Newbie Questions

[CoffeeInMe]

Im wanting to buy a hunting rifle for both me and our two sons (ages 8 and 11) to shoot for some target practice and killing mostly deer, and some coyote, beaver. This will be a rifle that will be kept around for several years (I hope).
I have done some searching but cant seem to find the answers Im looking for.
1) Can I buy a .223 Heavy Barrel with a Synthetic stock (I would have to order it) from WalMart for example ?
2) Is Marlin making both the standard and heavy barrels now ?
3) Since I plan on keeping this rifle for several years then would it benefit me to pay the difference in getting a Bull Barrel for accuracy or any other reason you might can tell me about ?
I will probably have more questions later.
Thanks

[CoffeeInMe]

Well it took some time but I believe I answered all my questions.
1) I tried to contact NEF but they are closed for inventory and NewYears but I cant find the .223 in HB with regular synthetic stock. There is the thumbhole synthetic stock but I dont like the looks of it. Beside that because of my searching and looking under "H&R" (which I found to be the same thing) I think I fell in love with the H&R SB2-833 Ultra-Varmint .223 24HB LAM
2) From what Ive gathered so far and seen in FAQ that Marlin is making both/all the standard and heavy barrels for the .223...and I assume this includes the H&R Ultra-Varmint
3) I will be getting the heavy bull barrel based on reviews Ive read. It really isnt needed I guess for most hunting situations for 200 yards and under but I would feel better getting one after my research.

[PartsMan]

1. You can trade and swap almost any stock you want.
    Just post it in the classifieds here.
    I put the synthetic monti carlo stock and ultra varmint fluted fore end and then panted.

2. I am not sure who is making what barrels.
    My 223 bull barrel will consistently shoot .5" groups at 100yds off of sand bags.
    So I don't realy care who made it.

3. When I bought my 223 bull barrel it did not cost any more money.

[CoffeeInMe]

Thanks PartsMan. I didnt realize you could swap different stocks and fore ends from a NEF Handi Rifle to that like a H&R Ultra Varmint. Even though they might be made from the same factory I thought those parts would not be interchangeable. I might end up liking the Laminated wood anyway.
I thought I had read in another thread that the accuracy of the .223 barrels was increased when Marlin took over the making of them. Its certainly good to hear that yours is doing very well indeed.
Thanks again.

[iceking02]

Coffee,

While you CAN buy every barrel/cartridge combination the combination of varminting/deer/paper-punching may be better served by a .243 Winchester...if money is an issue and you're good about sharing your rifle with the kids. Regardless, you MAY just find that the combination of price, versatility and accuracy make these little dandies hard NOT to keep collecting--regardless of your money situation!

Welcome and start shopping around for more Handi/NEF deals, they're everywhere!

IceKing02

[quickdtoo]

Welcome aboard Coffee!! As has been said, ALL H&R/NEF stocks are interchangable with a few forend exceptions, ALL of the synthetic stocks are made by Choate Machine & Tool, and will fit any rifle or shotgun, again with forend exceptions for the 10ga shotgun and 12ga USH barrels.

http://www.riflestock.com/catalog_page_category.cfm?queries_index=Gallery&ProductCode=33

All barrels with few exceptions, are made by Marlin now, there may be some accessory barrels from past production and there's no guarantee that a NIB rifle you find on a shelf somewhere will be current production, but all 2007 built 223s will be 1:9" twist made by Marlin, except possibly the .223 Superlight which until they run out of last run, will be 1:12".

Another one you may not know about is the thumbhole Ultra which is available in 223, 22-250 and 243.  

http://rrarms.com/catalog.php?prod=GSB28T2

Tim

[CoffeeInMe]

I know this is going to be mine (also the boys first high powered learning rifle) but Im getting excited about this. The oldest boy is getting pretty good with his 22 rifle that he earned from passing his hunter safety course and the youngest is progressing with his pellet gun just fine. Thanks again for all the information.