Author Topic: Help for a newbee! (Read 550 times)

flatlander · « **on:** January 28, 2005, 07:23:30 AM »

I'm thinking seriously about getting into a NEF/H&R rifle. Can you all clarify some things for me? I'm looking at a rifle in 223 and a light recoil deer round (maybe 243 or 7-08) but I'm not sure what the differences between the regular handi-rifle, the ultras and other configurations. I think that the regular handi-rifle is the only one chambered in 7-08 according to the website, and 223 is pretty common. Most likely I'll buy new, but might be willing to look for used if I feel that I know what I need and have had time to get myself educated appropriately. Do they all interchange? Can I get custom barrels anywhere? Do barrels really have to be sent into the factory to refit, or can you or a gunsmith get the job done? How accurate are they, really? Can you get MOA or is it most likely not to? Any suggestions on which type to get and what to look for or avoid? Sorry for all the questions, but I really am just getting started and figured you guys could save a lot of time with my decision. Thanks.

fish280 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 28, 2005, 09:53:21 AM »

i don't consider the 223 a standard whitetail round, and the .243 barely so. i'd suggest the handi in .30-30 with a nice compact scope if recoil is an issue.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #2 on:** January 28, 2005, 10:16:03 AM »

If I understand the question, you're looking for a .223 AND a deer caliber in addition to the .223 which is not legal in Kansas for deer.

The SB2 frame of a .223 will accomodate any of the rifle calibers as long as it was built in 1999 or later, H&R won't fit some of the high pressure calibers to older frames. H&R will only fit barrels purchased from them, but a competent smith should be able to it, the barrels aren't designed to fit any frame, but a lot of em do. No one makes customs barrels for the H&R rifles, although it can/has been be done at great expense.

Probably your best bet would be to pickup one or the other then send it to H&R for a new barrel of the other flavor. It takes 4-8 weeks for an extra barrel fitting and costs ~$115 total depending on caliber/barrel choice, $10 shipping plus $15 barrel fitting....if you choose that route, have a trigger job done while it's there....Don't know if it's still there, but there was a .223 Ultra standard barrel in the H&R/NEF classified for $170.

Tim

flatlander · « **Reply #3 on:** January 28, 2005, 03:30:29 PM »

Yeah, I'm going to be looking for one in 223 AND a light deer caliber. How is the 7-08 and are there 6.5x55 barrels out there? Do the NEF and H&R rifles interchange, or do you have to keep them separate?
I've sold a few things off already, so I have the money for the rifle to begin with, and am working on the second barrel now. I'm looking forward to getting going with this one. I might have to take the short drive down to the PD shoot if the 223 comes around soon enough.

poncaguy · « **Reply #4 on:** January 28, 2005, 03:46:02 PM »

I have a 7mm-08 in an Encore........great cartridge, mild recoil......... :grin:

quickdtoo · « **Reply #5 on:** January 28, 2005, 03:59:17 PM »

Don't think I've seen anyone mention the 6.5x55 as ever being made in a handi, I believe it was listed on our wish list. I know the 7x64 was made at one time, though. NEF and H&R are one in the same, both owned by Marlin, now. The Handi is an NEF, the Ultras are branded as H&R, but they all are sold by H&R, if that helps any! Kinda confusing, I know. A handi or an ultra comes in a box marked with NEF on one end and H&R on the other, FWIW!! As far as barrel fitting anNEF or an H&R, yes if it's ofrecent origin, some of the older H&Rs may not fit well or at all.

hope this helps,

Tim

Donaldo · « **Reply #6 on:** January 28, 2005, 05:20:51 PM »

At the very best this barrel exchange program is very confusing. I have a 223 on a 2004 SB2 frame. This is the most recent, as far as I know, high pressure frame. I recently purchased two scrubby 12 ga shotgun barrels from the model 88 pardner, made several years ago. I bought them just to get the latching lug so I can build my own barrel, etc. Who would have guessed that both of these barrels latch up to my new receiver and lock up just about perfect. I don't think NEF could have fit them better. You just never know what is going to fit and what is not. Sometimes it is just about as cost effective to shop around at pawn shops, etc, and buy a used rifle in the caliber you want as it is to get the additional barrel. As has been stated a new barrel is going to cost you about $115 by the time you are thru with it. Sometimes you can pick up a complete used rifle for $100 to $150. So you pays your money and takes your choice. Welcome to the world of Handi Rifles. Long live the Handi.

Brett · « **Reply #7 on:** January 29, 2005, 05:54:45 AM »

Just as a little side note to what Donaldo said. If you do buy a 2nd hand Handi and want to be able to use high pressure barrels on it at some point make sure any used gun is a newer one that will handle high pressure barrels. You are looking for an 'N' or higher letter ('O','P','Q' ,etc.) as the second character in the serial number. ex.; NN123456.

flatlander · « **Reply #8 on:** January 29, 2005, 07:50:08 AM »

Thanks for the info. I spent some time on their website, and didn't get a lot of info about the interchange issues. I'm probably going to get a 223 for starters along with a varmint scope of some sort, and then pick up another gun or get another barrel as I get a chance. I think I'm going to like these things. I just hope that they will shoot decent for me.

jeff223 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 29, 2005, 11:19:45 AM »

flatliner,some of these rifles shoot very good.you might have to monkey with your rifle to help it along some but the accuracy can be very good.just like working with a TC or a bolt gun.some shoot good right out of the box and some dont.good hand loads help,a trigger job,good scope,you know what it takes.

223 group and a 30-30 group both under MOA.the 223 group is sub1/2 MOA

flatlander · « **Reply #10 on:** January 29, 2005, 12:26:20 PM »

Now that's what I want to hear. I don't mind messing with them a bit, as long as they end up reasonably accurate. I think my next obsession has started.