Turning down Handi barrel

[Tuner]

Hi all,

I have been "miniaturizing" a 30-06 Handi I picked up at a pawn last year. The barrel is 18 1/8, stock at 12 1/2 LOP, lots of wood off forearm and stock, etc.

I'm thinking of turning down the barrel in front of the forearm stud to lose some weight and yet avoid messing with the stud and forearm fit. Is the Handi barrel up for this? If so could i go as thin as say a ruger compact ?

I know this will increase recoil but compared to 12ga slug the -06 is pretty friendly. The stock has less drop now also so it pushes more straight back and seems to lessen cheek bang.

The rifle is a "carry for hours, get a rest, and take one shot" tool for remote, hike in elk. It shoots well when I do, great little rifles!

Thanks!

Tuner

[trotterlg]

It will work fine, I tapered a 17 Remington Handi barrel from in front of the forearm screw to about .550 at the muzzel, worked and looked good.  Larry

[LaOtto222]

I agree with Larry...just do it slowly with coolant, if possible. If the barrel over heats while turning it; it will warp or warp as it heats from shooting because of stresses put into the barrel. I am not sure of your setup, but if you use a center that rides in the bore, you will probably have to re-crown it.

[burntmuch]

What about fluting the barrel

[handirifle]

You'd still have to keep it cool, but it should be stiffer than if you turned it down, and less resistant to bending before the second shot.