are the Toppers compatible with NEF parts? I try to get the questions where they belong and that seemed to be it . I can see where I guessed wrong.  Ken

[quickdtoo]

Internal parts are for the most part the same, although pre-1980 or so rifles had no transfer bar, so the hammers changed some to include the hammer spur profile, as did the spring style and anchor point. Barrels sometimes fit modern frames, but not very often, I had a 158 at one time, the underlug was about .100" too long to fit any of the 30 some frames that I had at the time.

Tim

[kody]

Would a Superlite perform ,as well as weigh, as the old topper?  Ken

[quickdtoo]

The Superlight is only available in 223 and 243, the 22 hornet was available, but it was discontinued. I have a 243 Superlight with synthetic camo stock with a 4x32 Weaver scope, it weighs a little over 6½lbs.

Tim

[kody]

 I'm new to NEFs. I borrowed and shot a Hornet Topper 50 yrs.ago. My 3 boys got Topper Jr. 20s to learn on. That's all of my NEF/H&R experience. I like light guns. I have heard about some of the NEF shortcomings,  [.243s and some talk about capabilities of .223s in different barrel configurations and lengths] AND, I don't know squat about superlites. Sooo ,I guess what I'm interested in finding out is whether a .223 superlite barrel, while giving me the weight of the Topper, would give me as good performance as a 22',std contour, 1:12 Twist Handi?  Ken

[quickdtoo]

The Superlights are the closest you'll get to the feel of the Toppers in a modern H&R unless you have custom work done to a standard barrel which has been done. Both the 22 Hornet and 223 Superlights are good shooters, they don't share the reputation of the 243 Superlight mainly because they shoot a heck of a lot less powder and don't heat up as much. Even the 243 SL can be made to shoot well, it just takes a bit more time at the range.  Most 223 SL barrels have ejectors and 1:12" twist, they didn't run out of the old stock of barrels until sometime in the last year or so.

Tim