what is the difference ?

[marbill]

I am wanting to buy a handi rifle. My intentions are to add a couple different barrels over time. Question is which frame to buy? I dont know much about this if you cannot tell by my question. Are there some options that are avail to one frame as to another?  I read the classifieds often and see the different barrels / calibers that come up from time to time and I dont want to buy something that would not work. I will check back as often as possible in case I have left out a important detail.  Thanks.  Bill

[wreckhog]

Can't tell unless you buy and try. I have one annoying receiver that fits 80 percent of barrels I buy. Annoying as I would like to spread the joy.

[petemi]

Go to the FAQs above and it'll show you the difference between a SB2 (high pressure) and the SB1 (low pressure) frames.  Don't go by the SB2 on the barrel.  That's just telling you it's gotta be on a SB2 frame.  I hope in the near future to have all my barrels, shotguns included, on SB2 frames to eliminate possible mix-ups in the future.

Pete

[BrianB]

My initial response is to suggest you buy a new centerfire rifle. (In a rifle caliber, not a .357 or .44, as they are on the SB1 frames) Academy Sports sells 45-70 handi's for $229, if there is one in your area.
By doing this, you'll have a new frame that any rifle barrel can be fitted to as well as most of the shotgun barrels.

Also, I'm suggesting the 45-70 first because there is some law written somewhere that says if you own any Handi-Rifles, you must own a 45-70 barrel.

[dpe.ahoy]

I think Pete wrote that law.   DP

[quickdtoo]

Don't go by the SB2 on the barrel.  That's just telling you it's gotta be on a SB2 frame. 

Pete

We know what you're trying to say Pete, but that's a little misleading since 2008 and later SB2 marked 357 and 44mag barrels come on SB1 frames from the factory, and have been fitted to SB1 frames as accessory barrels, so what barrels are marked is irrelevant to what frame they may be on. Prior to 2008, SB2 marked barrels came only on SB2 frames tho, but is no longer a way of telling what the frame is.

As has been stated, the FAQs show pics that show the difference between SB1 and SB2 frames, if in doubt, call H&R and give them the serial number of the frame, hopefully they will tell you what barrels can be fitted since there are SB2 frames that can't be fitted with any high pressure barrel and some that can only be fitted with 357mag, 44mag and shotgun barrels as stated in the build year list in the FAQs.

Tim

[Joe S.]

My initial response is to suggest you buy a new centerfire rifle. (In a rifle caliber, not a .357 or .44, as they are on the SB1 frames) Academy Sports sells 45-70 handi's for $229, if there is one in your area.
By doing this, you'll have a new frame that any rifle barrel can be fitted to as well as most of the shotgun barrels.

good suggestion...  i would rather have a rifle and barrel to start with that i know would work for most other applications.

Also, I'm suggesting the 45-70 first because there is some law written somewhere that says if you own any Handi-Rifles, you must own a 45-70 barrel.

i must go and buy one then... i am breaking the law! i only have a .444 now... yep, my wife is gonna hate that i am here!

[marbill]

Thanks for all the input. I will plan on following all GBO rules and start looking for the 45-70.
Seriously, Thanks for all the help. Bill

[petemi]

Yeah Tim, that fact eluded me......not an unusual occurance these days

Pete