Why should I buy an H&R/NEF? Which one to buy?

[4given]

Besides the cheap price, why should I buy a H&R/NEF rifle? I notice a lot of you guys really like them. Some of you have a ton of 'em. After reading a few posts, I also notice that some of them are pretty decent and others have some serious problems.

I am thinking about trying one in .223 to get my feet wet. Is there a particular version I should get that would give me a better chance at accuracy? What kind of accuracy can I expect out of the box? After mods?

Thanks!

[necchi]

Welcome aboard
http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,129400.msg1098473394.html#msg1098473394

[Kal52]

the standard or the bull barrel .223 would be the best bet, not that the light barrel is all that innacurate per se, its just pretty light and is affected by heat more and since i dont own the light i cant comment more on them. Ive had the bull and standard .223 and both shot well for me.

They may need some tweaking out of the box, Mine really havent, I dont shoot for little bitty groups so the accuracy I get from them has alway been acceptable to me, though I do some of the tweaks just havent really had to work to make them shoot for me. guess ive been lucky, or just have low standards  for me they are Hunting rifles, plenty accurate for that.

hard to say what to expect out of the box, depends on if you find a load your rifle likes, and what you consider acceptable.
after mods, well usually it only makes it better, and usually not that hard or time consuming to do.
Handloading will really help, though I dont yet.
If the gun has any major problems, H&R has been pretty dang good about getting it right for ya. So I generally dont sweat the CS side of things.


Again welcome aboard,

Dave

[Mac11700]

Besides the cheap price, why should I buy a H&R/NEF rifle? I notice a lot of you guys really like them. Some of you have a ton of 'em. After reading a few posts, I also notice that some of them are pretty decent and others have some serious problems.

You should buy one if ...

 1)..you like the way it looks
 2)..like the way it balances
 3)..like the way it feels to you when you shoulder it.
 4)..prefer a multiple caliber capable single shot break action over all the other available rifle styles..

I am thinking about trying one in .223 to get my feet wet. Is there a particular version I should get that would give me a better chance at accuracy? Thanks!

Any of the bull barrels will give you a better chance at greater accuracy..but that is not to say you can't get acceptable accuracy from any of the others..

What kind of accuracy can I expect out of the box? After mods?

Hard to say..each rifle is it's own..just as each shooter has a their own level of proficiency shooting for groups..You can expect it to group as well as what that paticular rifle will shoot with your choosen ammo choice on that paticular day under those paticular conditions...As to your shooting cabailities..sorry..that is unknown to us..so.. to say how well you can shoot one..isn't possible at this point...I can say this...most of the bull barrel 223's are usually very good shooters in capable hands..but..there have been some that weren't happy with the ones they had for 1 reason or another...and fwiw..most every Handi can be made to shoot "better" (subjectively speaking)..after some type of modification..but then so too can the same be said for just about every mass produced rifle..Consistancy and accuracy take on different meanings to different folk..what may be acceptable for you..ie..may not be for the next person..If you are expecting your rifle to shoot in the .2's or .1's without some effort..you most likely will be disappointed..but that's not to say you won't get lucky and get just that either..some have on occasion..

Mac

[4given]

Welcome aboard
http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,129400.msg1098473394.html#msg1098473394

Looks like that "why should I buy one" question has been asked & answered before!

Thanks!

[4given]

the standard or the bull barrel .223 would be the best bet, not that the light barrel is all that innacurate per se, its just pretty light and is affected by heat more and since i dont own the light i cant comment more on them. Ive had the bull and standard .223 and both shot well for me.

They may need some tweaking out of the box, Mine really havent, I dont shoot for little bitty groups so the accuracy I get from them has alway been acceptable to me, though I do some of the tweaks just havent really had to work to make them shoot for me. guess ive been lucky, or just have low standards   for me they are Hunting rifles, plenty accurate for that.

hard to say what to expect out of the box, depends on if you find a load your rifle likes, and what you consider acceptable.
after mods, well usually it only makes it better, and usually not that hard or time consuming to do.
Handloading will really help, though I dont yet.
If the gun has any major problems, H&R has been pretty dang good about getting it right for ya. So I generally dont sweat the CS side of things.


Again welcome aboard,

Dave

If I can get it to shoot at least an "1 at 100yrds I would be really happy with that. Sub MOA groups are nice but I am realistic. I don't mind fiddling around doing mods & testing loads. In fact I like it! It's half the fun to me!

