Author Topic: Survivor advice? (Read 2122 times)

jyracingm1 · « **on:** May 29, 2011, 12:17:41 AM »

Hello, Just discovered these awesome rifles. I found a used Survivor SB2-608 "W" 2006 chambered in 308 for sale. I really like the way it looks. I have been reading your FAQs, basic help, and many others posts all weekend. It will take me months to read the 202,000+ posts. Going to be time well spent. But, I want to buy the beautiful Survivor I found right away before someone else does and use it as my base receiver/frame for the barrels I want to get, if it is the right one to use,so I need a little advice...

My end goal is to have one Survivor with barrels for 30-06 Sprg, 308 Win, 270 Win, 44 Mag, 357 Mag (to shoot 38 Spl), 12 gauge, and even a 30 Carbine M1.

1. I realize the the 44 and 357 are the lighter SB1 based barrels, but I read that they can be fitted to the sturdier SB2, correct?
2. I haven't found a Handi barrel chambered in 30 Carbine, so what is the best Handi barrel caliber to rechamber to 30 Carbine?
3. Can I achieve all my multibarrel chamber goals with this one SB2 308 Survivor or would i be better off with a different model or base calibered rifle? The more I read the more it seems like ALL SB2's 1999 and later receiver/frames are created equal. Whether it be the Handi, Survivor, or Ultra. Just the accessories, stocks, barrel lengths, sights, etc are different options. Is this true?

Thanks in advance for helping get my new addiction started off right.
JY

Jimbo47 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 29, 2011, 01:14:06 AM »

For the most part yes it's true, and you can add the .357 and 44 to any SB2 frame, as well as most shotgun barrels up to 12 gauge, which makes any style handi and stock combination very versatile.

The survivor stock is a a good platform but it has a solid synthetic butt plate that opens for access to the stock storage compartment. With a barrel that may produce substantial recoil that solid butt may be too much without a recoil pad if you intend to plink or target shoot which is not what the survivor is intended for.

You can add a slip on recoil pad, but then you defeat the purpose of the stock storage compartment, unless you slip on a recoil pad just for the shooting session and then remove it, but it's nice to have the ability of adding different stocks, which is another advantage of the Handi rifle that you can add a different stock set up to suit your purpose.

They don't make a 30 caliber carbine barrel, but with the .357 mag you can shoot 38 spc., 357 magnum, and 357 Maximum if you put your name on the reamer list at the top of the page.

They are great little rifles and most all the calibers can be great shooters.

Welcome to the addiction!

bikerbeans · « **Reply #2 on:** May 29, 2011, 03:51:09 AM »

jy,

hi and welcome. You should be able to buy and fit all the barrels you mention except the 30 carbine. That one you will have to have built, either a rebore/rechamber of a smaller caliber Handi CF rifle barrel, or a barrel stub or insert.

There are a lot of folks with many barrels fitted to one receiver and are very happy using their Handi that way. There are also a bunch of us who decided we don't want to swap barrels so we pretty much have a one gun/one receiver policy. You can go the multi-barrel direction and if down the road you change your mind just head to the GBO classifies and look for orphan receivers and stock sets. BTW, one cannot claim to be a true Handiholic without at least one 45-70: others will say you need a 30-30, but they are false prophets

Now head on over to the candy shop and get your Survivor.

BB

jyracingm1 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 29, 2011, 05:11:17 AM »

LOL thanks guys.
Good to know I can buy any SB2 to get the job done. Interesting that you mentioned 45-70 Biker. I was just spnt an hour looking at that massive bullet. I found a 444 marlin Handi and compared it to the 45-70.
Would a 444 make get me in the Rookie Handiholic Club?
I really have no use for the 45-70. Dont plan on hunting Elephants any time soon. a 30-30 is possible though.
I only want barrels to match the ammo that I already have. Without giving away quantities, I have high 4 digit amounts of 30-06 Sprg, 38 spl, 30 Carbine, 9mm, and 12 gauge. So, I for sure want those caliber barrels. High 3 digit amounts of 308 Win, 270 Win, 44 Mag, and 10 gauge. So my ammo is free, leaving me more addiction money for the Handi Candi shop. My preset arbitrary budget is $1000 to get me started/hooked. So I better stick to one SB2 receiver/frame/stock setup for now, unless its already has a barrel I need/want attached to it. Is it hard to swap out barrels?

