Handi serial number VS Ultra?

[DsrtRat]

Hey folks! I am new to this forum and am considering buying an H&R rifle. I have a couple local second hand guns to chose from. One of them has the laminate stock and the owner called it an "ULTRA". I know very little about these guns and have been trying to educate myself as much as possible, but the data stamp reads:
"HANDI RIFLE (TM)
CAL .204 RUGER"

My question is, are they all called "HANDI" rifles? What exactly is the difference between a Handi and an ULTRA? From the pics and manuals, I don't see much difference.

[Badnews Bob]

They are all basically handie rifles, The Ultra versions have better finish Lami stocks and sometimes longer barrel, They are kinda like the cadillac of the handie line up.   .204 Ultra is a good rifle.

[NMUltra]

I believe the Ultra barrel in .204 is fluted and 24" long - that's what the current listing shows.

My .204 is not stamped Ultra on the barrel, it's 22" long, it does have a laminate stock - It's a Handi.
My .223 is stamped Ultra on the barrel. So is my .25-06 barrel.

Without the Ultra stamp on the barrel, I'd say you're looking at a Handi - It's a good gun.  If it has a laminate Monte Carlo stock, it's an upgrade from the the standard wood stock, but not an Ultra...

[quickdtoo]

The first 204 Rugers that H&R produced were Handis with a 22" bull barrel and laminated walnut stained hardwood, often referred to as laminated pallet wood, mine is a 2004, has a first generation extractor. Ultras have checkered resin laminated stocks which don't look anything like the "pallet" wood lams, the butt stock in the pic is laminated pallet wood.

Tim

[DsrtRat]

So, this is a Handi then and not an Ultra? It has the laminate stock, but here is the data stamp.

[quickdtoo]

Yup, it's a 2004 Handi just like mine.  Well, sorta, I upgraded the stock set on mine. 

Tim

[cwlongshot]

I agree with Tim. Stocks are very easy to change and very easily available. Most of us have swapped a stock or two. 

 Just to reiterate the explanations of a reg handi and an ultra handi from H&R them selves:

Handi-Rifle™- For generations, the single shot rifle has been the choice of the accomplished and self-assured hunter. And for years, H&R has honored that choice. Our centerfire rifles are designed and built to make that one shot count. For the varmint or big game hunter, we offer many very attractive options. H&R Handi-Rifles™ are available in a wide range of rifle calibers all the way up to the 500 S&W.

Ultra Hunter Rifle | Ultra Varmint- Our centerfire Ultra rifles are designed and built to make that one vital shot count. Our rugged single shot action has proven its worth in the field. It opens smoothly when you press the lever, and locks up tight as a bank vault door. Our Transfer Bar System prevents accidental discharge, and for added safety in storage or in transport, each one of our guns comes complete with its own special locking device.
Many of us here have quite a few of these and as previously described, the Ultras have a nicer metal finish and nicer stocks. The mechanics are IDENTICAL. Your paying extra for looks or "polish".

CW

[DsrtRat]

Great info guys. Thanks.

Any sights with custom stocks that you know of?

[quickdtoo]

GBO sponsor GSI sells replacement stocks. www.gunstocksinc.com

Spend some time in the FAQs and Help sticky, it will answer a lot of your questions, some you don't even know you have yet!! 

Tim