Newbie with an old "Handy Gun"

[djw]

Hello all,

I'm Don, new here, with a question.

I have an "H&R Handy Gun II", Model 258, apparently manufactured in 1981(AV ser.no.), with .22 Hornet and 20 gauge barrels.  It is a silver, not quite stainless, finish. 

I understand that NEF will not fit a barrel to my frame, but my question is: Will newer barrels actually fit?  If so, is it enough of a hassle that I ought to go ahead and buy a new production rifle as the foundation for the new (rifle) barrels that I will be purchasing?

BTW, I am planning on also picking up a Sportster, but I clearly understand that it is its own creature due to it being rimfire.

I've been reading here most of the evening and find this all very interesting.

Thanks.

Don

[quickdtoo]

Welcome aboard Don! I have a 1972 Topper 158 .30-30, the underlug of the barrel is way too long to be fitted to a modern frame, so that means a modern barrel would take a heck of a big shim to make it fit, and I don't know that the latch shelf isn't different too.

Sooo, buy a new one!! They currently are offering 3 barrel combos if they get them all in production, the youth models are now available with the adult models to follow, hopefully. The have rimfire and centerfire barrels on in one combo, including the 17hmr.

Tim

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/smf/index.php/topic,109561.0.html

[Datil]

Hello Don Welcome to the wondreful world of Handi-holic's
 I have a 158 made in 73 , Some of the newer barrels will
 fit  with out any fitting at all. but being old model I will
 Not shot any thing But shotguns on it, So I think like Quick
 you shold get newer Model for rifles in other calibers.
 Marv.

[Brett]

I suggest looking for a newer (1987 or later) not necessarily new Handi to use as a platform for rifle calibers.  If you are patient and beat the bushes well a good a used Handi will eventually turn up for short money.  IMHO complete H&R rifles and shotguns can be had economically enough that sending receivers back to the factory to have extra barrels fitted, or buying used barrels and fitting them myself is more of a hassle than it's worth.   But to each his own.

[djw]

Thanks for the response, gentlemen. I'll plan on getting a new (to me, at least) Handi. Those combo packages are a pretty good value IF they come in the combo you're after. It'll be interesting to see how they implement putting centerfire and rimfire barrels on one frame.
Don

[Busta]

Welcome aboard Don!

If you want a rifle (SB2) frame that will accept ANY the center fire barrels, and all the shotgun barrels (except 10ga and 12ga Ultra Slug Hunter), make sure you get one with a 1999 or newer Serial # (HN or NN).