Im wondering if I can shoot my 44 mags in the 444 Marlin Barrel? Have to do some research on that one.
Will talk with Wayne about the 30 Carbine and 9mm soon. Thanks.
I looked in the classifieds last night. the stuff goes FAST on here. They are all SPF already lol
Didn't know the Survivor wasn't cushioned Jimbo, thanks. Gotta have a bruise inhibitor. How does the stock storage open? A black stickon might work?
Thanks again guys. I should own one or two of the beauties by the end of today.
JY

quickdtoo · « **Reply #4 on:** May 29, 2011, 06:14:20 AM »

Welcome JY!!

Negative on the 44mag in the 444, contrary to popular belief, the 444 isn't just a lengthed 44mag, it's also larger in diameter at the case head which may cause split cases.

Tim

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,175149.msg1098829703.html?PHPSESSID=vaucqdrg41asvhdsdjscg075m1#msg1098829703

jyracingm1 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 31, 2011, 03:15:38 AM »

That doesnt sound good. I will stay away from the 444 then, thanks. I came across the 44Mag in a 445 Super Mag issue. Sounds like that just might work? I have no intention in shooting 445SM's though. Just curious.
I also came across this Trapper...
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=233035247
I sent an email to the seller for serial number. The seller said it is an SB1 serial #CAC2374XX.
Am I correct in thinking from reading the posts and H&R's Accessory Barrel Program that since its an SB1 then they wont rebarrel this one to a 30-06 and I shouldn't use a 30-06 barrel on it?
JY

Jimbo47 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 31, 2011, 04:04:22 AM »

Check out Bud's Guns if you are thinking of buying on line, they have free shipping and pretty good prices!

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/36_351

bikerbeans · « **Reply #7 on:** May 31, 2011, 04:19:58 AM »

Quote from: jyracingm1 on May 31, 2011, 03:15:38 AM

That doesnt sound good. I will stay away from the 444 then, thanks. I came across the 44Mag in a 445 Super Mag issue. Sounds like that just might work? I have no intention in shooting 445SM's though. Just curious.
I also came across this Trapper...
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=233035247
I sent an email to the seller for serial number. The seller said it is an SB1 serial #CAC2374XX.
Am I correct in thinking from reading the posts and H&R's Accessory Barrel Program that since its an SB1 then they wont rebarrel this one to a 30-06 and I shouldn't use a 30-06 barrel on it?
JY

Yes, H&R will not put a CF rifle barrel on an SB1 frame, only the original chambering and shotgun barrels.

BB

jyracingm1 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 31, 2011, 04:36:48 AM »

Bud's has this Survivor in 308 for $267. A Bud's wood stock 30-06 on GB. And a Bud's Syn stock 30-06 on GB

Cant find a Survivor in 30-06 yet. May have to buy any Survivor in 308 or 270 and ship it for a 30-06 rebarrel right away. Or, buy any wood/syn 30-06 and restock it

Sent an offer to a seller on a Survivor in 308. Hopefully he will accept it, Im trying lol

jyracingm1 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 31, 2011, 04:38:56 AM »

Thanks for the confirmation BB. Im learning... slowly

Jimbo47 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 31, 2011, 08:38:11 AM »

I believe the Survivor configuration only comes in 308 and .223 but you can get a standard stocked version and keep an eye on the classifieds, then later put your stocks up for trade or sale after you purchase a survivor stock set.

They turn up on the classifieds every now and then, but when they do you have to be fast.

I snatched one up a couple weeks ago, and just got lucky. I also snagged a new synthetic camo stock set, and I love that stock because of the looks, fit, and nice soft recoil pad.

Spanky · « **Reply #11 on:** May 31, 2011, 08:46:46 AM »

You can buy a Survivor set online from several sources.

You can even get them directly from Choate. It's usually cheaper to buy online than it is in the classifieds.

Spanky

jyracingm1 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 31, 2011, 01:28:51 PM »

No wonder I cant find a 30-06 SB2 Survivor. Im searching for something that doesnt exist from H&R lol.
Thanks so much guys. That will save me 4 more days of endless searching.
Since it will be my first Handi, I want a complete shootable rifle.
Looks like to do that I have to buy a 308 Survivor or buy Bud's 30-06 SB2 Wood Handi or a wood 270 SB2 and add the Survivor type stock and forearm later. I dont think Im ready to build one myself yet. Especially since I live in California and our ridiculous laws about receiver only shipments. Most sellers wont even ship complete rifles to California because of the CFLC list requirements.
So, I am down to three possibilities...
1. 308 Survivor
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=233043500
He will ship to me but I dont know his reserve. I made him an offer with no reply yet.

2. 308 Survivor
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=233003537
No reserve, I emailed him about CA shipping

3. Bud's wood 30-06
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=233159627
$1 cheaper on their website

bikerbeans · « **Reply #13 on:** May 31, 2011, 04:08:57 PM »

jy,

Since you want the 06 I would go with door #3. Just a matter of selling the pallet wood set and buying a survivor set. One thing tho, the 06 and 270 barrels are both 22" standard contour and I believe the survivor 308 is a 22" heavy barrel. I would check on that though as H&R changes things and I have a bad case of CRS.

