Author Topic: H&R Sportster  (Read 4219 times)

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Offline Georgian

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H&R Sportster
« on: January 18, 2007, 05:16:49 PM »
Hey yall. I did actually look through past posts on the Sportster, but wanted to create my own because I only need some specific answers. I have been searching for a cheap .22 rifle that can endure a survival type situation in the event of a natural disaster in my area, flood, etc. and I have to subside on my own capabilities. I first thought of a good bolt-action rifle, and never even thought of H&R having a .22. I think a single shot .22 would be absolutley perfect for my intentions, as it is simple as it gets. I also like the fact that it has the auto-ejector (I own a H&R Topper 20ga, love it). I just need some details from those of yall that already own, or have handle/shot one. Also, I noticed that they come standard with synthetic stocks. I am mainly akin to wood stocks, but do yall see any advantage in the synthetics? I've been toying with the idea that if I do purchase one, that I would either put wood stocks on it, or a survivor stock....will the survivor fit, or any stocks for that matter? Any replies would be greatly appreciated.
~Speak softly and carry a big stick~T. Roosevelt

~I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.~J. Wayne

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #1 on: January 18, 2007, 05:25:23 PM »
Well, if you want the ejector, you'd better get one as soon as you can cuz they're sooner or later going to switch to the extractor of the Handi. :-\ All stocks will work on the Sportster, the frame design of the Sportster is the same as that of the shotguns and rifles, just the metal strengthl and firing pin is different.

Tim
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline Georgian

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #2 on: January 18, 2007, 05:47:06 PM »
You mean that they are switching from the auto? When did you here this?
~Speak softly and carry a big stick~T. Roosevelt

~I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.~J. Wayne

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #3 on: January 18, 2007, 06:12:10 PM »
A long time ago, they've been switching over since 2004, I have 3 extractor Handis, the first one I got in Oct 2004. CS told us then they would eventually only be using extractors on all of their firearms, the centerfire rifles have already been changed over, shotguns and rimfires will follow.

Tim
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline MSP Ret

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #4 on: January 19, 2007, 01:06:49 AM »
TIM!!! Please say it ain't so!!!! I thought they were at least going to leave the rimfires and shotguns alone.
Are they really going to have extractors on the shotguns? That's foolsih, and if they put them on rimfires that just plain stupid...who tries to save thier rimfire brass, and shells never stick in either shotuns or rimfires, have you ever heard of anyone complaining of a stuck shell in a shotgun or rimfire H&R/NEF?, never!!!, so they cannot use that flimsy excuse in these examples, now I am getting as disgusted and upset with the company's foolish decisions as Mac is, All I can think of doing is to stop buying any of these new guns and to buy only the older and better ones, before these terrible changes which cheapen and lessen the product ....<><.... :o  ( I thought and hoped they were going to leave the shotguns and rimfires alone)

do you perhaps recall ever hearing the old adage, "they don't make them like they used to?", well it looks as if it may be true, and more so each and every day from this company which seems determined to downgrade it's products to the point of losing market share....<><.... :(
"Giving up your gun to someone else on demand is called surrender. It means that you have given up your ability to protect yourself to a power that is greater than you." - David Yeagley

Offline jack19512

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #5 on: January 19, 2007, 03:22:29 AM »
I didn't like the synthetic stock on my 17 M2 Sportster so I took the wood off my 22 mag ultra which I had planned on selling anyway and swapped them.  I like the wood much better.


Offline quickdtoo

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #6 on: January 19, 2007, 06:04:15 AM »
MSP, I'd like to think that they'll change their mind about extractors on rimfires and shotguns just like they apparently dropped the 1:9" twist, but that was what Gordon told Mac over a year ago, that all of their firearms would eventually be extractors with the rimfires being the last to be switched over. :'(

Tim
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline MSP Ret

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #7 on: January 19, 2007, 06:20:36 AM »
Wouldn't that be nice Quick, who knows perhaps they have already decided to leave shotguns and rimfires with the preferred ejectors. Can you see yourself trying to get a .22 or .17 rimfire shell out of a sportster with an extractor in the winter when coyote or varmint hunting in below freezing weather with gloves on? Makes me laugh at the thought of it, or cry....<><.... ::)
"Giving up your gun to someone else on demand is called surrender. It means that you have given up your ability to protect yourself to a power that is greater than you." - David Yeagley

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #8 on: January 19, 2007, 06:24:14 AM »
I know, we see that, but will they! :-\

