Question on frame year to add certain rifle barrels.

[carbineman]

Just to make sure I'm inquiring about this text In the FAQ's as quickdtoo wrote<<<Other changes that occurred over the years were manufacturing tolerances, which brings us to the 45 Colt which is supposed to have an asterisk on it due to the fact that all new chambering offerings will only be fitted to '992000 and later frames, regardless if they're high pressure or not.>>>End of text
 
****I take this to mean that the frames with the second letter designation stamped N(1999) will not be fitted with a higher pressure cartridge such as the 30-06 or 308. Is this correct?
 
Does this mean the 99 frame(N) is not up to par with the 2000? I was thinking of purchasing a 99 (N) frame to put a Topper 30-30 barrel on.

[quickdtoo]

Best advice is call H&R and ask what they'll fit, they've changed their policy on older frames, they list no asterisk* marked high pressure barrels any more, all centerfire rifle barrels(except 357 and 44 mag) are considered high pressure for all intents and purposes.

Tim

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

Rifle barrels may be added to firearms manufactured since 1999 and only to frames (SB-2) that originated as a rifle, if frame passes inspection.
Rifle frames (SB-2) newer than 1999 may be fitted with additional rifle, shotgun, and muzzleloader barrels, if frame passes inspection.
 All shotgun frames (SB-1) and rifle frames (SB-2) produced between 1987 and 1999 may be fitted with additional shotgun and muzzleloader barrels only, if frame passes inspection.

[carbineman]

Best advice is call H&R and ask what they'll fit, they've changed their policy on older frames, they list no asterisk* marked high pressure barrels any more, all centerfire rifle barrels(except 357 and 44 mag) are considered high pressure for all intents and purposes.

Tim

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

Rifle barrels may be added to firearms manufactured since 1999 and only to frames (SB-2) that originated as a rifle, if frame passes inspection.
Rifle frames (SB-2) newer than 1999 may be fitted with additional rifle, shotgun, and muzzleloader barrels, if frame passes inspection.
 All shotgun frames (SB-1) and rifle frames (SB-2) produced between 1987 and 1999 may be fitted with additional shotgun and muzzleloader barrels only, if frame passes inspection.

Hey Tim, Thanks for the quick  reply. I have a chance to purchase a a 1999 (N) frame and just wanted to fit one of my pre-bancruptcy 30-30 Topper barrels to the frame (I can try it first to see how close it fits) Is this any better than a modern SB1 or the older Topper frame? Am I wasting my money? Don't want to add a factory barrel to it. I should have been more clear on what I wanted. Thanks..  carbineman

[quickdtoo]

I dunno about better, but it is a stronger platform being heat treated investment cast alloy steel compare to the ductile or malleable cast iron of the vintage Topper frame, but the SB2 frame is also heavier which makes the vintage frame more desireable and perfect for low pressure chamberings. 

Tim

[carbineman]

  Tim, Seems the 30-30 falls into the tween stage from low to high pressure. H&R will only fit the 357 and 44 on SB1 frames, yet look at all the older Toppers out there with 30-30 barrels on them.
 
Seems to me the 30-30 has no real designation as to low or high pressure. I've always loaded the Toppers with the lower range loads and light bullets and have never had a pressure sign, but you see the frames that came with a 308 or other higher pressure barrel, now not even being fitted with a 30-30?? What are they thinking? Probably that they could get sued I suppose.
 
Never could get a real good answer on the late 80's and 90's frames. Buying that 99 frame could be like jumping from the firing pan onto the skillet.

[quickdtoo]

What's baffling is they wouldn't fit any high pressure accessory barrels to '96-'99 SB2 frames (starting in 2008), now they'll fit em to '99 and later frames. 

Tim

[Austin from NC]

Maybe they tested some of the old frames who knows.

       Austin

[quickdtoo]

I'm thinking maybe only some of the '98-'99 SB2 frames are questionable and the only way they can determine which are ok and which aren't is by serial number. That's why it's important to check with them for each individual frame before placing an order. 

Tim

[cjrjck]

What is strange to me is that I have several older frames that have factory fitted high pressure barrels.

[quickdtoo]

Not strange at all, thousands of shooters do, but they were made by a previous owner of H&R, not the same as now, Marlin bought H&R in 2000, so all the older products are questionable as far as liability, Remington bought Marlin/H&R is 2008, so that makes the products twice removed from the original maker. For an example of the product liability breaks, see Tasco and Bushnell, neither will even touch older products made by the previous owners, much like H&R now won't touch pre 1987 H&Rs.

Tim