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Author Topic: Lightest 30/30 Handi  (Read 1333 times)

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Offline Goat

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Lightest 30/30 Handi
« on: August 29, 2010, 02:38:08 PM »
I am thinking ahead for my youngsters (and me.) I would like to know the actual weight of the regular production Handi-rifle and the lightest weight version available. I have been seeing some of the older H&R models that have a very light looking contoured barrel. Would one of these older guns be lighter or is there some reson to stay away from them. I am not worried about fitting another barrel.
I will start them out with some light handloads and through the years work them up to the potential of the 30/30. I am not opposed to smaller calibers as long as the right bullets are used. Our deer tend to run to the light side and it doesn't take a cannon to kill them.
so... what's the "light" way to go?
                                                                              Goat
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Lightest 30/30 Handi
« Reply #1 on: August 29, 2010, 03:59:46 PM »
Modern 30-30 barrels have a heavy contour like all standard contour H&R/NEF barrels, the only light contour or "superlight" barrels made since 1987 are the Hornet, 223 and 243, the only way to get a lighter version is an older H&R Inc rifle made prior to 1987, there's a Model 158 combo in the H&R classifieds right now.

Tim
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Offline Big Blue

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Re: Lightest 30/30 Handi
« Reply #2 on: August 29, 2010, 04:32:35 PM »
It would be nice if H+R added to the Trapper line and chambered one for the 30/30. Marlin had a nice short barreled 30/30 called the Spikehorn and those sold like wildfire.
Don
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Offline 44 Man

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Re: Lightest 30/30 Handi
« Reply #3 on: August 30, 2010, 03:58:48 AM »
I have one of the old Toppers in 30-30 and it is my favorite Handi ..... period!  I love the light weight and easy handling.  If you can find one, definately get it.  It's a lot lighter and better balanced than the new guns.  44 Man



And it shoots good too!  This is with 125 gr sierra prohunters and H4895.

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Offline geezer56

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Re: Lightest 30/30 Handi
« Reply #4 on: August 30, 2010, 05:06:31 PM »
I have 2 30-30's.  One new one, one of the older Topper models.  The topper has a peep off of a BC, with an appropriate height front sight.  It has the straight stock, and is the one that started me on this road to ruin called handi-holicism.  I now have 25 of the things.  The older ones have better balance and feel than the new ones.  They don't shoot any better, but are more fun.  Mine shoots cast well, and is a good tool to use to teach youngsters to use peep sights.  It can be loaded down to suit the kids size, loaded up as they grow.  My son can't decide between the 30-30 and the 357 max.
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Offline kf4ocv

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Re: Lightest 30/30 Handi
« Reply #5 on: August 30, 2010, 05:47:13 PM »
I also have one of the old toppers.  Mine groups very well even at 100yds.  I strongly reccommend the one in the classifieds.  KF4OCV
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Chris

Offline wreckhog

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Re: Lightest 30/30 Handi
« Reply #6 on: August 31, 2010, 04:56:49 AM »
Light is OK for carrying, but I prefer something that does not wave around like light saber for actual shooting at bullseyes.
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Offline tacklebury

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Re: Lightest 30/30 Handi
« Reply #7 on: August 31, 2010, 04:21:14 PM »
I've been considering one.  Got to shoot it today.  It is a friends and is a 20 ga. / 30-30 combo gun.  Real nice feel, but is an ejector barrel, which I don't really care for.  His has wierd cut-in receiver/barrel along both sides, like I haven't seen before.  It was purchased the first year H&R offered the 30-30 according to him anyway.  I've been trying to talk him into selling it, but he's so-so even though he hadn't shot it for years before letting me check it out today.  lol  Who knows.  Maybe time will change his mind.  8)
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Tacklebury --}>>>>>    Multi-Barrel: .223 Superlite, 7mm-08 22", .30-40 Krag M158, .357 Maximum 16-1/4 HB, .45 Colt, .45-70 22" irons, 32" .45-70 Peeps, 12 Ga. 3-1/2 w/ Chokes, .410 Smooth slugger, .45 Cal Muzzy, .50 Cal Muzzy, .58 Cal Muzzy

also classics: M903 9-shot Target .22 Revolver, 1926 .410 Single, 1915 38 S&W Break top Revolver and 7-shot H&R Trapper .22 6" bbl.

