NEF

[mocha91]

I was just given a Handi rifle in 243 cal. from New England Firearms and I would like any info that anyone has on a good round for this rifle as well as feed back if anyone else also owns one.

[hunter63]

Have you shot a .243 before?
Have you shot this rifle?
What are you going to use it for? Game? Targets?
Is it scoped?
Do you re-load?
If most of your answers no, maybe just go to your local bullet store and pick up a box of what ever they have?
My first Handi came as a .243, then I added 9 more barrels thru their barrel accessory program.
My favorite is a .270 that I use for deer hunting.


http://www.hr1871.com/Support/accessoryProgram.asp

[mocha91]

No I haven't used a 243 before. I hunt with a 30-30 but would like to try the 243 for hunting. I also use a 308, 22-250, 5.56 and 45-70, as well as muzzleloader I reload with a friend of mine. ( he does most of the work reloading since the reloading room is in his basement.)
I am interested in getting a couple of more barrels for it.
The rifle does not have a scope, but that won't last long.

Thanks for the web-site and the reply

[hunter63]

.243 can be a big varmint gun or a small, light recoil deer gun.
DD uses a bolt Howa in .243, don't know what exactly she shoots as far as a load goes, but she does well with it.

It's fast, around 3000+/- fps and flat shooting.
So I guess, you just have to shoot it and see what you like.

As far as the barrel accessory program goes, you need to send in the action and they will match the barrel to it, and give it the same serial number.

Have fun.
I'm beginning to really like the little thing.
So far with the .270 barrel, 2 shots, 2 deer.

[rice paddy daddy]

I am a big fan of NEF/H&R. I have a 22 Hornet, a 45/70 and three of their shotguns. If they still made their 44 mag barrel with iron sights I'd add one to my 45/70 receiver.
But now ya got me thinkin about a 243. You guys are baaaad.:)

[hunter63]

They still do, Part # 44m, it's listed on the site I posted.
Their $90 bucks now, used to be $55 bucks for rifles.

I was looking for a .204 Ruger barrel, and the site said the regular bull barrel was discontinued.

They still listed the Ultra Barrel, @ $130 and it will fit my action (2003)
I called and they were out of stock, and all remaining barrels were on "engineering hold", questions involving barrel twist rate.
Trying out different twist rates for a bigger bullet weight variety.

They have a couple left at my local toy store, but now I sorta backed off because of this twist rate question, I mean, if tey are on hold, that tells me there maybe was a problem?


Serial number need to have an "N" or an "S" prefix on Handi Rifles.
A phone call to their Customer support will with your serial number will let you know if you gun will take extra barrels.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/hunter63/HRshootingsystemcrop.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/hunter63/Takealongsystemcrop.jpg

[rice paddy daddy]

They still do, Part # 44m, it's listed on the site I posted.
Their $90 bucks now, used to be $55 bucks for rifles.

I was looking for a .204 Ruger barrel, and the site said the regular bull barrel was discontinued.

They still listed the Ultra Barrel, @ $130 and it will fit my action (2003)
I called and they were out of stock, and all remaining barrels were on "engineering hold", questions involving barrel twist rate.
Trying out different twist rates for a bigger bullet weight variety.

They have a couple left at my local toy store, but now I sorta backed off because of this twist rate question, I mean, if tey are on hold, that tells me there maybe was a problem?


Serial number need to have an "N" or an "S" prefix on Handi Rifles.
A phone call to their Customer support will with your serial number will let you know if you gun will take extra barrels.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/hunter63/HRshootingsystemcrop.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/hunter63/Takealongsystemcrop.jpg
Part #44m says "clean barrel, drilled and tapped, scope base included."
Several years ago when the 44 was a regular production item they came with irons. That's what I want, not interested in scoping a 44 mag.

[hunter63]

RPD, you are correct.
Didn't see that.
I called customer service and they don't install them there either, thought maybe a special request. Would have to have a gun smith do it.
Tried, man, sorry.

