Mike, my first shotgun was a H&R 20g Topper 157 Model that my dad bought for my 10th birthday, 50 years ago. We went to a hardware store about 25 minutes away and he paid about $35-40 for the brand-new shotgun and 2 boxes of #8shot. Dad taught me firearms safety and proper shooting habits with the first box and I hunted squirrels and rabbits with the second box. Gosh, so long ago. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the H&R's and bringing back some great memories of my dad on Memorial Day Weekend. Take care and be well!
My first shotgun was a 20 gauge Topper, too! Absolutely loved that gun. While I moved on to doubles and autoloaders, I never lost my fondness for that simple, utilitarian break-open action. Kicked like a mule; came with no recoil pad, and I remember 3" shells bruising my shoulder. Wouldn't trade those memories for anything, though.
Mike. I love The way you explain the Engineering aspect of these wonderful guns. As an Engineer in my early working life, I know what it takes to achieve this level of workmanship and even today I still applaud this type of workmanship. Simple to the eye, but yet, not as simple as it seems.
@@stephensmith4480 i though the same when working on them.i don't know how they made stuff...now we can simulate with cad modeling i guess wood models in old days
@@danielgrove7782 Yes you're probably right there. I know that's how they did it when casting metal. You look at some of the most intricate engineering and you wonder how it was ever achieved. No CNC, no laser marking and measuring, all done with Pencil and paper, slide rules etc and of course the power of the Brain that was using them. It never ceases to amaze me.
Henry makes single shot rifles and shotguns now I’ve heard lots of good things about them although I haven’t handled one yet. They are also a bit pricy.
I saw one of these when I at a gun shop a lil bit from me. Didn't think it was worth it for a single shot rifle but apparently I may have to make the trip out there again. They also had a Mossberg 151M, which you can imagine how much that thing took me off guard, first time seeing a mannlicher stlye stock in person
Thank you for reviewing the venerable H&R. Most of us country boys grew up shooting these beautiful shotguns and rifles. Always appreciate your reviews. You have such a calm matter-of-fact delivery. Subscribed!
I always wanted a H&R, when I got back into rifles they were out of business and if I saw a used on for sale, it was sold before I could get there. They must be good, this humble single shot! Thank you Mike, your videos brighten up the darkest of days!
@@danielgrove7782 Nice! I too love the .22, it is inexpensive but still keeps you in shape. I had a 45 70, for fun. But the ammo got so expensive it was not fun anymore. I sold that rifle.
Not sure how you could really make a rifled 12ga more versatile. As I understand it you basically are turning it into a pistol and a rather short barreled on on anything other than a .410. What would be nice is if someone like Green Mountain known for affordable barrels would make complete barrel assemblies for these frames. Everyone wants as much for a used barrel or an H&R today as a much better made brand new bolt gun. The beauty of H&R's was quality materials, simple design, versatility and low price! Take away the low price and there is no point to owning an H&R
@@buckaroobonsi555 I’ve personally never seen rifled barrels in these H&R’s although I’m not doubting their existence. However, the insert adapter is much longer than a pistol barrel so the slug does get a bit of twist and travel, and it’s quite effective at around 100 yards. It’s just a simple 30-40 dollar invention that works well, and doesn’t require any maintenance aside from the occasional brushing. I don’t think it’s a bad deal at all and does what it’s meant to without destroying your shotguns
Yep I got those adapters rifled 8 in. in .22 LR. , .22 Mag. , .38 Spec., 9 mm, .45 LC, .410 bore, 20 ga., and the muzzle loader adapter to shoot for muzzle loading and the 12 ga. last but not least !!! I'de say that's pretty versatile !!!!
Thank you Mike. I have two of these rifles, a Harrington & Richardson Handi-Rifle/1871 in .223 and their Ultra rifle in 25-06. The Ultra has a 26" barrel which is ideal for the quarter bore. I'm honored to be a Patreon subscriber of USOG.
Hi Rich - the Ultra in 25-06 with the long barrel is a super performer - no velocity loss for that excellent cartridge. I appreciate your contribution and dedication here and through Patreon. Good shooting Rich.
I remember these being available in just about any handgun or long gun caliber . You could buy one with many other barrels . Buying other barrels was just as expensive as complete guns so not many people bought extra barrels.
