Author Topic: Just ordered a new Handi Rifle... (Read 617 times)

ChiefAutoParts · « **on:** September 09, 2005, 12:58:24 PM »

in .223 cal. It is the regular wood stock and has a bull barrel. What can I expect? I'm pretty impressed with NEF's reputation and love the .223 caliber. Will I need a hammer extension? If so, where's the best place to get it? Any mods I should consider? How stiff are the triggers? I look forward to reading the replys. Thanks, folks. Chief

cwlongshot · « **Reply #1 on:** September 09, 2005, 01:13:47 PM »

CONGRATULATIONS!!!
I have this caliber, mine is a "ULTRA" also with a heavy barrel, only mine has laminated stocks.
I have shot only my own hand loads through it and the WORST group was about 1". The best hover at .5". I have a 3X9 AO Leupold VXII on mine in Leupold med height rings using the factory supplied base. It needed a hammer extention. You are in luck as your gun should arrive to you with both the extention and the base.
As for the triggers, they could always be better, but in recent years have been down right good. Usually a crisp 5-8 lbs.
Good luck with it!!

CW

quickdtoo · « **Reply #2 on:** September 09, 2005, 01:39:08 PM »

Welcome aboard to both of ya!!

Chief, the hammer extension should be in the box in a white/clear plastic envelope like a packing list comes in, sticky on the back side. Whether you need it or not will depend on the scope and rings you choose, I prefer to not use it if I can avoid it, it increases lock time. The rail will already be mounted on the barrel, but I'd recommend you remove it, clean the loctite out of the holes down to bright shiny metal, then lap the rail to the barrel according to Perklo's instructions in the FAQ and remount it to eliminate any question about whether it was mounted properly from the factory or not, which has happened.

Triggers of late have been 3-4lbs, some have been as heavy as 5-8lbs though, just depends. A trigger in the 1½ -3lb range can easily be achieved with the info in the stickys and the FAQ if you're the DIY type, or the factory will get it to about 3½lbs if you ask when you ship your frame in for another barrel.

Lots of info in the stickys at the top of this list, I recommend you read em all, then ask questions that you still have..... if you have any!

stimpylu32 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 09, 2005, 03:16:53 PM »

Cheif and Longshot -- Welcome

I have a ,223 HB that i just love , with the winchester white box ammo i get about 1 in. groups with my handloads i get 1/2 in.

I got very lucky mine came with a crisp 4 1/2 pound trigger and pallet wood stocks.

But i just hate plain wood stocks

You will be very pleased with your handi,

PS QUICK is still not sure about my color choice :-D :-D

quickdtoo · « **Reply #4 on:** September 09, 2005, 03:22:16 PM »

Oh man, there goes my night vision!!!! :shock:

stimpylu32 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 09, 2005, 04:56:01 PM »

QUICK --- Wait till you see the daughters 22 mag. She settled on SAFETY YELLOW

Will post pics soon !!!

quickdtoo · « **Reply #6 on:** September 09, 2005, 05:11:03 PM »

Ok, thanks, glad ya warned me, I'll put my shades on before I look!!! :-D :-D :-D

Norseman112 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 09, 2005, 06:23:49 PM »

Hi ChiefAutoParts and welcome. I like my .223 handi and it shoots real good sub moa. best of luck.

Norse

myarmor · « **Reply #8 on:** September 09, 2005, 06:45:38 PM »

Welcome to GrayBeards. I think I speak for everyone here in saying we hope you stick around and keep on posting.
Also congrats on a new rifle, it is always a good thing.
And the 223 is no exception. Many here have one chambered in 223, for many it was their first NEF/H&R. It was mine. As long as you use good ammo-think lighter grain bullets, and do your part, you will have a ton of fun with it. But that's not to sugar coat it. Many here have a love /hate relationship with them. Due to many Handi's being very sensitive to forearm pressure, slow lock time, and the need to learn how to shoot them. Read up and ask all the questions you need. It's great to cut the chase and get straight up answers. I have always appreciated it, and this is a great place to get them.

knight0334 · « **Reply #9 on:** September 10, 2005, 04:05:40 AM »

The trigger on my 22" 45-70 is extremely light. It has to be releasing in the 2 to 3LB +/- area. ...and that is straight from the factory. The only other gun I've seen with such a low trigger pull is my hair trigger Colt Python, which I know for a fact breaks at 1 1/2LB(smithed). You sneeze with it cocked and it goes off.

I dont think you'll have issues with hard trigger pull on any of the newer rifles.

Varminter · « **Reply #10 on:** September 10, 2005, 06:42:02 AM »

Welcome aboard. Pull up a chair and kick up your feet. I have the same barrel and accuracy has been great. Some ammunition i would suggest would be the Winchester White Box 45gr HP. It comes in a value pack of 40 at Walmart and usually costs around $14. Another would be the UMC 55gr FMJ, it too can be had at walmrt for about $4 a box.

ChiefAutoParts · « **Reply #11 on:** September 10, 2005, 09:26:53 AM »

Thanks so much to all those that have read my post, answered my questions, and replied. I have been a "browser" of this forum for a long time, and now I finally have something I can post on and get my questions answered.
I can't wait until it arrives! I plan on shooting 45 gr Winchester "whitebox" or something in the 55gr variety.
So far, everything I've read on this NEF forum has been pure gold. It's what helped me decide to pick one up! Thanks again for the replies. Keep 'em coming!