[rice paddy daddy]

I only wanted one as a companion to my Ruger Super Blackhawk for woods walking. I've always got the 45/70 for that.
On a related note, I've been toying with the idea of Ace Dube's chamber inserts for shotguns. www.mcace.com
I've got an old beat up Stevens single shot 12 ga to modify with cut down barrel, JB Welded on sights, etc, and an insert in either 44 Special or 38 Special to accompany me in my woodlot wanderings.
Yes, I am a big fan of The Backwoodsman Magazine!:D

[gunsmoke]

Since you handload I would suggest selecting a bullet with a really good reputataion for the game you want to pursue. A couple of examples for deer would be

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=750318

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=195087

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=697423

You'll want to stay closer to the heavier bullets for deer sized game in the .243 it's still fast and flat shooting. One really big advantage in loading for a single shot rifle with a standing breech is the solid fixed headspace, which makes it easy for you to load your ammo to an overall length so that when chambered the bearing surface of the bullet can just touch the rifling forward of the chamber, this will help you acheive the maximum accuracy.

Save your once fired cases and when reloading neck resize only, this allows the case to fit tightly in the chamber which will also help you acheive greater accuracy. It will also maximise the life of your cases.

When loading for accuracy avoid a volume type powder measure or throw a charge into a scale pan and a trickler to add powder so you can individually weigh each powder charge.

Once you select the bullet you want to use its a matter of trial and error. You'll have to find the load that shoots best in your rifle. Remember you're not looking for the highest possible velocity, you're looking for consistency shot to shot. It is only consistency that will deliver the best accuracy and put the most meat in your freezer.

Good luck and enjoy your new adventure.

[mocha91]

Sounds like I got myself a fun new toy.

Thanks All

[rice paddy daddy]

Sounds like I got myself a fun new toy.

Thanks All
Well, it ain't all tacticool with 10 pounds of bolted on gee gaws like lights and lasers and zillion round magazines and super duper slings, but a marksman doesn't need all that anyway. Just the spray-n-pray crowd.:D

[hunter63]

RPD, I agree.
There still are some people that can "get by" with a SS.
I find my self carrying the little H&R .270 more and more even though there are other options.
It truly is a Handi Rifle.
Now my problem is deciding which barrel to use.................

[rice paddy daddy]

Living in a rural area I always have at least a handgun with me, and more often than not a shotgun too. I have pumps, and doubles, but my NEF single shots are the ones most likely to be out and about. The 410 or the 20 during the day, and the 12 ga at night. When the chickens are raising a fuss at midnight and She Who Must Be Obeyed suggests I check things out, that Pardner 12 ga is light in the hand while the other hand is scanning for beady little eyes with the Maglight.:D

[gunsmoke]

I don't know if you have a shotgun or not but if your frame is eligible for fitting that 3 1/2" 12 ga barrel would be a very cost effective choice giving you the option of shooting everything from light trap loads for grouse, dove, squrrels on up to slugs and buck shot for bigger stuff.

The .45-70 would also serve as an excellent and versitile compliment to your .243.

I've never owned an NEF but they certainly appear to be a unique combination of versatility and economy.

I do own several TC Contenders and have a huge collection of barrels in different calibers. There is alot to be said for a sigle shot firearm, it naturally encourages development of marksmanship skill

Here is a good web site for finding beginning loads for many cartridges including the .243

http://www.accuratereloading.com/reload.html

[rice paddy daddy]

Sounds like I got myself a fun new toy.

Thanks All
Now that you're a NEF afficianado, try these forums - they both have sections devoted to these fine firearms with lots of good info:
www.marlinowners.com
www.graybeardoutdoors.com
Enjoy!

[hunter63]

I don't know if you have a shotgun or not but if your frame is eligible for fitting that 3 1/2" 12 ga barrel would be a very cost effective choice giving you the option of shooting everything from light trap loads for grouse, dove, squrrels on up to slugs and buck shot for bigger stuff.
http://www.accuratereloading.com/reload.html

Later models Handi rifles serial number prefix with "N" or "S", you can fit any shotgun barrel, except the 10ga which is a bigger action.
You can't go the other way around with a NEF/H&R SS shot gun, though, they might still do the muzzle-loader, barrel.