My first gun was a h&r 30-30 with a. 20g barrel with it. My brother got it for me in 1983 from the S.I.R mail order catalog. I still hunt with it. Mine has a straight grip stock like a model 94
I have one of them and had several barrels factory fitted for it. 12g, 20g, .357 mag/38 special, 22 hornet, and 45/70. The accuracy is acceptable for a "utility" gun, but the price and versatility are the real benefits. I've taken deer in the morning and duck in the afternoon. I did break the breach lock some year's back from shooting some monstrous 45/70 loads. But, other than that, no issues. I doubt I'll ever get rid of mine.
I really like the H&Rs, They were built to last several lifetimes with average use. My Dad bought me one of the 410s when I was 8 years old, and I still have it. Except for a few scratches, it still looks and works like it did, the day he gave it to me.
I have two, a .450 marlin and 20 gauge slug gun. I have picked up a few Henry Single shots as my new "Handi Rifles-shotguns". Something really cool about them!
For me the most versatile gun out there is a Savage Model 24 came in a variety of calibers the one I have is a 22 magnum on top and a 20-gauge down below can't get more versatile than that
My Henry 45 70 single shot is pretty darn close to the Handi Rifle design. It was something I researched a bit when questioning the strength of them for shooting heavier 45 70 loads. I really like having that longer barrel in a lighter, simple design of the single shots. The balance is great and they swing easily.
I have several of these guns and barrels! 12 gauge, 20 gauge, 22 hornet, 204 ruger and 45-70. I have rimfire frame and a 17 Hmr, didn't like the 17 hmr to much so I had gunsmith drill it out to 17 WSM, way better and I can find ammo for it! Instead of trigger job squirt graphite into action around hammer into trigger mechanism to lighten trigger, dropped about half the weight of trigger pull. Little messy but worth the clean up.
Hi Joel/ I have an H and R chambered in 22-250. Love everything about the gun except the trigger pull weight. I am definitely going to give the graphite a try !! Sounds like a simple non invasive way to improve that. I almost got a trigger job done, but did not want to mess with it, hoping to find a better solution, and this sounds like the one!
I have 2 Handi Rifles. One in .30-06 with a heavy barrel. It is a scope only gun. And one in .30-30 with a Williams peep sight and synthetic stock. It has a 20 gauge extra barrel. Both are excellent and I’m lucky to have them . Thank you for your videos. I enjoy them very much.
I wonder how interchangeable the barrels are and if it matters if the starting gun is a shotgun or a 'handi rifle'? I've seen discussions on some forums where there's talk of an SB1 and SB2 action. That the 'handi rifle' action is stronger or the firing pin better suited to rifle cartridges? I also wonder how or if the similar NEF and Savage guns are interchangeable with the H&R? I do know the action on a NEF muzzleloader is shorter than the action on a NEF shotgun.
I live in South Africa and my father own a H&R 12ga single shot with a 32' barrle. We love to hunt small antelope with AAA shot. Buck is on the run when you shoot it, so it's challenging. The old H&R was and is stil a great gun and outclassed even the expensive ones.
When you started discussing "the accident" it very strongly put me in mind of the issues with the Parrot Rifles (cannon). The eventual solution to which was the Krupps interrupted breach. Effectively the breach plug and the barrel became one solid chunk of metal.
I use an H&R USH for my 12 gauge from hell. With one gun I can take deer all the way up to elephant. I truly believe it's the most versatile firearm I own
That is the same gun and year for me, so maybe you can answer a question for me please. All of the books say it's a Topper model 48, except mine says 58 on it. What does your's say? Thank you.
I’ve owned many H&R rifles and shotguns through the years and I have a collection of them today. My favorite is my Topper deluxe 12 gage with all the chokes. I’ve taken numerous turkey etc. the 25-06 handy ultra was awesome, I took plenty of deer and 2 pronghorn. A friend had to buy it from me😢 I now use a Ruger# 1 and I tell you I miss my H&R ,rugged simple and fairly light. Thank you sir for sharing.
I LOVE mine in 45-70. To my surprise, it will shoot 535 grain Postell bullets very well. 29.5 grains of 5744 sends it at 1352 FPS. Unbelievably fun. Great video as always!!!
