I ran some tight patches with a dab of Flitz through the barrel. I would use some bore paste, but can't find any locally. I actually started last night by swabbing the barrel with some Shooter's Choice and then running patches through it until clean, then following with some Flitz on a bore mop. I gave it a couple of dozen strokes or so, then added more Flitz and stroked it some more. I finished by reswabbing with Shooter's Choice and running patches through until clean. Finally, I ran a patch soaked in Break Free down the barrel to protect it and put a light coat of Break Free on the outside of the barrel and other exposed parts and put the rifle back in the safe for the night. My arm was tired and I was almost out of patches by this time.
By the way, I noticed that H&R/NEF has added something new, a different scope rail. I was looking at the scope rail thinking about doing a bedding job on it as several folks have suggested, but that may not be necessary. My scope rail has a large set screw through the front part of the rail about a half inch back from the front edge that presses against the barrel. It seems to me that this will keep the cantilevered part of the scope rail from flexing, much like a bedding job would do. It seems very sturdy.
I hope to get out to the range today and give it a try.
Good luck with your new Handi.
john