Tim
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline Georgian

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #9 on: January 19, 2007, 02:54:03 PM »
I checked my local Wal-Mart's price for one, and found that it is only $116 bucks....I just want to make sure that it'll be what I want, because once you order it, the sale is final. Also, I'm 6'2, 230lbs, do yall think that the stock will fit me, etc.? I have never had any problems with any of mine, I even own a Remington 870 Youth Model with the shortened stock, and it fits just fine. I just want to be sure of the purchase, and everything. Also, if I order one within the next few weeks, what am I gonna be looking @? I noticed some of yall said that they changed around some stuff for 2007....I am just looking for a the standard run of the mill Sportster. I want the iron-sights, pistol grip, sling stud swivels, etc. Will that be available? Just want to make sure what I am gonna get if I order it.
~Speak softly and carry a big stick~T. Roosevelt

~I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.~J. Wayne

Offline ironglow

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #10 on: January 19, 2007, 03:32:16 PM »
  Georgian;
  The Sportster is an excellent choice for a survival type gun ! You can also get the versa-pack with .22 LR and .410 barrel and be ready for most anything with shot and slugs along. A wonderful choice of versatility uin a survival type weapon...
        My versa-pack has iron sights (part plastic), while my sportster has Weaver rail...of course, a rail can be put on the versa if you need a scope..and you will have to get a full size non-monte stock (for the irons and shotgun). Choate has a survivor stock and a tamer stock that holds 4@ .410s ready for use !

  I personally, like the synthetic stocks; much lighter and worrys me less about scratches during hunting, since I often use Krylon Fusion as a base and camo paint them. My rifles are almost totally for hunt rather than show..
    The only other thing I would do to a versa-pack to make it a survival type gun would be to tack a small metal ear onto a 1/4" screw for the forestock so I could change barrels without getting out a screwdriver.
If you don't want the truth, don't ask me.  If you want something sugar coated...go eat a donut !  (anon)

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #11 on: January 19, 2007, 03:46:49 PM »
Walmart's supplier only has the youth Sportster 22Lr in stock right now, so if you order the full size Sportster, you'll be put on a waiting list.

Tim

http://www.internetguncatalog.com/

http://hr1871.com/Firearms/Rifles/sportster.aspx
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline Georgian

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #12 on: January 19, 2007, 04:00:18 PM »
I noticed that last night looking through the sticky's. How long do you think it would take for them to get it to me?
~Speak softly and carry a big stick~T. Roosevelt

~I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.~J. Wayne

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #13 on: January 19, 2007, 04:12:39 PM »
Just depends on how many are in line ahead of you, if the clerk taking the order at WM will call Sports South, they may know when to expect it from H&R.

Tim
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline Georgian

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #14 on: January 19, 2007, 04:17:32 PM »
Well what I was thinking of doing was maybe either order a Youth, and just forego the run-around with the waiting list, and just buy a conventional stock, or maybe go with the .22 Magnum, with which I have absolutely no experience with. Is the Magnum ammo relatively cheap? I mean just some thoughts.
~Speak softly and carry a big stick~T. Roosevelt

~I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.~J. Wayne

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #15 on: January 19, 2007, 04:20:27 PM »
Magnum ammo runs anywhere from $5-$10+ a box. You can order the full size stock from H&R or Choate later if you like, you may be able to swap stocks with someone here, or just sell the youth stock, it's done all the time here in the classifieds. ;)

Tim
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline Georgian

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #16 on: January 19, 2007, 04:35:45 PM »
What I'm probably gonna do either tomorrow or next week is run by Wally-World and just see what kind of wait time I'll be looking at for the .22LR. But I dont know, maybe I should go with the Magnum. I mean I've got plenty of .22LR's laying around, and the reason I wanted another is b/c of ammo compatibility btw them all, I wont have to worry about getting a different ammo. But something about the word "Magnum" has a strong allure....what do yall think about 'em? I dont really plan to scope the rifle, and there really wouldnt be a need for that, just pondering all my options before I lay my $$ down.
~Speak softly and carry a big stick~T. Roosevelt

~I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.~J. Wayne

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #17 on: January 19, 2007, 04:58:12 PM »
I've got a 22mag Sportster barrel, but prefer the 17hmr and 17M2 over any of the 22 cals, they're much more accurate, but not the best for plinking due to ammo cost. The Hmr and M2 will shoot 1" or less at 100yds, the 22s are doing good to do that at half the range traditionally, and 100yd+ shots require hold over with the 22s that isn't required with the 17s. Ammo cost is the big catch tho, particulalry for the Hmr at about $10 a box, M2 is $4-$7 a box.

