Need Info RE: Handi in 500 S&W

[Retsof]

Hello.
I've been reading topics on GBO for some time, though I don't often actively engage in forum discussions, unless I have something useful to add.  I need the straight scoop on the Handi-Rifle in 500 S&W. Specifically, 1) Can the Handis hold up to the pressure generated by the 500 S&W round?; and, 2) What is the quality of the most recent crop of Handis to hit the market?
I have a Handi in 500 S&W, which with the Federal Premium 275 Barnes Expander ammo, it is scary accurate at 100 yards (as in 1 ragged hole for a 3-shot group, which I've done more than once and I'm not that great of a shot). Last year, it had begun to pop open when I shoot it. Despite drying the shelf latch and everything else around it multiple times, it still pops open. So, I broughht it to the local gunsmith who stated that it was the action mechanism itself, which in his opinion wasn't worth repairing since it would soon happen again (ie, he does not think this rifle can handle the pressures of the 500 S&W, despite the fact that I'm not shooting really hot loads out of it). Since I've only heard this from him, I'd like to hear from those who have one of these in this caliber. With the upcoming MS Primitive Weapon Season just around the corner is why I remembered to ask this question now (I do have another rifle for the MS Primitive Weapons Season but this Handi is so accurate, I'd like to get it fixed if possible).
The reason for my 2nd question is that I have a co-worker, who has asked me for a recommendation as to what to get for the MS Primitive Weapons Season. I was going to recommend the Handi, when the problem with my Handi developed. There seems to be a general consensus that the quality has gone to hell, though that is just my impression. So, are the current crop of Handis of decent quality?
Thanks.

[twoshooter]

I have only had one such experience, while I was fireforming brass, the primer was pierced and I think the gas from that had something to do with it.
    I have no problems with handi's so far, but then I do not / did not get them to hot rod. There is no way I would ever pay what you paid for the ammunition you mentioned, which I suspect is close to $2 a round. My handis are for cast loads, my 500 rounds run me about 12 cents. I have not heard of others here having your problem very often. I recommend handi's in any of the big 3- 444,45/70,500 as excellent short to medium range guns for any game. If your particular gun has some problems Quick and some of the more technical expert guys will notice and chime in shortly. I have no doubt that the action can handle factory pressure loads or they would never have chanced it from a liability standpoint.
    Does it open every time? With other ammo? How are you holding the gun while firing?

[quickdtoo]

The only issues I've seen are underlugs that setback causing a loose barrel, that can happen on any H&R due their design, not just the 500S&W tho, but the high pressure chamberings are more prone to it. If the barrel is properly fitted, it shouldn't pop open assuming all the other things that can cause em are eliminated. Remove the forend while the barrel is locked up on the frame, check for a loose barrel, if it's loose, it needs to go back to H&R for a new barrel, if it's not loose, it may have a broken latch or just need to be refitted, repair turn arounds have been 2 weeks lately, assuming they have the parts needed for the repair.

Tim

http://www.hr1871.com/support/repairs.asp

[Jimbo47]

I'm no expert by any stretch of my imagination but I've worked on my 20 gauge tracker II that had the same problem.   It's more than likely the latch not engaging correctly and you need to do what is called in the FAQ section on pop open fixes and smoke the latch and check how the latch is engaging.  It should be even across the entire latch and it's a simple fix you can do yourself by just honing the latch shelf with a stone.   Smoke the latch again and check it making only slight passes with the stone on each try until you get it just right.
If you don't want to fix it yourself you can call CS and send the rifle in to have it fixed.
If it shoots as good as you say I would do everything in my power to get it fixed.  Again have customer service fix it for you and forget the gunsmith.   I've had the same experience with gunsmiths and Handi's, they see a cheap rifle and know they can't make any money off you with fixing it and just tell you that it's not worth fixing, and send you on your way.
 
Here are links and take note of the latch shelf wear in both the illustrations.   Yours may not be as extreme as the second link but you get the idea.
http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,82412.msg504758.html#msg504758
http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,112513.msg1098348888.html#msg1098348888

[gcrank1]

As long as the barrel to standing breech fit is good (wiggle test first, then feeler gauges is better) then you follow the FAQs to improve latch function/purchase. I dont think I would stand up to much 500 factory loadings, or afford it either, so reloading to more sane pressures would be well worth it. You will pay down the reloading stuff pretty quick! An old 'rule of thumb' was if you reduce a load by 5% you reduce pressures by 10%. I could easy see reducing a 500's load by 10% and reduce pressures even more; better for you and the gun.
+1 on 'gunsmiths' (in general) dont have much respect for these.
As regards your friend, you are pretty limited on what to choose from for your prim-season.......I dont believe the quality has really gone down on H&Rs and am not ready to go for a Rossi myself, but some here have both and have been satisfied with the Rossi. Its all a cat in bag; I know guys who have spent some big money on stuff that gave way more fits than Ive ever had with H&Rs.

[Retsof]

Thanks for all of you to take the time to reply.
When my schedule slows down some, I think I'll send it back to the factory for repair.
The good news is that a box of 500 S&W ammo lasts at least 2 seasons. The bad news is that it is well over $ 2/round. It is very accurate with the only ammo that I've tried in it.
Thanks again.
 
 
 
 

[quickdtoo]

Good choice, since it was shooting good before with no problems, something has changed or broken since a clean, dry shelf and latch didn't help.  Ya haven't painted the barrel/frame have ya?    That's caused problems more than a couple times, it keeps it from locking up fully, crud in the rim cut would cause the same problem, but that's just a WAG, never experienced it.  

Tim