That's fantastic Mark - those are unstoppable bullets - long and open lead - accurate and give that "great shooting" feeling. Thanks for letting us know.
I only own one for that same reasons. I kept putting off getting another because "They will always be around and affordable!" towards the end they cost as much as a Remington which made them a really bad purchase at that point. You can not take a design that has been around forever that is known for being very affordable and with no real changes just double or triple the price over night and think it will sell. In 1995 I paid $149 or $199 for my USH by the 2000's they wanted $350, $450, $500 retail for them and they kept going up. The fit and finish was never on the level of a $350 to $500. Cadillac tried to take a Chevy Caviler economy car and rebadge it as the Cadillac CImarron with fake leather, fake wood and a padded top for top dollar. It did not go well! They drove themselves out of business with terrible marketing! They were fantastic when affordable. Imagine if tomorrow the Ruger 10/22 shot up to $1200 almost overnight and that was the main product Ruger made and sold and was known for.
For newcomers to the Handi- Not all barrels interchange with the actions as easily as demonstrated here. Many need to be carefully fitted by a gunsmith, and some are not meant to interchange. Be careful ( :
Mike, I know this is an odd one, but could you possibly get your hands on an H&R 300 or 301? These were Harrington & RIchardson bolt guns built on either FN or Sako actions in H&R’s custom shop. I have a 301 carbine and they were pretty neat.
I’ve got one of those 32 gauge guns as well. I ordered a custom mold from accurate molds, 50 cal 230 grains and .427 cal for inside the shot cup 220 grain bullet. I load my own shells using green dot powder. I also have a smoothbore stevens 32 gauge, a video is on my channel of it, and I’ve figured out a way to fold crimp the shells. Last week a found a 24 gauge and it’s on its way to me.
Great video. I love the concept. It is especially relevant today with the unknown policies of this administration on firearms. There is talk about taxing our guns. I have an Encore, "How many guns do you have?". ONE " What caliber?" MULTI, it works for me. Those single shot guns like the Encore or Handi-Rifle are far more accurate then I ever will be.
I bought my grandson a Rossi Pick 4 which is a copy of the H&R and he used it to get his first deer. With the 4 barrels he could choose between .22 LR, .410, 20 gauge, and .243 Winchester.
My grandpa use to have a .22 / .410 over and under . He used that when he was trapping .I always thought that would be a great gun to take with you if you were going on a live off the land camping trip .
I have three of the rifles and 4 of the shotguns. Hope to complete the major gauges on the shotguns, but will just pick up the rifles when I find a deal. They made so many different rifle/pistol cartridge options, I would not have room for them all. I really enjoy shooting these single shots.
I've seen guy's shoot the 50 BMG out of the H&R 12 gauge and 444 marlin out of the 410 gauge and they survived. Though I would never try it or recommend doing it!
If I remember correctly, their shotgun receivers weren't built to withstand high-pressure rifle rounds. Consequently, you could get a shotgun barrel for one of their rifles (through the barrel accessory program), but not a rifle barrel for one of their shotguns.
Hi Mike , i always look forward to your videos , and appreciate your time and effort explaining the history and operational quirks of the various firearms. I have only one Handi rifle, it started out as a .22 hornet but I had it rechambered to .222Rimmed. Much more Handi for me.🖒
There is a 22lr barrel called the versi-shot that used the center fire receiver. The barrel was bored on a diagonal to use the center fire firing pin on the rimfire shells.
Mike, shortly after watching this post for the first time, I found a NEF HANDI RIFLE in 17 HMR at my local gun shop for $100 !!! Now, I want to learn as much as I can all due to this Great Vid ! Sure wish someone ( DAVIDE PEDERSOLI ? ) would bring it back !
Think I am probably only one or very, very, very few people with this H&R handi-rifle set up. Bought it in the 444 Marlin, then bought the 20 gauge barrel for it, then while I was at it, also bought the 45-70, 270 Win and the 308 Win barrels for it. This Handi-rifle is one of my favorite rifles that I own. But now like to get the 35 Whelan, and the 460 S&W or the 500 S&W barrels for it.
