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Author Topic: Older Topper 30-30 barrel  (Read 1206 times)

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Offline rickt300

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Older Topper 30-30 barrel
« on: February 10, 2009, 05:35:43 AM »
I just bought a 30-30 barrel made for the old H&R Topper series. Will it fit the new SB1 or SB2 NEF frames?  Were there specific Topper models that the 30-30 barrel was made for? How would I find the right frame?  I have an older Topper 88 in 20 gauge and would like to try it out but safety is important.
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Offline lcdrdanr

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Re: Older Topper 30-30 barrel
« Reply #1 on: February 10, 2009, 07:43:11 AM »
  I have an H&R Model 058 (It does not say "Topper", just Model 058) which, according to it's AZ prefix serial number, was made in 1985.  I bought it used with a 20 gauge barrel and a 30-30 barrel.
  I have since seen several other combos, some marked "Topper Model 158", in both blue and stainless (with a BA SN prefix) and have been informed that there were numerous combos of 2, 3 and even 4 barrels on these guns.  Calibers were 30-30, 22 Jet, .22 Hornet, 20 gauge, and 12 gauge.  Possibly more.
  I am under the impression that the Model 88 Topper shotgun was the same frame and receiver as the Model 158 which I know came with combination rifle barrels.  So, I don't think it would be a safety issue to use the 30-30 barrel on a pre 1986 cast iron frame PROVIDED it fits, locks up, and is fitted correctly. And, that the cast iron frame it's going on is in good, usable condition.
  I have also been specifically told that the older barrels will not fit the newer SB1 and SB2 frames but do not know what exactly is stopping them from fitting.  It would seem to me that the newer frames being stronger should accept the older frames safely so it must be some mechanical issue, not a safety issue.

Dan R
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Older Topper 30-30 barrel
« Reply #2 on: February 10, 2009, 08:59:15 AM »
It may or may not fit, just like any other second hand barrel, the one older M158 barrel that I had wouldn't come close to fitting any of my SB2 frames(over 30 at the time IIRC), way too much metal would have to be removed from the pivot to make it fit, but others have used them on modern SB2 frames, tolerances then were apparently considerably more liberal than they are since HR1871 started making them.

Tim
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Offline Airsporter

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Re: Older Topper 30-30 barrel
« Reply #3 on: February 10, 2009, 12:23:36 PM »
My experience is similar to quick's.  My older H&R Model 58 30-30/20ga barrels won't interchange with any of my newer frames (2-SB1 and 2-SB2).  But every additional barrel I have purchased for newer frames, outside the factory program, have fit fine.  Buying untried barrels reminds me of the 'Dirty Harry' line:  Do you feel lucky.... well do ya?
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