There is a fourth option. Buy the 308 Win survivor and rechamber it to say 30-06 AI. 4D reamer rentals is your friend.

BB

cowboyup453 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 31, 2011, 04:46:24 PM »

This 44 mag was fired in a 444 marlin no by me though.

jyracingm1 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 31, 2011, 05:31:30 PM »

I kinda agree with you BB, but the survivor stock set seems harder to find than a 30-06 barrel. Are you saying that since the 308 is a heavy barrel the SB2 receiver that it comes with it may be different than the 30-06, 270 SB2 receiver? And a 30-06 barrel may not fit on the 308 heavy SB2 receiver??? I will definately check on that before I buy a 308 then. What does CRS mean? I need to find the acronym list for this site, Im so out of the loop lol

Outsourcied rechambering is definitely an option and I will be doing that for the must have 30 Carbine barrel, but I want a 308 too, so I would need two 308 barrels then. Hmmm, a heavy 20-06 barrel sounds good too. I dont think I can rechamber a barrel myself? Dont I need a lathe to do it? I have access to a lathe, but if I screw it up, then Im out a barrel and the cost would double. I think I better leave rechambering to the pros and stick to H&R's accessory barrels for now.

I saw that 44 mag split case pic on quickdtoo's link. Looks dangerous. I dont care if the case splits per se since Im not reloading, but the side effects of the smaller, shorter case, gas leakage, 1" from bullet to rifling gap, etc doesnt sound like it would be very accurate even if it didnt blow up. I think I will buy a 44 SB1 accessory barrel from H&R so they can fit it to my (soon to be had) SB2 receiver.

cowboyup453 · « **Reply #16 on:** May 31, 2011, 07:00:19 PM »

Quote

What does CRS mean?

Can't remember shat.

jyracingm1 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 31, 2011, 07:06:04 PM »

ROTFLMFAO

Speaking of split cases...
Shooting a 308 and 30 Carbine in a 30-06 barrel WITH the chamber adapter?
http://www.mcace.com/adapters.htm
One 30-06 barrel and two adapters, shoots 3 calibers.
Blow up or great idea???

gcrank1 · « **Reply #18 on:** June 01, 2011, 06:15:19 AM »

30-06 will do all the 308 will, and more. The chamber adapters are reported to 'work' (no dangers either) but accuracy is

The big problem is that the point of impact will be quite different between the calibers. This can be solved by having 'quick release' scopes that are -0-ed for each caliber.
To do a custom stub barrel is workable, but can get pricey; I think Id get the 30-06 or 308 and the 30C chamber adapter if I just had to shoot some 30C. Mostly I would reload some lighter bullets in the parent chambering and use reduced loads to achieve similar results. It works, and for the cost of a custom stub (or less) you can get reloading.

jyracingm1 · « **Reply #19 on:** June 01, 2011, 06:46:53 AM »

I agree... Alot more, especially with heavy 180+ bullets.
I just read all 17 posts about these chamber adapters. Its seems about 50/50 good and bad. I dont reload and I dont save brass. I already have a lifetime supply of ammo for 10 people in 30-,06, 308, 30C 38 spl, 9mm, and 12G, to name a few. Im thinking, instead of buying 5 barrels with the fitting issues to solve, I can use the 3006 barrel for accuracy/hunting and play with the 308 and 30c adapters. Id like to use only one scope and only one barrel for all three calibers. What about zeroing in different places on the scope for each caliber? 30-06 aim dead center, 308 aim 3 dots left-1 dot down, 30Caim 6 dots up-3 dots left see pic lol.

revbc · « **Reply #20 on:** June 01, 2011, 07:14:59 AM »

Jy,

Go ahead and pickup that new survivor in 308 from Buds. Heavy barrel that shoots real good. You then can just send it in and pay for the 06, 44mag, 357, & 12 gauge barrels factory fitted well within your budget with change. (be sure to order a extra forearm for each barrel for it to be fitted with, maintains accuracy better)

I started with a 308 survivor, still have the barrel and receiver on thumbhole lam stocks. Warning it does not stop there!!!!!