[Gallahad]

You should buy one because (at least the wood stocked models) are one of the most beautiful rifles out there. Very classic/old fashion looking, but a strong modern firearm. I had a pardner shot gun (keep in mind the rifle frames are even stronger) That my brother gave me for Christmas. He had it for 7 years, and he bought it used. I used that gun for 5 or 6 years and sold it for a 12 guage pardner. never a hiccup. These are guns you can hand down to your grandkids. (if you take care of your guns) I have never had a problem with any of my nef/h&r guns That wasn't my fault (like too much lube on my cases - sticky ejection!) And I have had at least 10 that I can remember. very durable and reliable. I have never had worse than 4 inch 5 shot groups at 100 yds with a factory gun, regardless of ammo. most guns were 2 1/2-3" out of the box with factory ammo. Plenty good for hunting, and can usually be tweaked for more. my 2 cents.

[4given]

Besides the cheap price, why should I buy a H&R/NEF rifle? I notice a lot of you guys really like them. Some of you have a ton of 'em. After reading a few posts, I also notice that some of them are pretty decent and others have some serious problems.

You should buy one if ...

 1)..you like the way it looks
 2)..like the way it balances
 3)..like the way it feels to you when you shoulder it.
 4)..prefer a multiple caliber capable single shot break action over all the other available rifle styles..

I am thinking about trying one in .223 to get my feet wet. Is there a particular version I should get that would give me a better chance at accuracy? Thanks!

Any of the bull barrels will give you a better chance at greater accuracy..but that is not to say you can't get acceptable accuracy from any of the others..

What kind of accuracy can I expect out of the box? After mods?

Hard to say..each rifle is it's own..just as each shooter has a their own level of proficiency shooting for groups..You can expect it to group as well as what that paticular rifle will shoot with your choosen ammo choice on that paticular day under those paticular conditions...As to your shooting cabailities..sorry..that is unknown to us..so.. to say how well you can shoot one..isn't possible at this point...I can say this...most of the bull barrel 223's are usually very good shooters in capable hands..but..there have been some that weren't happy with the ones they had for 1 reason or another...and fwiw..most every Handi can be made to shoot "better" (subjectively speaking)..after some type of modification..but then so too can the same be said for just about every mass produced rifle..Consistancy and accuracy take on different meanings to different folk..what may be acceptable for you..ie..may not be for the next person..If you are expecting your rifle to shoot in the .2's or .1's without some effort..you most likely will be disappointed..but that's not to say you won't get lucky and get just that either..some have on occasion..

Mac

As long as the guns have potential I am willing to try. I like messing with & tweeking guns & loads so it sounds right up my alley. If these guns have the potential to shoot MOA or better then that is just icing on the cake!

So Mac, you are the guy that has written a lot about lapping these barrels aren; you? Great advice!

[Mac11700]

As long as the guns have potential I am willing to try. I like messing with & tweeking guns & loads so it sounds right up my alley. If these guns have the potential to shoot MOA or better then that is just icing on the cake!

So Mac, you are the guy that has written a lot about lapping these barrels aren't you? Great advice!

Yup...I am a firm believer in barrel prep on these little guys..I go into it like I would with any rifle before I evaluate my results by removing any variable I can..Barrel prep is just part of it..I figure if I am going to spend my hard earned cash on one..I might as well give it a level playing field and the best chance of impressing me

Thanks

Good Luck with yours when you get one..but be warned..They are addicting...

Mac

[Daman]

They are very addicting!!! I went from none to three at the house and 2 on layaway in 4 months! I have much more expensive rifles that have not been touched since I bought the first Handi home. Oh you will say you want do that, but you will buy it, scope it, shoot it, reload for it, buy new stocks for it, and then say well that caliber would be neat and there you go again!!! Ask me how I know.

Daman

[4given]

OK I'm convinced. Now the hunt is on for a good deal There is a gun show this weekend.................

[necchi]

As long as the guns have potential I am willing to try. I like messing with & tweeking guns & loads so it sounds right up my alley. If these guns have the potential to shoot MOA or better then that is just icing on the cake!

Oh boy! your gonna like the Handi!

I picked up a gun show .223 with a 1-12 bull barrel,,after a trigger job,,forearm bedding,,scope rail bedding,,a good scope and "tweeking" the loads,,I've got MOA at 200! Sub inch at 100 is no big deal anymore, it shoot's better than me 

You just wouldn't happen to be going to Sauk Center for the show are ya?

