Different barrels for NEF Handi Rifle

[Walks with a gimp]

  Hi guys, I'm new to this site and recently bought a used Handy rifle in .223 bull barrel. I searched for info on this gun and that brought me here   From some searching, it looks like my gun was made in 1996, ser. # NK26XXXX. My questions are,, where can I get a deer caliber barrel for it and will it require gunsmithing to install it? That 45/70 looks like fun or maybe just a 30/30 for my grandson!  Also, what is the average cost for a different barrel?

  Thanks in advance and this looks like a great site!!

   

[quickdtoo]

Welcome aboard! H&R NEF will fit any of the barrels not marked with an * to your frame, costs are listed on their web site, add $15 fitting fee and $10 return shipping to the cost listed.

Tim

http://hr1871.com/Support/accessoryProgram.aspx

[cheatermk3]

Welcome to the forum!

Check out the FAQ threads at the top of this forum, read the barrel fitting post byTim(quick).  It.s not that difficult to fit a barrel.  Then, check out the NEF classifieds forum and you can get an idea of how much or little it can be to acquire a barrel that will likely need to be fitted to your receiver.

H&R/NEF closes up shop for a couple of weeks every year, at christmas time; they've just opened up again so right now the wait at the factory for fitting an accessory barrel will be longer than usual. 

Good luck with your Handi!

[Walks with a gimp]

  What are the chances if I bought a used barrel that it would fit my received correctly?  Are the "Ultra" rifles and barrels different than the NEF Handi Rifle's

[cheatermk3]

one in 6 or 8?

This is a guess based on my limited experience--I have 6 SB2 type frames and have purchased 4 barrels from guys here on the classifieds.
a BC barrel I got fit my Target frame snug on a .002 feeler gauge-it shot fine with no pop opens.  I sold it back to the person I got it from and it locks up on one of his frames(which he acquired during the time I had the barrel).

I bought a turkey barrel and it fits perfectly on my 243 ultra frame(SN HK XXXXXX).  A 30-30 barrel I bought fits this same frame a bit loosely, a pop-can metal shim takes up the slack just fine.  This same barrel fits a shotgun frame I have perfectly.

A 7x57 barrel I bought here will not fit any of my frames; it will close on my 25-06 ultra frame but not latch.  A bit of stoning of the latch shelf should finish it up fine.

[Walks with a gimp]

  Thanks for the info. I'm not new to reloading or some home gunsmithing chores and I have a lathe/mill/drill. Sounds like a bit of honing is required to fit the barrels and I wouldn't be intimidated to jump in and try it. Seen a 38/55 barrel available that I might have to pursue

  This particular .223 I have shoots VERY well with sub 1 inch groups easily.  I'm really suprized that this thing shoots so well. Is it the "cheap old fart's" TC?

[zermatt7]

Is this the same walks with a gimp on Archery Talk ?

theres a super nice guy on AT that's very helpful and  makes a neat bow press or something ?

 

[Walks with a gimp]

  Yes I'm the same guy, thanks for the kind words!

[cheatermk3]

Before you get to drooling too much over the 38-55, you should research the caliber here--the folks at NEF kinda created a monster with that caliber.

This thread about sums it up--you should read the whole thing...


http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/smf/index.php/topic,63539.0.html

[Walks with a gimp]

  I read the link you provided,, don't look like I want any of those problems. I've reloaded since '76 and have laid off the reloading for the past 6 years or so and don't want to drag all that stuff out again!   

  I just want to drop one in the chamber and then get my knife bloody