Tim
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline Georgian

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #18 on: January 19, 2007, 08:00:03 PM »
I am seriously thinking about getting one in .22WMR, as it is something different, and I have no experience with it. That intrigues me a lot....and I noticed all the different types of ammo offered for it. I mean I can always order another barrel for it, so I might do some experimenting. I'm mainly looking for something that I can carry in the woods with me to have some fun with, and mainly just mess around with. One more thing I want to ask; how good are the standard iron-sights that come with the rifle? I really like iron-sights, I aint the best with 'em farther out, but I just like it cause it's simpler.
~Speak softly and carry a big stick~T. Roosevelt

~I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.~J. Wayne

Offline MSP Ret

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #19 on: January 20, 2007, 02:41:53 AM »
The Mag is great and I have one I use for coyote hunting but for just plain fun, cheap shooting, and amount of differnet ammo available I strongly suggest you go with the .22LR, as you said you can always get another barrel fitted...and if you do and don't expect to hunt coyotes as Qucik said, the .17 Mach2 or .17 HMR are great. The Mag does get expensive to shoot, as does the HMR, around where I live I have never seen a any .22 Mag ammo for less than about $9.00 a box but always see .22 LR ammo on sale,  CHEAP!!! and if you go through a brick or 2 in a month it can be expensive. The .22 LR is also nice because you can shoot CB caps (I prefer longs), shorts, shot shells, hi speed stuff, solid point and HP's and my favorite for the back yard and cellar, Super Colibri's, quiter than a BB gun and deadly on squirrels and crows with head shots out to about 20 yards, the neighbors never even know about it!!! If you are looking for versatility, inexpensive shooting, compatibility with the ammo ad guns you have, and not just a coyote gun, but rather a fun gun, go with the .22 LR....<><.... :)
"Giving up your gun to someone else on demand is called surrender. It means that you have given up your ability to protect yourself to a power that is greater than you." - David Yeagley

Offline Georgian

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #20 on: January 20, 2007, 02:43:48 AM »
Well like I said, either way, I can still get another barrel fitted for which ever one I do get. But the main reason I'm gonna either have to go with the youth stocked .22LR or the .22 Magnum is that the conventional stocked .22LR is out of stock like Quick said. And I know what the LR is capable of, and have been shooting 'em ever since I was a little kid. Now the .22 Magnum is a totally different animal, I have no knowledge of it, and thats what intrigues me....the ammo could get expensive, but I've seen some online for $6.50 a box, not cheap compared to the .22LR but still relatively inexpensive if you're just buying a box a weekend for informal plinking. The ammo choice, and the whole aura of the .22 Magnum after doing some research has got me really interested. So I'll probably go order a Magnum; then later order a .22LR if I choose to. Thats the great thing about these H&R's, they're cheap, effective, and efficient.
~Speak softly and carry a big stick~T. Roosevelt

~I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.~J. Wayne

Offline MI.sabot

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #21 on: January 20, 2007, 04:15:25 AM »
In comparing the 2006 and 2007 catalogs, it seems like they've made some changes to the 22 Sportster.

2006: Monte Carlo stock, scope rail mount included.
2007: Straight stock, no mention of scope rail or it being drilled and tapped.

This seems to apply to the 22 mag as well.

Overall it seems less appealing.  But for plinking with open sights it's probably fine.

Georgian:

I sort of like your idea about buying the youth model.
I have an extra adult synthetic stock to swith out and it would be handy to switch back to the youth stock for the benefit of a young shooter.

But is the only difference between the 22lr and 22lr youth in the length of the rear stock?

http://hr1871.com/Firearms/Rifles/sportster.aspx

22lr overall length = 36 1/4"
youth = 33"
difference = 3 1/4"

22lr length of pull = 14 1/4"
youth = 12"
difference = 2 1/4"

Barrel length is the same at 20".

So where's the other inch?



H&R Ultra Slug Hunter (12 ga.)
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #22 on: January 20, 2007, 06:26:03 AM »
Georgian, I would just buy a complete rifle in the other caliber you need to get, the accessory rimfire barrels cost almost as much as a complete rifle after fitting and shipping, $94-$98 the last time I checked, a complete 22Lr Sportster at Walmart is $117.