It should be noted that if you mount a shotgun barrel on the Handi Rifle, and you rifle came with a high comb stock, you need to order the shotgun style low comb stock.
Was about $35 bucks in 2003.
I didn't right away, never thought of it, but couldn't "get down" on the rifle stock and see the open sights on the shot gun.
Quick call verified the fact I needed the shot gun stock, and that stock stays on the gun.

If you look close, you'll see the rifle stock in the gun cabinet.
For this rifle, came as a .243, then added:
.270
45/70
.50 cal in muzzle loader
.410/.45 long colt
.28 ga (never shot one before, but what the heck for $35 bucks?)
20 ga
20 ga rifled bull
16 ga (just because)
12 ga ( several chokes).

Lusted after the T/C for years, but couldn't justify $200+ per barrel.
Excellent product, so if y'all got the bucks, that's a good way to go.

If really interested, these boys really get into it:
http://www.go2gbo.com/forums/index.php/board,126.0.html

[mocha91]

Now that you're a NEF afficianado, try these forums - they both have sections devoted to these fine firearms with lots of good info:
www.marlinowners.com
www.graybeardoutdoors.com
Enjoy!
So much info and so little time... I can't wait to make up some rounds and get to the range.

Again thanks to all for the help

[gunsmoke]

Like I said I've never had an NEF but they look like really interesting guns. Very practical and economical. And like I said very natural for the development of marksmanship skills.

I didn't know that about the stock but it makes perfect sense.

I received my first TC Contender as a gift from an uncle with an octagon .45c/.410 bbl with external choke, that is the barrel that stays on that frame. I later bought a Super 14 in .35 REM when they first came out and then got a .45/70 bbl for it from SSK. Every now and then when cruising ebay I'd come across a barrel that I didn't have and as long as it didn't cost over $125 I'd buy it. I've got to admit, I snagged some bargins, I have three .30 Carbine barrels none of which I paid more than $90 for, the last time I saw one of those up for sale it was around $350? I've got some rare ones, .38 Super 6" .44 MAG6" .357Mag 6" .38 Spec.45 ACP, .256 win mag (2) .22 KHornet, .22 Jet .17 Ackley Bee .218 Bee, .25-35, .357 MAX, .30 and .35 Herret.

A few years back I was fortunate enough to find a very early 3 digit slab-sided frame no etching with original factory presentation grade grips and forearm with a Type I .22 mag barrel, the guy only wanted what a new TC would cost so I scooped it. I've never seen a frame with as low a serial as mine but the last slab-side I saw was listed at $1200 just for the frame.

I've been a 3 gun competitor since I was a pre-teen, and most of my shooting skill was developed with those contenders and .22 RF barrels. Many times simplicity is a precious gift. A single shot firearm is one of them.

[Builder Ken]

I have a H&R that has a SB2 Ultra Rifle on the barrel. Can I get a 45-70 barrel matched up to it??? It was a little confusing on the website.Ken

[hunter63]

I have a H&R that has a SB2 Ultra Rifle on the barrel. Can I get a 45-70 barrel matched up to it??? It was a little confusing on the website.Ken

Phone call to customer service would answer that it a couple of minutes that it takes to get thru the directory.
I would say, just off hand the SB2 action would be a good candidate.
Is yours blued or Stainless?
What cal is on it now?

[Builder Ken]

Mine is blued in 22-250 it has the fancy wood checkered butt stock and forearm. The wood is almost like tiger stripe maple.Ken

[hunter63]

This site will allow you to find year of manufacture as well as other question on the Handi.
Using the chart yours should be a new manufacture.

http://www.go2gbo.com/forums/index.php/topic,26264.msg503417.html#msg503417
These boys over there really get into Handi's.