How interchangeable are the barrels does it matters if the starting gun is a shotgun or a 'handi rifle'? I've seen discussions on some forums where there's talk of an SB1 and SB2 action. That the 'handi rifle' action is stronger or the firing pin better suited to rifle cartridges? I also wonder how or if the similar NEF and Savage guns are interchangeable with the H&R? I do know the action on a NEF muzzleloader is shorter than the action on a NEF shotgun.
@@dkeith45 You just had me thinking about this. Yep I do remember that is an old thing with the old guys at skeet range that seen during in my teenage years with their over and under shotguns. Usually they have it in a 12 gauge, had to been a 12 gauge then they would put a 20 gauge or 410 gauge barrel into that gun. Recently seen 1 of these old used shotguns at my mom and pop gun store recently. They were asking like $2,000.00 to $4,000.00 for it.
@@airbornesoldieramerica7125 Yeah, the prices for H&R, NEF and American made Savage's have gone WAY up into the $500+ range and barrels, even shotgun barrels are listed for $150 and up on the auction sites. Who knows if they'll sell at those prices, but now there's no listing fee on most of these auction sites, there's no incentive to lower prices, so everyone just lists their item for the same as everyone else. BTW, CVA makes some nice single shot rifles and most are under $400. They have one in 35 Whelan too. I have one of their 50 cal inline muzzleloaders and it's built very nice. Dunno if they offer interchangeable barrels or not though.
There are plenty of crusty old H&R shotguns here in Australia, but not many of the newer models, and even fewer rifles. I've got an old 1908 and a newish NEF Pardner, both in 12 gauge. That synthetic 22 looks great. 👍
I have a few of these they went out of business because they couldn't make anything new. And once you fool around the trigger and lighting it up that's not a bad rifle they were trying to sell these at over 300 bucks when others were selling budget bolt guns for the same.
One thing to mention about pressure is that bigger cartridges often does not have higher pressure. A 10ga shotgun is about 11000 psi and a 22 short is around 22000 psi. A 50 BMG is 54000 psi which is less than a .223
I had two, both with laminated stocks, one in 308 Winchester, and a heavy barrel version in 22 WMR. The 308 version is a superb woods gun - three inches shorter than a repeating action in the same caliber, and it can SAFELY be carried with a round in the chamber and the hammer down (transfer bar system), so it is one of the fastest rifles to get off the FIRST shot. With cheap Winchester Power Point 150 grain PSP ammo, it would consistently group three shots under an inch @ 100 yards. The Achilles heel of the H&R is the trigger - some are OK, others are horrible. The 308 (which I sold to a friend, regrettably) had a decent 4# pull, but my 22 WMR has a creepy, long 6# pull. It's capable of 1" groups @ 100 yards, if you can master the disaster trigger. Pulling the Handi Rifle apart for a trigger job is not a simple task.
The Handi rifle truly was a great gun and damn cheap to boot. My .45-70 Handi rifle cost me $165 back in the mid 90s. As far as the strength of these rifle , back in the 1950s, either E.H. Harrison or Julian Hatcher (I'm not sure which it was) had an article in the American Rifleman analyzing the strength of the typical American single shot shotgun. The article showed that regardless of the maker, either H&R or Iver Johnson, these shotguns had bolting systems of incredible strength easily capable of handling any shotgun load that might be fired through it. The H&R Handi Rifle uses the same bolting system but upgraded with superior materials, gun quality steel rather than cast iron.
I recently picked up a new CVA Scout (Made in Bergara). It was a pistol caliber and was getting no love on an auction site. Unfortunately, I am.unaware of anyone that makes break actions in the USA now.The used NEF, and H&R rifles are bringing more than you can buy some new bolt guns for.
Neat firearms. I wasn't familiar with these at all. Thanks for sharing. 😊👍 The most versatile firearm I personally own is a Remington bolt action shotgun. It's handy because it fits Texas center fire hunting laws. And as long as it's 12ga it was made to accept *any cartridge* Barrel is an odd length as well. Slightly longer than most but still shorter than others. That actually helps balance it out though. My FIL gave it to me. He used it to hunt ducks and geese when they lived up north I think. It's kind of weird but really handy and I haven't ever used them but have 17 reloadable brass cartridges for it as well.
I thought I was a cheap skate for loving my H&R 12 gauge. For awhile it was the only gun I had... or needed for all kinds of hunting. Glad to know I'm not alone.