Tim

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3138448

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3138449

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3138450
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Offline Georgian

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #23 on: January 20, 2007, 07:06:24 AM »
I just got back from town. I went to Wally-World and ordered a Sportster .22WMR. I checked on SSI and they have them in stock. So, any ideas for accessories or some cheap ammo? I bought one box a CCI Maxi-Mags for like $9.69, a little steep, but I guess you get what you pay for. So if anybody has any ideas on accessories, etc. post'em if ya got'em. I think I'm really gonna enjoy this .22WMR. I hope that it comes with the iron sights, cause I'm confused with some of the discriptions of the Sportster's. On H&R they list the .22WMR as being identical to the .22LR, with iron sights and everything. Anyways, thats where I stand right now. I'm gonna check back with Wal-Mart Monday and see if they have placed the order (they said SSI is closed on Saturdays). So I shouldnt have to wait too long for my order to come in. And it was $117.51, including tax. I think thats one heck of a deal.
~Speak softly and carry a big stick~T. Roosevelt

~I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.~J. Wayne

Offline Georgian

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #24 on: January 20, 2007, 07:31:56 AM »
After reading through the forums a bit more, I've noticed that some people havent gotten exactly what they specifically ordered. On H&R's website, the model I ordered is the SS1-M22. On their website it says that it comes with open iron-sights. Do they actually come with iron sights or or not? Because I specifically want to use this rifle iron-sighted. Its just more handy for me when I lug it around in the woods and I dont need a scope. I'm startin to worry a little that what I ordered will not be exactly what they tell me I am supposed to be getting. Is there anything I should inform the sporting good @ Wal-Mart about if I want an iron-sighted model, or do all come with that? I'm just getting extremely confused about this, because specifications are not matching up across the board.
~Speak softly and carry a big stick~T. Roosevelt

~I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.~J. Wayne

Offline LEO

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #25 on: January 20, 2007, 07:38:32 AM »
Georgian, I think the 22 WMR will serve you well for what you stated you wanted the rifle for, plinking and subsistance hunting.  The 22 WMR ammo is a about 4 to 6 times as expensive as the 22 LR ammo depending on what you buy, but like you said a box now and then isn't that big of a deal.  The 22 WMR fills the subsitance hunting role better however in that it is capable of taking small game, (head shots only, if you plan on eating it) but is much more effective on ground hogs (yes you can eat groundhogs, the young ones are actually fairly tasty) and such than the 22 LR.  Plus in a true emergency situation, it is a fairly effective deer caliber so long as you avoid hitting large bones or better yet shoot them in the eye or ear, before someone starts about how the 22 WMR is not for deer I know that and am not advocating it for deer hunting we are talking emergency subsistance, but I have seen enough deer killed with the 22 LR and 22 WMR to know better than to say they will not take a deer.

Offline MSP Ret

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #26 on: January 20, 2007, 08:09:34 AM »
You have a good point there LEO. Many deer have been taken (jacked) in Maine with the .22 LR as well as the .22 Mag I am sure, but for jacking at night the .22 LR is said to work just fine with less noise. The .22 Mag rimfire is legal for deer hunting in Maine although I would not advocate it's use. With it as your subsistance gun you would surely not go hungry....<><.... :)
"Giving up your gun to someone else on demand is called surrender. It means that you have given up your ability to protect yourself to a power that is greater than you." - David Yeagley

Offline Georgian

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #27 on: January 20, 2007, 08:11:29 AM »
Does anyone know anything about whether the rifle should come with iron-sights or not? H&R's website specifically says that it comes with them, and their Adobe 2007 Catalog online says that they do. I checked the description SSI gave the Sportster I order and is as follows:

NEW SS1-M22 SPORTSTER SYN 22MG RS 20

I can only assume the RS stands for Rifle Sights, as I noticed others were designated as HB (heavy barrel), SB (standard barrel?). What do yall think?
~Speak softly and carry a big stick~T. Roosevelt

~I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.~J. Wayne

Offline Georgian

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #28 on: January 26, 2007, 06:56:18 AM »
Hey yall, I checked with Wally-World before work today to see if my rifle had came in, and she's waitin to be picked up. I'm gonna drop by after I get off of work and liberate 'er, lol. Anyways, I sure am ready to go shootin...
~Speak softly and carry a big stick~T. Roosevelt

~I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.~J. Wayne

Offline Georgian

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Re: H&R Sportster
« Reply #29 on: January 26, 2007, 06:19:35 PM »
I got by me as I'm typing this up. I went and picked it up this afternoon....everything I wanted. Iron sights are great....very noticable. I am definitely going to change the stocks out to wood....I hate the synthetic look altogether, lol. So far I am extremely pleased with the rifle as a whole. It is entirely what I wanted, a simple no frills .22. So I give it an B+/A for initial impression....woulda been an A+ if it came with walnut, which I'm gonna order.
~Speak softly and carry a big stick~T. Roosevelt

~I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.~J. Wayne