topper 158 jr

[topper158]

I have a toper 158 jr. and  would like to know if it is possible to fit a new barrel to this receiver. It is a mid 70's model don't know exactly without checking ser# again.  I have a 30-30 and 20ga for this gun, but I would like to get a 45-70 for it also.  Was there any 45-70's made for this model back then and will they fit.  Next question, if this can be done should it be done?  I'm not looking to get max. performance probably 125 -150 yrds but mostly under 100 yrds.

[quickdtoo]

Unfortunately no, H&R won't fit barrels to any frame made before 1987 as stated on the Accessory Barrel Program page.

Tim

http://www.hr1871.com/Support/accessoryProgram.asp

[topper158]

I was aware that NEF wouldn't fit a barrel.  I was wondering about doing this myself or if there was ever 45-70 made for the topper models.

Thanks for your help.

[quickdtoo]

See the barrel fitting info in the FAQs, the only way you'd know is try it.  I've only had one Topper 158 30-30, the underlug on the barrel was a good .100" too long to fit on any of the 30 or so SB2 frames I had at the time, but some have tried them and they worked.  As far as I know, the only 45-70 barrels were on the Shikari, but the original H&R made lots of different models in their long history until they went out of business in 1986.

I would be cautious about putting any chambering on it that the original frame wasn't intended for, even trapdoor 45-70 loads may be too much for it. As inexpensive as a used modern SB2 rifle is, it's not worth risking injury or worse to save a few bucks.

Tim

[topper158]

Thanks Tim for the honest info.  I definitely didn't want to do something that might be dangerous just because it would fit.  I really don't have any attachment to this combo so I will probably just sell to finance a new 45-70.  Cabela's has 45-70's  with wood stocks and scope base already installed for 279.00 and Academy outdoors has them in synthetic without scope bases for 259.00 .  If I go this route I can get extra barrels with no problems.

Thanks again,

Mike

[Daniel Laws]

I too have an older Topper in 30-30.  I have 14 other SB 2 Frames, it won't fit any of them.  I bought a Shikari, from about 1972 manufacture, the barrel now resides on a 2002 manufactured SB 2 frame.  It is still  confined to trap door level loads, due to the silver soldered underlug.  Don't know if this answered your question or not, but my condensed version is that it may fit, but most likely not a good idea.   

[topper158]

Yes it does. I think I will go the SB2 route.