Now Mike, you can’t mention the handiness of the H&R/NEF without paying homage to the Savage 219/220 series; which I believe you did a video on. They were the first major U.S. company to offer interchangeable barrel options. The Model 219/220 series can be traced back to two Stevens designs: the No.94 hammer gun and the No. 180 hammerless. The Savage model 220/219 is basically a hammerless Stevens No. 94. The 219/220 barrels even fit the No.94 in most cases. The first was the J. Stevens Arms & Tool No. 160 “trigger opener” which was offered in pre-production in the calibers 25-20, 32-40, 38-40, 44-40, 38-55, and 303. You are right about the lockup, which also mimics earlier Stevens lugs. I talked with a fellow awhile back who had an H&R/NEF model 176 ten bore fitted with a 577 3 1/4” barrel he took to Africa for a Dugga hunt. I think he got two on that hunt! He also has a 500 NE on the NEF frame. As always I enjoyed your video, but you know I had to get my Stevens praise in there...😁 Here is a link to Brian’s hunt with his 577. ua-cam.com/video/YGj57ClaBrM/v-deo.html
I have been a fan of H&R for a long time, own a few and have studied their online catalogs. One thing I really like about them is that they did not simply sell extra barrels as another single shot maker does, they required that the action be sent back to them to have the new barrel(s) hand fitted. While they look the same, H&R states that while the shotgun barrels could be fitted to a rifle action, rifle barrels cannot be fitted to shotgun actions. I assume strength of the action is the issue with that. I purchased a H&R Handi Rifle in .223 with a bull barrel and sent it back to have a .308 bull barrel fitted, as well as standard barrels for .22 Hornet, .30-30 and .44 Magnum. The .223 & the .308 make a nice pair, as do the Hornet & the .30-30. The .44 mates up with my Super Blackhawk. I am having difficulty locating a good high comb wood stock, and am getting the impression that there is not much demand for that. I also have a .22 RF LR with a plastic stock and an older .54 caliber muzzle loader. When I sent my action back to have the accessory barrels fitted, I could smell something was going on because the communications I received was from Remington. While I will never understand what people see in the AR, I firmly believe that the H&R is THE BEST!
I had an H&R topper growing up in 12 gauge and had a bore obstruction that I did not see after I had a squib load and proceeded to put a 1-oz slug in behind it and blew the barrel up that was the only thing that was damaged on the gun and I magically walked away without a scratch
Hi Aaron - I had a similar thing happen with a 20 ga. obstructed by mud in a swamp - the barrel peeled back but that was it - no injury. I cut the barrel back and it was good to go again. Luck I guess - and a great action.
Back in the late 70's H and R produced a muzzle loader on a very similar platform. I know it came in .45 cal and shot round patched balls like a laser but I think it also came in .54 cal. As well. It had a multi piece ram rod and was most likely one of the most unique muzzle loading rifles of it's time. Later as wear and erosion from black powder loosened the hinge unit the guns became dangerous as they could blow the breach plug out as they were locked closed. Many people tightened up the mechanism by using paper playing cards soaked in gun oil.
I took my first turkey with my NEF 12GA at 35 yards, a nice big 21 pounder with a 10" beard. I lost count of how many squirrels I've taken with it. I'm hoping to take a deer with slug this upcoming season.
I had two I regret selling, a 28 gauge with a laminate stock I paid $80 new, and a .45-70 Buffalo Classic I couldnt afford to feed at the time. I now have a .17HM2 that is like a laser beam. Firiing it is like dry firing, the only zero recoil firearm I have used, even less than an AT4 9mm trainer.
My cousin bought an H&R semi auto 22 magnum, I had a Stirling bolt action 22 magnum, and we went target shooting. My rifle grouped really well, his shot all over the place.
