Sent a recent Handi frame to Ilion on 28 Dec 2008, ordering a standard-contour .223 with scope mount. Since Gardner used to throw in a hammer spur, I assumed Ilion would too. Five weeks later, the rifle is back and looks just fine. The standard store box was sleeved with a sheet of corrugated and banded; one hole in the box but no damage to the rifle. The barrel is clean and free of dings, my frame and stock are in good shape, and the barrel locks up nicely, though there was some play when fully open. Adding an o-ring to the forend stud and one small piece of electrical tape to the rear of the forend where it meets the frame took care of that. There was a standard H&R scope base attached, but no hammer spur. Luckily I have a spare, relieved to fit the hammer after the requisite low-scope bob job. After bobbing the hammer and reassembling, I mounted a Bushnell 10x 3200 target scope in Leupold Rifleman rings. There is a box of fifty handloads in my range kit, waiting for a free afternoon and temps above freezing. Working a half-day tomorrow, hoping the weather holds and I can scoot to the range, and it's open . . . range report to follow.
