With todays CNCand EDM machines an octagon barrel could be mass produced?
However production would be much more expensive, since there would be a lot of additional steps involved particulary the finishing and polishing.
I have done mine on a milling machine, the the barrel is then draw filed hand polished and blued. To have a Handi barrel done would cost about $400?
Something old farts do when they have nothing better to do.
I am in the process of doing anther one right now. the final finishing is done after the barrel is stress relieved, rebored and rechambered.
The stress relieving depends on the barrel maker and is usually not needed when the bore is only increased by a few thou. But for top accuracy stress relieving should be done.
Since a Handi can't be expected to beform like a bolt gun. The stress relief becomes a mood point, specially in a hunting rifle. My 257Roberts shoots consistantlly at a 1/2" with three shots less with match bullets..
Yes an octagon barrel sure makes a classy looking rifle, no question about it . I doubt we will see a factory Handi octagon barrel on an economy rifle.
Lothar Walther produces a custom octagon barrels to your specs and length, they start at $650 to $1200 not including chambers and threads or blueing.