Hello grancito2 - I'll try to find an H&R .22 Mag semi - they are much sought after by collectors - I wonder why your cousins was not accurate - they're usually quite accurate. Anyway - your Sterling was sterling : )
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns It was good, I could shoot a deer in the neck spine at 100 yards. To make the Sterling accurate, I had to float the barrel, perhaps his had a problem with the fore wood against it.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns there is very few manufactuers that made a 22mag auto the xtra length makes difficult to feed properly there is one european company that has been successful one of the top line names i can not remember still makes them today 700 dollar range. Some american Manu tried i think savage put some out i have seen one savage ruger did long time ago in q0 22 but never seen one
I have a ruger model 77 bolt with laminate stock k and grey bull barrel great accuracy at 100 yds daughter took first deer when she was 7 at 100 yds right behind the ear i got hooked when i bought a mossberg plinkster 22 mag when i was young over 40 years ago some writers have stated that gun is the most accurate 22 mag writing about it
Did hr make a 22 mag semi ....heckler and kosch started making 22 mmags back in the 80s in europe the price back then was ovef 500 bucks at that time it was the only 22mag semi available anywhere i believe .. i wanted one of those so bad back in my younger says
Great platform. I had a 30/30-20ga barrel combo in the topper if the mid-late 70s. $38 on clearance! Very heavy trigger but a 1.5 moa shooter with my SS only handloads. Should not have sold it! The .223 NEF I had a few years later could not come close no matter the load combo. The .17hmr NEF is my last one and it is a keeper! I’ll never sell it! 2 trips to NEF to fix an ejection issue but friendly and fast service. The barrel program on the H&R was the same when the name changed. Had to send it in for final fit. The TC Contender I own (pistol) is truly a drop in exchange! Much better….but much more expensive! I would love to have the .357 magnum NEF! But they sold to Marlin who sold to Remington and NEF didn’t survive Remingtons mismanagement and bankruptcy. Too bad.
I came across an H&R .223 in a pawnshop. I have never even heard of them. I was originally looking for a 5.56 Henry single shot, but they are really hard to find right now. This one was $250 in near new shape. I couldn't pass it up. I recently acquired a G1 Contender with the 45-70 barrel. I hope to be able to shoot them both soon.
I shoot cb caps,shorts in the back yard so i have one of these. Also i have heard many arguments about tightening locking...if you simply hammer the top edge at end of the barrel locking lug...ten seconds of work. If you go to far just file or stone the surface. No solderd shims or punch marks on side of lock.you can't see this method also the metal is work hardened. If you have to do this several times it gets better. Remember..the tightness is not really an issue. that lock is not going to fail.. The problem is that if is is loose it "bangs" against the lock and excelerates losening.
Oh..also...it the lock is really loose you hit primer off center.i used this method to fit 2 barrels...never ever adapt high pressures barrels to an older receiver the old cast iron frame was offered in 30-30 that was what i mounted on my older iron frame...much good info on line...these are really popular in certain circle
Though its a single shot a lot of the benefits of that well designed action outweigh the magazine capacity. You can have a 22 inch barrel that handles like a carbine. Combined with a 308, 708, or 243 youve got an excellent brush gun that will get the most out of any cartridge its chambered for. Safety is always a consideration but sometimes in pursuit of game we can find ourselves gambling with safety out of necessity. My buddy and i were chasing a flock of turkeys, racing to get ahead of them, crossing rickety steps over barbed wire while crossing from one pasture to another and keeping the brush between us and their sharp eyes. As i crossed the fence behind my buddy the steps broke sending me catapulting forward with a loaded 12 gauge. I had a good bar safety but had that gun gone off.. When i got back home i picked up a good harrington richardson at a local flea market for a hundred bucks, had the .ocal gunsmith shorten the barrel a couple inches and fix me up with a screw in turkey choke. I also ordered a full 20 barrel and a muzzle loader barrel. Ive now got 1 gun that works for small game, large game, turkey. The 12 kicks like a mule but is deadly out to 40 yards. Ive taken at least 5 deer with the muzzleloader and dispatched chicken killing racoons and other raiders and have gotten rid of at least 2 armadillos destroying my yard. But most of all should i find myself again chasing the turkeys i have one shell to think about and i know that unless i am physically pulling the trigger after i have cocked it that gun is not going to fire.
If I remember correctly, their 10-gauge shotguns were build on a larger/heavier frame than most of their other shotguns, which were even lighter. They had a 12-gauge slug gun that only weighed about 6 lbs (nice to carry/ rough to shoot). Also, they had some 12-gauge guns with 3 1/2 chambers build on the smaller/lighter frame.
