New Buffalo Classic questions.

[Buster95]

I just received my new BC and I have some questions, first is it normal to have a very small gap between breech end of the barrel and the action face I can see daylight through, I can slide a piece of ordinary paper between the barrel and the breech but not two, the gap is a little wider at the top. Second the forend screw seems off center  I'm not sure if this is normal (see pic). The quality of the rifle is not the best but better than anticipated (I have read some negative comments about "new" handi rifles), I had to remove a small burr between the receiver and the plastic spacer, some light cold blue touch up but the rest of the rifle is very acceptable.

[quickdtoo]

The gap isn't good, slam it shut a few times and see if it closes up, new H&Rs are notorius for being stiff when new and not closing easily, this is covered in the Handi Basics sticky. If the barrel isn't fitted properly which can cause the gap, it may need to be repaired, there's a Canadian service facility listed on the H&R repair webpage if it needs it, you can also fix it yourself using the barrel fitting info in the FAQs, a few strokes on the chamber face with a stone or file will get it locked up perfect, you'd want to check latch engagement of course, also be aware it may pop open if it's not fitted properly, surprising and scary, but not dangerous. Off center forend studs are common unfortunately, there's a fix in the FAQs if you want to do it yourself.

Tim

[gcrank1]

That gap is a shame, a paper thickness (but, which paper, it varies a LOT) can be OK to pretty wide. Try a thin strip of alum. beverage can at the hinge pin; the typical .002-.003 thickness of those should make a nice fit. It will hold up for a surprisingly long time too and is easily and cheaply replaced. Once you really know which thickness for sure you can go to an annealed piece of a 'feeler gauge' if you feel like you must.

[quickdtoo]

As gcrank suggested, shimming will fix a loose barrel, but the gap can also be caused by the action not closing completely or an uneven barrel face which is very common, remove the forend while the action is locked up,  and see if the barrel and action are tight, or if any looseness of the barrel can be detected, if loose it needs to be repaired or the barrel replaced depending on the cause of the problem. I've bought lots of new H&Rs, I've never found a loose barrel, but several weren't locking up completely and only took a minor "adjustment" to lock up like a bank vault. 

Tim

[Buster95]

Tim I removed the forend and the barrel and action are very tight. I've slammed the rifle a couple of time and the gap is now smaller. Hope I will not have any problem to fit the steel spacer.

Thanks alot.

Jean

[sidewinder319]

Just make sure you wear shooting glasses when you fire a rifle in that condition. You should check  with a shim to see just how much head space the rifle has. It could blow a cartridge head or primer.

[Buster95]

Just make sure you wear shooting glasses when you fire a rifle in that condition. You should check  with a shim to see just how much head space the rifle has. It could blow a cartridge head or primer.

The rifle is brand new and the gap is now very very small.

[gcrank1]

Sounds like you are on the right track, get the barrel to standing breech fit good then fit the forearm/spacer and go have some fun shootin'! Its a pretty satisfying caliber.

[bikerbeans]

Buster,
 
Verify that the latch, latch shelf, receiver breech face and the breech end of the barrel are clean and dry - no oil.  A small bit of anything on these areas can prevent the gun from closing completely.  Also, common to Handis is the over-tight foreend fit which will contribute to the problem of fully closing your gun.
 
BB
 

[Buster95]

I just checked the gap with a .003 feeler gauge and I can't insert it between the breech and the barrel, that's not too bad I think?

[quickdtoo]

As described in the barrel fitting info, close the action on the blade and try to remove it, start with .001" and work up until it can't be removed, that will give you the best measurement of the actual gap. It will also be tighter towards the firing pin/bottom of the chamber face.

Tim