Question about the "super light compact" Handi

[jlwilliams]

   So, I was looking at a current print catalog.  I noticed the "super light compact" on the same page as the synthetics.  It's a full 1 1/2lb lighter and it has 2 1/2" shorter pull than a standard synthetic or wood Handi.  I see that it has a slightly shorter barrel, but I'm wondering how much of the weight saving is the stock.  Also, when I went on the sight I didn't find the compact stock listed as being an option to buy on it's own.

  Does this stock reduce the weight noticably?  Are they available from the company, or would I have to post a WTB?

  I'm leaning toward cutting and crowning a .357 synthetic to 16 1/2", so a slightly more compact stock may really be a good match.

[mechanic]

I'm not in the know about current production, but I have an ultralite 243.  Not only is the barrel shorter, its a thinner taper.  This makes it more sensitive to heat when firing a lot of rounds in a short time.  If you use it as I do in hunting, you will probably only fire one shot anyway, so it's not a problem. 

[bigvarmnt]

Sounds like a youth stock. Sounds like you already have the 357 synthetic. As mechanic said, if it's a superlight barrel it's a thinner taper, less weight. 357 would be diff. barrel contour. I don't think the 2 1/2" shorter synthetic stock would weigh much dfferent. I would want to see how it fit me. Regular syn. seems short enough to me. If it fits you it might be a sweet little compact package with that shorter barrel. OK I went up and found my catalog. Got me confussed now. I have a Superlight 223 with a 20" barrel. I didn't think the l.o.p. was 2 1/2" shorter but now I'll have to check. The cat. says it has sights, mine don't. Maybe a misprint?? See if it fits you first. Don't think weight would be much diff. Good Luck!

[jlwilliams]

Looking at the picture, I see the thinner barrel now.  I will still try to find one with the shorter stock to handle it and see how it feels.  If I go forward with the shorter barrel, I'll want to make the whole package as compact as possable.

  I handled a Winchester High Wall trapper last week and it's just been burning in my mind to modify a Handi.  The whole thing was incredibly compact.  Like you could stick it in a backpack or under a canoe seat no problem.  Not that I would do that with a $1K+ gun, but a Handi.... that's a different story.  Maybe I'll do it with the .357 synthetic, or maybe with a different one so I can just shorten the pallet wood. 

[Swampman]

The youth stock is pretty awkward for an adult.

[canon6]

Swampman is correct about the youth stock.I put one on a 20 guage, added a Limbsaver slip on recoil pad and now have a really fast handling shotgun.   HTH    Doug

[Default]

I picked one of these up with the synthetic camo  stock and to get a good check wield for me i add a slip on limb saver that adds about 1 1/2 " to the length of pull for me shooting and sighting in this little rifle ... But today i got my Survivor stock in the mail and have on the 44mag (new SB1 sythetic stocked model) and I'm flirting with putting the 44's old stock on the 243 to see how the weight will change and to put the little rifle to more user options since my nephew rarely asks to go shooting it less we are going hunting soon ..

   But even with the slip on on the stock ultra light it is a very compact rifle for me , and rests on the border of uncomfortable...

   I would say use the barrel on a reciver with a full length stock and enjoy the light handi-ness of the combination


     Default

[wreckhog]

I have a .357 Mag (reamed to Max), cut to 16.5". It is the same OD as a 12 gauge barrel. The 12 gauge with its thinner walls is a far lighter gun, even though the 12 is a 22" with sights vs the 16.5" with scope rail.