Topper 58 vs 158

[ratherbefishin]

I just bought my first H&R Topper -#58,comes with a 30/30 and a 20 guage barrel,both barrels seem to lock up tight .I picked it up at the local gunshow for $200.

Whats the diference between a #58 and a #158?

Mine is a straight stocked model-I was going to restock it until I refinished it-the wood came up beautifully,and it seems to carry nicely.From what I read, being pretty light it will kick pretty good with both the 30/30 and the 20 Guage so adding a recoil pad seems to make sense.

I'm still of two minds on scoping it-adding a scope will definately help me shoot it more accurately-but  it won't carry as nicely,and that was one of the reasons I bought it.I have a savage 219 with peep sights-that may be an option.Don't know,but there's just something about the simplicity of these single shots that appeals to me-sort of a ''reverse tech'' psycology and for the average shot on coastal blacktails in the Pacific North west generally well under 100 yards,and often half that-its probably not too much of a handicap.Besides-1 shot is generally all you get

[32 Magnum]

The Model 158 Topper and Model 58 are basically the same platform, with different combinations of barrels. 
The 58 was in production from circa 1975 to 1986, and was offered with either a .22 Hornet or .30-30 rifled barrel and 20 ga smooth bore barrel.
The 158 was offered in one barrel or several combinations:
The M158 Topper - 30 or Topper Jet: .30-30 or .22 S&W Jet - manuf. in 1963 only
M158 Topper 4 in 1 - .30-30, .22 Jet, 20 ga AND .410 bore barrels included in package, mfg. 1964-67
Model 158 Topper Combo - one rifled barrel (.22 Jet or .22 Hornet or .30-30) and one smooth bore 20 ga.
Model 158 Rifle -either .22 Hornet or .30-30  - mfg. 1976-84

I have a 158 Rifle in .22 Hornet - it is definitely very accurate - mine is equipped with a 3-9 x 42mm scope.

[PHATINJUN]

Jim did you mistype when you said .22 S&W Jet or did they acctually call it that since it came out in the S&W revolver before it was called Rem Jet. Just curious. Thanks Kurt

[32 Magnum]

Kurt,
The H&R catalogues of the time called it the .22 S&W Jet.  Just checked in my OLD copy of "CARTRIDGES OF THE WORLD" - the listing indicates - as you stated above - that the cartridge was developed by Remington and the revolver (m53) by S&W.  Soooo, I'd say the CURRENT correct nomenclature would be the .22 REM Jet.  In the same 7th Edition - there is NO separate listing for a ".22 S&W Jet".  Very curious, indeed.

[ratherbefishin]

well,I picked an old ScopeChief 2 1/2 X for $25 at the gunshow and mounted it on my 30/30 Topper,so now at least I'll be able to shoot it.Should do nicely up here for the little coastal blacktails and I wouldn't hesitate to use it on a black bear either.