Handi Stainless .44mag & 20ga. modified barrel Combo Question

[Bossloper]

Came across an ad for an all stainless Handi combo with a .44 mag barrel & 20 gauge modified barrel. I would like to know if this was a combo package at one time and whether it is a SB2 or SB1 frame?  Thanks, Brett

[LaOtto222]

The only all stainless steel frame I know of has only been available for the last year or so. I am not aware of any 44 Mag or 20 gauge barrels being stainless. Are you sure they are not nickle plated? NEF and Harrington Richardson as well as Marlin made nickle plated frames. What was the year of manufacture - you can look in the FAQ to find out. Do both barrels have the same serial number etched in them and do they match the frame? Not sure about older Handi's, but the new ones will be etched with the last 3 numbers of the frame serial number. You can look in the FAQ again about how to tell an SB 1 and an SB 2 frame apart. The frames were only different in the later years of manufacture. The early ones only had one frame. Tim will be along later today and he can shed more light on this for you, but it would be helpful to know the manufacture date. Good Luck and Good Shooting.

[quickdtoo]

As LaOtto explained, H&R doesn't make a stainless frame except for the 45-70 and 444 Ultra Hunters which were first available in 2008, it's always possible some wholesaler special ordered the 44/20ga combo with stainless frame if it was made in 2008 or 2009, but if if was made before last year, it will have a nickel plated frame, possibly a stainless barrel, they've made stainless rifle barrels for many years, shotgun barrels  were nickel plated tho. Let us know whatcha learn. Same on the SB1 vs SB2, SB1 weren't available until 2008, if it is an SB1, it will be marked on the right side of the frame that the only rifle barrel that can be used on it is the one that came with it.......if it's a factory issued firearm. 

Tim