Unusual question...??

[TM7]

Well, I was showing and discussing my new 223NEF Ultra to a friend and the discussion went to ordering of new barrels and all that is required. The question came up if a rossi/braztech barrels could be fitted to a handi SB-2 frame?? any thoughts......


.............TM7

[JPH45]

I can only imagine that would cost more than sending a frame off for fitting. The best solution for this is to have 2 or more Handis. That way one can always be at the factory being fitted with a new barrel while you lovingly cradle, caress and fire the other.

The other part of this is that there is so much overlap in the product line that 4 or 5 barrels will give you all the performance that can be had from a Handi. All one really needs is a 223, 30-30, 30-06, 357 Mag and 45-70. One might add a 243 or 25-06 if desired, but this list covers the practical performance level being offered by H&R/NEF. A non handloader might want to add a 22 Hornet, but most people these days are doing less with more, relegating the 223 to cover all aspects of 22 centerfire play.

[MtJerry]

if a rossi/braztech barrels could be fitted to a handi SB-2 frame?? any thoughts......

.............TM7

HE HAS SPOKEN Blasphemy!!!!!!!  
He must be burned at the stake!   Prepare the sacrificial alter!!!!!

Just kiddin' ..... in short - Nope.

[Rogmatt]

Different frame, different barrel design. Very unlikely.  Would be like trying to fit a Browning BPS barrel to a Mossberg 500.

[MSP Ret]

perhaps some one out there who has both could try each on the other's frame and report back....<><.... :grin:

[Brett]

The design principal is the same but the dimensions are vastly different. Be like trying to put a Chevy engine in a Ford truck. It can be done but not without changing or modifying a lot of parts. If you prefer the rate of twist of the Rossi .223 barrel I suggest that you buy a Rossi .223 rifle.  I own guns made by both manufacturers and in my judgment there is not a significant difference in quality.  

Yes, Rossi's are made in Brazil.  However, given the notable absence of the "American Made" boast in their most recent catalog, coupled with the fact that the Marlin/H&R/NEF group is now marketing several foreign made arms, I have strong suspicions that at least some of the castings used in these guns are now being made overseas.  I know you guys don't want to hear this but think about it for a minute.  Marlin recently acquired H&R/neff and they have to show their share holders that it was a wise decision by showing immediate profits. The quickest way to increase profit is by lowering manufacturing cost.  The quickest way to reduce manufacturing cost is reduce labor cost.  Cheap labor is found overseas. I hope iamb wrong about this. But it would be an interesting question to pose to CS the next time someone has them on the phone.

[Brett]

I suppose if you were a machinist and welder you could replace the barrel lug of the Rossi barrel with the barrel lug from a donor Handi. But more mod's may have to be made to the ejector/extractor group in order for it to work.  But really, is it all worth the time and effort when you can buy a complete Rossi rifle for under $200 new, less used ?

[Brett]

Sort of.  My understanding is that Rossi makes 3 different frame sizes, small, medium and large.  I'm guessing I have a small frame Rossi (a 22/410 Matched Pair similar to the H&R Versa Pack) and two H&R's.  I can tell you this the back of the frames are considerably different.  The Rossi frame drops down in the rear much more than the Handi's.  I have not done a side by side comparison of the barrel lug and box lock yet. I will have to get back to you on that.