Author Topic: Topper barrels 30/30 & 357 max.  (Read 458 times)

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Offline Blackhawker

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Topper barrels 30/30 & 357 max.
« on: April 14, 2009, 04:44:48 AM »
I realize that I've missed the purchase but I have a question:  What is a topper barrel?  How does it differ from a Handi barrel and can a topper barrel be put on a Handi or a Buffalo Classic/CR-45 style frame?  Is the fore end different from a Handi or BC?

I only ask because I don't want to miss out on an opportunity for a 30-30 barrel by asking questions and not saying "I'll take it".  LOL

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Topper barrels 30/30 & 357 max.
« Reply #1 on: April 14, 2009, 05:10:14 AM »
Topper rifle barrels were only made by the original H&R, just like any barrel, they may or may not fit, some do, others don't, older Topper barrels had snap-on forends, no screw was used.

Tim
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline Blackhawker

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Re: Topper barrels 30/30 & 357 max.
« Reply #2 on: April 14, 2009, 06:00:37 AM »
Thanks for the info Tim.  So I guess it's just hit or miss with those old barrels then.  Buy it, try it, and if it doesn't work, sell it until it makes it into the hands of someone that can use it.  The barrels are cheap enough to afford that I guess.

Thanks again!

Offline Gerry N.

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Re: Topper barrels 30/30 & 357 max.
« Reply #3 on: April 14, 2009, 10:27:25 AM »
My H&R Topper 158 .30-30 was made in 1968.  I've tried a couple newer Handi barrels on it to no avail.  I suspect the newer barrels don't work because they're engineered not to so a high intensity barrel can't be used on this low intensity receiver.  From what I've been able to learn the only other calibers available for that receiver at the time were .22 Hornet, 12, 20, and .410 ga.  I'd sure like to have .22 Hornet and at least a 20 ga modified barrels  to go with it. 

I bought a Weaver base and had a scope on the rifle, until I shot it.  The comb slapped my cheek so hard it bled, so I took the scope off.  I've had good results with the factory open sight using cast bullet loads.  The secret, which once was open knowlege, to consistent good results with a cheap tip-up single shot is simple.   Take it out and shoot it.    I found a cheap, consistent load that works very well.  1CC of Unique under a Lyman 311291 cast bullet.  I use wheelweight metal and shoot them "as cast," no gas check and tumble lubed with Lee Liquid Alox, AKA "Mule Snot".    As hard as this load hits rocks and tree stumps, I have no compunctions about trying it for deer. 

Gerry N.

Offline wreckhog

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Re: Topper barrels 30/30 & 357 max.
« Reply #4 on: April 14, 2009, 10:52:08 AM »
How much Unique is 1 CC?

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Topper barrels 30/30 & 357 max.
« Reply #5 on: April 14, 2009, 10:58:30 AM »
Thanks for the info Tim.  So I guess it's just hit or miss with those old barrels then.  Buy it, try it, and if it doesn't work, sell it until it makes it into the hands of someone that can use it.  The barrels are cheap enough to afford that I guess.

Thanks again!

It's hit or miss with any second hand barrel, I've got 45 complete H&R firearms, about half are made from parts, maybe 50% or those required no fitting, I've had one M158 30-30(it's the one in Talleyho's avatar now ;D), the barrel wouldn't fit any of the 30 or so SB2 frames I had at the time, the underlug was way too long, would have required extensive cutting on the pivot to make it fit.

Tim
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline Blackhawker

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Re: Topper barrels 30/30 & 357 max.
« Reply #6 on: April 14, 2009, 11:09:40 AM »
Thanks for the info Tim.  So I guess it's just hit or miss with those old barrels then.  Buy it, try it, and if it doesn't work, sell it until it makes it into the hands of someone that can use it.  The barrels are cheap enough to afford that I guess.

Thanks again!

It's hit or miss with any second hand barrel, I've got 45 complete H&R firearms, about half are made from parts, maybe 50% or those required no fitting, I've had one M158 30-30(it's the one in Talleyho's avatar now ;D), the barrel wouldn't fit any of the 30 or so SB2 frames I had at the time, the underlug was way too long, would have required extensive cutting on the pivot to make it fit.

Tim

I'd love to get a 30-30 barrel for my set up but I'd hate to go through the hassle of buying and selling over and over.  I've got a 38-55 barrel coming in soon.  Hopefully it fits right, if not, I'll be posting it again.  LongTom gets first dibs on that one though.

Thanks again Tim.  As you know, I'm new to the NEF and H&R stuff.  I suppose I'll be trying different things (buying and trying) sooner or later.  It's bound to happen to all of us once we get started with these single shots.