Offline 44 Man

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Re: Lightest 30/30 Handi
« Reply #8 on: September 01, 2010, 04:17:21 AM »
It's easy to change an ejector to an extractor.  I prefer the extractor at the bench, ejector if I'm hunting.  But it's also easy to get in the habit of covering the breach with your hand to catch the brass when you open an ejector.  44 Man
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Offline wreckhog

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Re: Lightest 30/30 Handi
« Reply #9 on: September 01, 2010, 04:41:34 AM »
Those profile receiver guns are collectible.
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Offline petemi

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Re: Lightest 30/30 Handi
« Reply #10 on: September 01, 2010, 05:04:50 AM »
Quote from: wreckhog on September 01, 2010, 04:41:34 AM
Those profile receiver guns are collectible.

My problem is I've never seen a Handi that wasn't ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Pete
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Offline tacklebury

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Re: Lightest 30/30 Handi
« Reply #11 on: September 01, 2010, 11:49:05 AM »
Quote from: 44 Man on September 01, 2010, 04:17:21 AM
It's easy to change an ejector to an extractor.  I prefer the extractor at the bench, ejector if I'm hunting.  But it's also easy to get in the habit of covering the breach with your hand to catch the brass when you open an ejector.  44 Man

I almost lost an EYE! lol  I haven't shot an ejector in so many years, I just cannot make myself reach up in time.  If I bought it, I know which way it'd be going.  This one EJECTS seriously too.  Brass was hitting 4' behind me.  lol
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Tacklebury --}>>>>>    Multi-Barrel: .223 Superlite, 7mm-08 22", .30-40 Krag M158, .357 Maximum 16-1/4 HB, .45 Colt, .45-70 22" irons, 32" .45-70 Peeps, 12 Ga. 3-1/2 w/ Chokes, .410 Smooth slugger, .45 Cal Muzzy, .50 Cal Muzzy, .58 Cal Muzzy

also classics: M903 9-shot Target .22 Revolver, 1926 .410 Single, 1915 38 S&W Break top Revolver and 7-shot H&R Trapper .22 6" bbl.

Offline ihookem

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Re: Lightest 30/30 Handi
« Reply #12 on: September 01, 2010, 04:38:14 PM »
I wish they would make a 30-30 in super light.
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Offline kf4ocv

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Re: Lightest 30/30 Handi
« Reply #13 on: September 01, 2010, 06:17:47 PM »
Pete........My problem is I've never seen a Handi that wasn't     
     Only the old Toppers in the smaller bores were profiled (20g,  .410,  .22jet,  .22 hornet and 30/30.  12g and 16g were not profiled.    Made by H&R inc.                                                                       I also have an NJ pardner that is not.  (H&R 1871)    This is why they are collectible.   Tim please correct me if I have erred anywhere.
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Chris

Offline 44 Man

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Re: Lightest 30/30 Handi
« Reply #14 on: September 02, 2010, 04:54:01 AM »
Amen on wishing they would make a 30-30 Superlite!  44 Man
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Lightest 30/30 Handi
« Reply #15 on: September 02, 2010, 03:08:15 PM »
H&R Inc did make 30-30 Superlights, they just called them Toppers!!  :D Unfortunately, they went out of business in 1986 and their predecessors didn't choose to carry on that feature in very many chamberings.  :-\

Tim
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Offline godogz

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Re: Lightest 30/30 Handi
« Reply #16 on: September 03, 2010, 04:22:33 AM »
My Topper 30-30 w/ an additional lite (topper Jr) 20 ga barrel is still listed on the classifieds . . .  ;D

My son has better luck shooting a Handi in 270 with the reduced recoil loads from Remington - so this one might as well go to someone who will use it instead of just setting it in my cabinet to collect dust.  Check it out . . .
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