I’ve got one of those, same gun and model in this video, and i shoot all the way up to 3oz loads in it pretty regularly. The gun is so heavy that the recoil is less than what you would get with a single shot 12 gauge using 3” shells. The gun weighs 11 pounds. It’s more of a slow shove then a sharp punch like most shotguns.
You want recoil, shoot a full load in 45/70 in the handi rifle. The action is far stronger then the old trap doors so it will digest any sensible load.
I do enjoy your presentations, and appreciate all you do sir !!! Hands down your the best. I need too say I've had a 'Love Relationship' with the Ithaca Lever Action Single Shots... I've built my 'Go-Ta's' on the Deer Slayer series,,, from Moose & Bear with Waterfowl included. Everyone need's their personal "Goat's" series of shotguns, my favorite is the greatest Turkey Gun Ever,,, I built a One Mile 6.5 x 55 barrel and paired it up just to impress myself. God Bless and please keep the good works coming, you are sincerely appreciated Sir.
I have 4 in from .410 JR , 20 , 16, 12 guage, very handy and will last forever. Actually the Henry single shot in .357 or 45/70 is great versatile rifle.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns thank you that means alot coming from you, I envy your collection and how you respect the great rifles and utilitarian equally such as 740,760, M77 etc.
I had one 12 GA case hardened in excellent condition, found it for $50 at a yard sale was stolen from me before I could get my Hands on ammo and shoot it unfortunately :(
I have had a 223,22-250,270,45-70 @ a 500 s @ w. They were all very accurate rifles. But the 500 was actually lighter than the s@w long barrel revolver in it. That is the only gun that has ever hurt me. And I have used 375,458,338,358 and 10gaxand 3 1/2 12 ga. All with no problems. I honestly think that 500 started my rotator cuff ripping.
@@dkeith45sorry for the delay. My computer didn't notify me of a response and have been in and out of the hospital quite a few times and kinda lost touch with this channel. I don't like muzzle brakes. They are loud all though effective recoil reducing. I did a lot of hog hunting with dogs. Have to hear the dogs and be ready for a quick shot. The shoulder damage was/ is all ready done + other damage. When I do hunt I use low recoil rounds mostly now. 6.5g 6mm Remington I am thinking about a low recoil 45-70 with lead bullet to see if I can get the recoil down enough to use my favorite cal.
@@tbjtbj4786 Yep, they are indeed louder and can kick up dust if fired from a prone position. The recoil reduction is really amazing though. As for reduced loads, easily done. You can even go as low power as a .22LR. There's a device known as a 'Hammond Game Getter' which is made in Canada and allows you to insert a .22 blank into an altered centerfire rifle shell. The kit contains a swag block allowing you to swag a lead round ball to the proper diameter for the rifle the kit is made for. It then allows you to shoot small game.
Talking of things going wrong, I seem to remember there being a muzzleloading version of this with a push in breech plug that had the potential to come back at the shooter if you opened it on a hangfire.
I know of one muzzle loader version of this gun but it wasn't a push in breach plug. It was a screw in version and used 209 shot shell primers. It must be pretty reliable since the owner has used it for at least the last 15 years, maybe longer.
That's strange just came up on the algorithm. Was wishing I could find one at an affordable price chambered in 7 mm mag. Just because I have about ,150 rounds nothing to run them through. I was going to give them to my older brother but he died. He was only one left and family with a 7mm mag.
Mike, my first shotgun was a H&R 20g Topper 157 Model that my dad bought for my 10th birthday, 50 years ago. We went to a hardware store about 25 minutes away and he paid about $35-40 for the brand-new shotgun and 2 boxes of #8shot. Dad taught me firearms safety and proper shooting habits with the first box and I hunted squirrels and rabbits with the second box. Gosh, so long ago. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the H&R's and bringing back some great memories of my dad on Memorial Day Weekend.
Take care and be well!
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My first shotgun was a 20 gauge Topper, too! Absolutely loved that gun. While I moved on to doubles and autoloaders, I never lost my fondness for that simple, utilitarian break-open action. Kicked like a mule; came with no recoil pad, and I remember 3" shells bruising my shoulder. Wouldn't trade those memories for anything, though.
Mike. I love The way you explain the Engineering aspect of these wonderful guns. As an Engineer in my early working life, I know what it takes to achieve this level of workmanship and even today I still applaud this type of workmanship. Simple to the eye, but yet, not as simple as it seems.
