About 18 years ago my dad bought me my first shot gun, a NEF pardner 12ga. I had some resentment for this decision because it was a cheap single shot, and all the other kids on my junior hunt had nice double barrels, semi's, or pumps. Now that I am 30, I have learned that my father actually knew what he was doing, and did right by me. I make every shot count, and to this day when the time comes for some upland game birds, pig, or breaking clays.... I reach past my Rem 870, and grab the ole single.
I have an old russian capture K98k mauser that I was going to sporterize and convert to my varminter. As it looks I was going to spend ~$600 on all the parts needed to make the rifle how I wanted it. I also had some serious internal debate on what caliber I was going to go with. .308, 7mm-08, .243win, .223rem, 22-250 were only some of the choices I was looking at. I needed a rifle that could do it all, cheap plinking, varminting, white tail, and mule deer.
Last week sometime, in my hours of not being able to sleep, I did some soul searching. I need nothing more than a single shot to do the work I want. The price is right, and when it comes to grabbing a firearm with one shot, or many shots, I 99% of the time grab the single. I started looking back at NEF because of my long history with my pardner, and came to the conclusion that a handi with 3 or 4 barrels would be the way to go. 4 guns for the price of one.
The purchase was authorized through the HDFA (household department of financial affairs) for one rifle in a starting caliber, with an extra barrel in caliber of choice. I have settled in on a .223rem for the first and a .243 win for the next. Both these barrels suit my needs the best at this time.
I went to the local Sportsman Unlimited where they have an H&R Ultra Varminter in .223rem with the laminated stock for the best price I can find around here. I locked my sights in on the rifle, and put it on hold till payday. I have a good friend that is thinking of getting a rifle for the same reasons, and I encouraged him to go the same route. The other night we went to the Gander Mountain and on the used rack was NEF Handi-Rifle in .243win with a "Camo-Laminate" stock and forearm (
http://www.rifle-stocks.com/Camo_Laminate_Sample.JPG) I love the look of the stock even more than the look of the brown/brown on the H&R ultra. The NEF is also $60 cheaper..... So... onto my questions.
1) I know both rifles are made in the same factory, but is there any difference in construction, metallurgy, or quality between the NEF and H&R receivers/barrels?
2) Because I am the former designated marksman guy that loves the look, feel, and shot placement of the heavier barrels, will the "Ultra" replacement barrels fit the NEF receiver? Will there be any benefit to t his, or just use the Handi barrels as they are the same... minus the stamp?
Thank you and I am glad to find someone out there loves their budget single shots as much as I do.