[spikehorn]

Dick's SG has ultra varmint camo stocked scoped combos on sale right now for $259 These are heavy barreled I have one in 308 win and I did the JB bore paste thing before I even shot it, once I did it shot 1.5" with remington core lokt 150gr psp. These combos come in 223,22-250 and 308

[mechanic]

Welcome, and bear in mind Handi's are a lot like a certain potato chip, you can't have just one.If I were you I would start with the 223, 45-70, 308, and 44 mag.  That should hold you for a month or two!!

[Yak Angler]

Besides the cheap price, why should I buy a H&R/NEF rifle? I notice a lot of you guys really like them. Some of you have a ton of 'em. After reading a few posts, I also notice that some of them are pretty decent and others have some serious problems.

I am thinking about trying one in .223 to get my feet wet. Is there a particular version I should get that would give me a better chance at accuracy? What kind of accuracy can I expect out of the box? After mods?

Thanks!

to keep it simple.

1. Old fashioned quality and affordability
2. Not made oversea's
3. They go bang everytime you pull the trigger if its -30 or 90 dergrees doesn't matter
4. shorter overall length then most other rifles makes walking in heavy cover easier
5. capable of excellent accuracy someties out of the box, sometimes after tweaking a few things
6. easy and minimal maintainence required
7. If you are a perfectionist and love tinkering to get there you have found your dream firearm brand

I will stop now as i'm beginning to overcomplicate things  

[guesswork]

I've also been looking and reading.

just for the record, last week I found a new S&W500 local for only $199.00. Dealer said he had it for a year and reduced the price to try and move it.  i went back the next day to get it and Poof, sold.  This week, i found an SB2 F43 priced at $339.00 bucks.  Went back next day to buy and Poof sold.   Feeling a bit Snake Bit..

[spikehorn]

I've also been looking and reading.

just for the record, last week I found a new S&W500 local for only $199.00. Dealer said he had it for a year and reduced the price to try and move it.  i went back the next day to get it and Poof, sold.  This week, i found an SB2 F43 priced at $339.00 bucks.  Went back next day to buy and Poof sold.   Feeling a bit Snake Bit..

gotta jump on em when you find a good deal

[wreckhog]

If you like single shots..... Lot of calibers to play with. That said, no way would I pay a lot for one.

[briannmilewis]

As long as the guns have potential I am willing to try. I like messing with & tweeking guns & loads so it sounds right up my alley. If these guns have the potential to shoot MOA or better then that is just icing on the cake!

So Mac, you are the guy that has written a lot about lapping these barrels aren't you? Great advice!

Yup...I am a firm believer in barrel prep on these little guys..I go into it like I would with any rifle before I evaluate my results by removing any variable I can..Barrel prep is just part of it..I figure if I am going to spend my hard earned cash on one..I might as well give it a level playing field and the best chance of impressing me

Thanks

Good Luck with yours when you get one..but be warned..They are addicting...

Mac

Please do not construe this as in anyway taking away from Mac's good barrel prep advice. There is another school of thought about Handi barrels, and that is to just shoot them to break them in. Run 50+ factory rounds thru the gun and do not clean it and you should find the accuracy improving over those 50 rounds. Putting another 50 thru may also improve accuracy. Then this school of thought says "do not clean the barrel" until your accuracy starts to degrade, then clean it thoroughly, run a few fouling shots thru it, and your accuracy should be about where it was the best for you.

Good luck...

[4given]

Dick's SG has ultra varmint camo stocked scoped combos on sale right now for $259 These are heavy barreled I have one in 308 win and I did the JB bore paste thing before I even shot it, once I did it shot 1.5" with remington core lokt 150gr psp. These combos come in 223,22-250 and 308

Sounds like a grood deal but we don't have a Dicks out here in the Boise Metro area just yet. I hear they are going to opem one soon in one of the abandoned Joe's....  We have Cabela's, Sportsman's Warehouse, Big 5, Bimart, Sports Authority for big chains that might possibly carry Handi's from time to time.

[4given]

You just wouldn't happen to be going to Sauk Center for the show are ya?

I'm from the Boise, Idaho area.  They are having a Gun show at the Western Idaho Fairgrounds today I think.......

Don't know anything about the Sauk Center or even where that is.