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=308+survivor&x=15&y=7

Bobby

gcrank1 · « **Reply #21 on:** June 01, 2011, 07:17:20 AM »

With a good scope and good notes you will do OK and with a few warm up shots to check yourself and the -0- it will work. Same is true for swapping QR scopes (even old style Weaver rings fit this description), but a good rifleman will always check his -0- anyway.
KISS just keeps making more and more sense to me........
You wont go wrong with a 308 or '06 as the platform.

jyracingm1 · « **Reply #22 on:** June 01, 2011, 07:53:43 AM »

Im almost ready for Buds Bobby, but I have to wait a few more days just in case I get this one, 8x16 scope and bipod!!! Have it rechamber to 3006 and buy the 308 and 30C adapters. That leaves me $700 for 3 more guns or 6 more barrels lol Santa, all I want for CHRISTmas is a gift certificate to H&R1871.com.
Ah hell, Im just going to buy Bud;s 3006 AND this one then lol
Thanks for all your help and advice guys.

jyracingm1 · « **Reply #23 on:** June 03, 2011, 07:45:18 AM »

Well, I'm not buying the neat bipod survivor 308, the reserve is to high.
Instead, I'm trying to buy this one for 157 bucks on GB. It's a 270. I dont know the serial number yet though.
i keep searching topics on here (because I have no life and I am fascinated by what I read), and found an interesting "testy" argument posted back in 2006 about the sb1 and sb2 differences.
Until reading that I was under the impression that ALL large caliber, i.e., 270 or 30-06, centerfire handis with their original factory barrel were sb2s. Then, i read in another post that none of the pre1987 were sb2s.
So, take for example if this 270 that I'm trying to buy is in fact a 1985 BB serial number prefixed original barreled rifle, then it must have an sb1 frame?

??
If this is correct, then wouldn't it be considered safe to shoot 270 commercial ot milsurp rounds in it? Maybe I am missing the point about what exactly a "high pressure" load is that requires a sb2 frame. I thought all big bore calibers, 264 mag, 270 mag, 308, 30-06, etc are high pressure loads? Am I wrong? If I'm not wrong then theoretically there are hi pressure load barrels on sb1s from the factory? HELP!?
I realize that if it has an NB or later serial number prefix then it is definitely an sb2 frame.
Whether it is an sb1 or sb2, I hope I own my first Handi Dandi rifle soon!!!!! I have lots of 270 rounds to shoot in it, cant til it gets here.

Jimbo47 · « **Reply #24 on:** June 03, 2011, 07:57:52 AM »

I didn't have a headache until I read this thread!

jyracingm1 · « **Reply #25 on:** June 03, 2011, 08:45:07 AM »

Sorry Jimbo lol
The more I read the more confused I get.
Well, I won the 270!!! I guess I wont know for what it is til I get it here, read the serial number, take it apart, check for a solid or skeleton stock bolt flange, lipped or rounded nose, big or little firing pin hole, etc. etc. etc.
I hoping is an SB2, but it probably isnt.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #26 on:** June 03, 2011, 12:18:52 PM »

Quote from: jyracingm1 on June 03, 2011, 07:45:18 AM

Instead, I'm trying to buy this one for 157 bucks on GB. It's a 270. I dont know the serial number yet though.

Congrats, that's a great buy on a 2006 or later Handi, what looks like a frame pin above the small frame pin is actually an inspection port plug, they didn't start using them until 2006, so you're good to go for any accessory rifle barrel they offer.

FYI, H&R didn't make any SB2 frames prior to 1987(late 1986 actually), they only made cast iron frames made for low pressure chamberings like 30-30, 45-70, 44 and 357mag and 22 Hornet, and of course shotgun barrels, there was no SB1 or SB2 designation then.

Tim

jyracingm1 · « **Reply #27 on:** June 03, 2011, 05:00:28 PM »

Really? Thats great! Thank you for telling me that Tim. I wasnt sure what the frame it was. You made my day

wreckhog · « **Reply #28 on:** June 03, 2011, 09:27:45 PM »

Personally, I'd shoot one Handi a lot before buying 7 extra barrels. Most people scope their Handis with decent glass, so the cost of another frame and stock becomes trivial. Something like a .270 is great for hunting further than most people will ever shoot, but having a pile of barrels to choose from before a hunt is honestly a waste of time. An actual waste of time, because you are going to want to make sure it shoots the right load the right way before you put on the camo. And simply swapping things around has the potential to mess with that.

The Survivor stock is not a recoil friendly stock. I have that stock on a 30-30, and it is fine, but a 12 gauge? The pallet wood stocks with a recoil pad are very good for their intended purpose.

If you reload, consider a 45-70, if you hunt big game in the woods, a 30-30, plink, a 357.

jyracingm1 · « **Reply #29 on:** June 04, 2011, 12:02:22 AM »

I just bought two chamber inserts and an extractor from Ace Dube, aka lilred, in 30C and 308 to shoot in a 30-06 barrel.