There are a couple different versions of the .45/70, one longer version for "Cowboy shoots"

Keep in mind that if you have a high comb-stock (for scope mounted sights) and if you are looking at a open sight barrel, you need to replace the stock with a shotgun style/low comb stock.
So you could end up with a new stock, forarm, and barrel.
Instant bufflo gun.

Interestingly enough, if your action would have been Stainless, sound like they are selling these as new.
One of the discussions lately was a new Handi, sounded like a Stainless frame with a blued .444 Marlin that was for sale at a local Gander Mountain.
This sound like a "who gets up first, you or what you shot at" type of thing. (hummm, I don't have one of those, .444 I mean)
Came with a blued barrel and synthetic stock and forearm?
Thought that was odd.

[gunsmoke]

THE .444 MARLIN is a really good cartridge but its original intended purpose and standard twist rates limit its versatility as opposed to the .45-70.

The .444 was intended as sort of a super .44 magnum. It has the same bore and groove diameters as the .44 Mag as well as the relatively slow rate of twist which limits useful bullet weights to a narrower range than say the .45-70.

Interestingly enough Marlins introduction of the .444 in the early 1960's played a very significant role in the resurgence of the .45-70. When the .444 was introduced no one else was producing any large bore lever action rifles. The .45-70 was relegated to Trapdoor Springfirlds, vintage Winchester and Marlin .45=70s. But a clamor arose for a newly manufactured .45-70 (Marlin had proved it could be done with the .444 on the 336 Action) So in 1972 Marlin reintroduced their 1895, H&R started making reproduction Trapdoors, Browning and Ruger produced single shots that couls withstand even higher pressures than the 1895, and in the '80s Browning reintroduced the Win 1886 in .45-70.

So 100 years after its introduction as the standard cartridge of the U S Military, the .45-70 found new life with a whole new generation.

The .444 is limited by useful bullet weights ranging from 180 grains to 300 grs. while the .45-70 has a much wider useful range of well under 300 gr cast bullets to 600 gr solids.

Using 300 gr bullets the .333 can equal and better the 300 gr cavalry "CARBINE" load of the .45-70 from the 1880s but once you surpass 300 grs, all the advantage is to the .45-70.

[Builder Ken]

Just got another SB2 well I havent got it yet will be paying it out but anyway it has the 12, 20 and ML barrel. I think I am becoming a SB2 fan. Now I need a 30 06 barrel and with the 22-250 and these I will be set. Ken

[hunter63]

Just got another SB2 well I havent got it yet will be paying it out but anyway it has the 12, 20 and ML barrel. I think I am becoming a SB2 fan. Now I need a 30 06 barrel and with the 22-250 and these I will be set. Ken

Oh, Oh, you got the the bug......there is no such thing as "I will be set".
LOL, LOL There are like potato chips......

It's cool though, that it allows you to buy barrels cheap enough that you will be lusting after calibers that you always wanted to try, but couldn't afford/justify the expense of a $500 rifle.
Welcome to the club!

[Builder Ken]

Before the economy tanked I had a encore and had extra barrels but the barrels were $200.00 and up. I think this is a good replacement plus my youngest son can't figure out if he is right or left handed. This gun will work either way.... Am I trying to justify LOL Ken

[hunter63]

Before the economy tanked I had a encore and had extra barrels but the barrels were $200.00 and up. I think this is a good replacement plus my youngest son can't figure out if he is right or left handed. This gun will work either way.... Am I trying to justify LOL Ken
LOL, yes, but think of the money your saving, 2 barrels for the price of one.

P.S. I am old enough to not worry about justifying much, tonight I ate candy, and spoiled my supper, later I'll run with scissors.
Have fun, man, have fun

[Builder Ken]

Hunter I went to my uncles funeral on Saturday he was 90 he milked cows for over 50yrs but he hunted and fished every day between milking and cleaning the barn. He had fun I think that's why he was 90 when left this old world. I use to think you had to wake up thinking of how to make a dollar and work all day and half the night just getting by. Then I figured out if I kinda lowered my standards just a bit and become more self reliant I could have a little fun. Life is fun as long as you don't have to depend on someone else to get by. Ken