New 2006 223 Ultra's

[TexasShooter]

Has anyone actually bought a 2006 223 Ultra that has a 1:9 twist barrel and actually verified that it is a 1:9?

I see post saying that the 1:9 won't shoot heavy ammo, but I think that like me they actually have a 1:12 and assume that it is 1:9, based on the info put out on the 2005/2006's. All other 1:9 barrels from other gun manufactures will shoot 60rg to 68gr ammo.

I bought a Ultra 223 made in August 2006 and it is 1:12. I looked at another one that was Sept. 2006 at Cabela's and checked the twist while I was there and it was 1:12. I talked to the lady at the factory and she said that they were shipping both 1:12 and 1:9, but she could not tell me how to find a 1:9. She also said that they did not have that info from the serial number. So saying that from mid 2005 and 2006 barrels are all 1:9 is really bad info, it is more just random choice.

I only bought this 2006 223 Ultra because I thought it was 1:9, based on the info put out by the factory and actually paid a premium $339.00 for it at a gun show. Now I'm stuck with something I did not want, because I already have a 2004 Ultra with the 1:12 barrel, now I have 2.

I think in all fairness, H&R/NEF needs to put out the real information.

I'm sure some of you die hard NEF guy's won't like me being blunt, but it needs to be said. I think that there are a lot of 2005/2006 223's that are 1:12 out there and very few 1:9's.

[cheatermk3]

It might be that if you call CS and politely explain, and ask them to replace the 1/12 with a 1/9, you might get it done for shipping cost to them.  Ask to speak with Gordon, and be polite but firm.

[TexasShooter]

Sounds like a plan

[kc5wx]

If all else fails, are you in Texas and do you want to get rid of it?

[TexasShooter]

Yes as the name inply's, I am a Texan.

If I can not get the barrel exchanged as cheatermk3 suggested, then yes,you can have my 2006, 223 and my 2004, 223 as well, for an agreed upon price, if that is what you want.

[Jim Stacy]

Depending where in Texas you are the Sportsman's warehouse in San Antonio has new ultra's for 259 + tax. They are good to work with and found them helpful if you want a specific caliber in a Handi.

[Walks with a gimp]

?  I thought that it took a faster twist to stabilize a longer and heavier bullet?  The 1 in 12 should be better for the shorter bullets, anyone else remember the 244/6mm Remington?

[tallyho]

I think in all fairness, H&R/NEF needs to put out the real information.

I'm sure some of you die hard NEF guy's won't like me being blunt, but it needs to be said. I think that there are a lot of 2005/2006 223's that are 1:12 out there and very few 1:9's.

Actually quite a few 'die hard NEF guys' here will agree with you, and many have been pretty blunt with H&R about these kinds of thing. As far as I can recall no one here is so die hard that they pretend not to notice, or are afraid to talk about the problems. A year or so back we even had a person from H&R on the forum for awhile. She asked for, and definitely got some clear, direct, and often impassioned comments about a whole range of things -  and no one was rude or impolite. We may love these guns; but to use a pop psychology phrase "our love is not unconditional". 

In any case, whether the corporate suits pay much attention to us or not (evidence suggests they might sometimes) H&R has some excellent frontline people in Customer Service There are numerous examples of problems being resolved by the CS folks by Handi owners using clarity, patience and politeness.

Anyway, you are absolutely right, these things do need to be said; and by your doing so, clearly and without venom, I personally consider you a welcome additon to the forum. And I might add, you show some indications of being a die hard yourself by having purchased two of the dang things while trying to get what you want. Hopefully you can get the right barrel using the approach suggested by cheatermk3.

Welcome...
Kerry

[Walks with a gimp]

?  I thought that it took a faster twist to stabilize a longer and heavier bullet?  The 1 in 12 should be better for the shorter bullets, anyone else remember the 244/6mm Remington?

  About as soon as I posted this, I figured out that I was thinking backwards   You WANT a faster twist for the longer bullets..

[TexasShooter]

This is not for you Walks with a gimp, because you remembered, but I'm sure that there are a few that may have forgotten what each barrel twist means to a bullet.

1:7" for bullets heavier than 70gr.
1:8" for bullets 62gr to 70gr.
1:9" for bullets up to 70gr.
1:12” for bullets up to 60gr.
1:14" for bullets up to 55gr.
1:15" for bullets up to 55gr. driven 4,100 pfs or more
1:16” for bullets up to 55gr. driven 4,300 fps or more

Yes I do like the H&R's, and think that they are capable of 1/2" or less groups at 100 yards. I purchased the Ultra to shoot in long range competition to 600 yards.

[TexasShooter]

Well I did as you requested cheatermk3, I called CS and talked to Gordon.

I was real nice as you instructed, even after I heard all of the info below.

He told me that H&R started making 1:9 barrels on the Ultra's around the end 0f 2005 and then made a change back to 1:12 sometime in the first of 2006 and have been making the 1:12 Ultra's ever since, to get rid of the 1:12 barrels. When they diminish the 1:12 barrels, then every one of the Ultra's from then on will be 1:9's. They will not even furnish replacement 1:12's, you will only be able to get 1:9, even if you are replacing a 1:12.

They don't show the twist on the box and the twist is not recorded in the serial number. He told me the only way to know if you are getting a 1:12 or 1:9 is to check it before you buy it. My guess is most of the guy's out there that think they have a 1:9 twist, really have a 1:12 and that is why they don't shoot heavy bullets well.

He said that basically I was stuck with the Ultra 1:12 that I bought, because I did not check the barrel twist before I bought the gun! Of course that is not something I nornally do and don't carry anything along with me to do so when I go gun shopping.

Any way thank for helping me find out the information I needed, even if it was not what I wanted to hear.

Now I have 2 Ultras for sale.

[quickdtoo]

My guess is most of the guy's out there that think they have a 1:9 twist, really have a 1:12 and that is why they don't shoot heavy bullets well.

That's always possible in some cases, but not true for everyone, lots have been confirmed to be 1:9", but still don't shoot the bigger bullets well.

Thanks for the feedback.

Tim