@@stephensmith4480 i though the same when working on them.i don't know how they made stuff...now we can simulate with cad modeling i guess wood models in old days
@@danielgrove7782 Yes you're probably right there. I know that's how they did it when casting metal. You look at some of the most intricate engineering and you wonder how it was ever achieved. No CNC, no laser marking and measuring, all done with Pencil and paper, slide rules etc and of course the power of the Brain that was using them. It never ceases to amaze me.
I love all of my H&Rs. It was my first gun. So sad they aren't made anymore.
Henry makes single shot rifles and shotguns now I’ve heard lots of good things about them although I haven’t handled one yet. They are also a bit pricy.
thats why you purchase a tc contender
Yes a single shot 12 guage with a couple of barrel inserts makes for a handy and versatile firearm. Thanks for sharing Mike.
Have .22 hornet, .223 and 45-70(Buffalo); love 'em.
The H&R's are just a GREAT rifles, I have quite a few and one rifle in 25/06 is a absolute tack driver.
I saw one of these when I at a gun shop a lil bit from me. Didn't think it was worth it for a single shot rifle but apparently I may have to make the trip out there again. They also had a Mossberg 151M, which you can imagine how much that thing took me off guard, first time seeing a mannlicher stlye stock in person
Thank you for reviewing the venerable H&R. Most of us country boys grew up shooting these beautiful shotguns and rifles. Always appreciate your reviews. You have such a calm matter-of-fact delivery. Subscribed!
I have a New England Handi Rifle in.223. It's one of my favorite guns.
I always wanted a H&R, when I got back into rifles they were out of business and if I saw a used on for sale, it was sold before I could get there. They must be good, this humble single shot! Thank you Mike, your videos brighten up the darkest of days!
Thank you my friend and your good words help me a lot. God Bless.
@@pseudopetrus yeah..you can get parts and do multi barrels but careful to use corect cal. For your frame...i love my .22...it is so short and light
@@danielgrove7782 Nice! I too love the .22, it is inexpensive but still keeps you in shape. I had a 45 70, for fun. But the ammo got so expensive it was not fun anymore. I sold that rifle.
Your appreciation for the engineering and design that goes into all Guns is very cool
Short Lane inserts make these even more versatile.
That’s right! I got it in 20 gauge and bought the 38 special insert adapter. It plinks out to 100
Not sure how you could really make a rifled 12ga more versatile. As I understand it you basically are turning it into a pistol and a rather short barreled on on anything other than a .410. What would be nice is if someone like Green Mountain known for affordable barrels would make complete barrel assemblies for these frames. Everyone wants as much for a used barrel or an H&R today as a much better made brand new bolt gun. The beauty of H&R's was quality materials, simple design, versatility and low price! Take away the low price and there is no point to owning an H&R
@@buckaroobonsi555 I’ve personally never seen rifled barrels in these H&R’s although I’m not doubting their existence. However, the insert adapter is much longer than a pistol barrel so the slug does get a bit of twist and travel, and it’s quite effective at around 100 yards. It’s just a simple 30-40 dollar invention that works well, and doesn’t require any maintenance aside from the occasional brushing. I don’t think it’s a bad deal at all and does what it’s meant to without destroying your shotguns
Yep I got those adapters rifled 8 in. in .22 LR. , .22 Mag. , .38 Spec., 9 mm, .45 LC, .410 bore, 20 ga., and the muzzle loader adapter to shoot for muzzle loading and the 12 ga. last but not least !!! I'de say that's pretty versatile !!!!
Thank you Mike. I have two of these rifles, a Harrington & Richardson Handi-Rifle/1871 in .223 and their Ultra rifle in 25-06. The Ultra has a 26" barrel which is ideal for the quarter bore. I'm honored to be a Patreon subscriber of USOG.
Hi Rich - the Ultra in 25-06 with the long barrel is a super performer - no velocity loss for that excellent cartridge. I appreciate your contribution and dedication here and through Patreon. Good shooting Rich.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns Thanks Mike. I'm headed for the range this morning.
I remember these being available in just about any handgun or long gun caliber . You could buy one with many other barrels . Buying other barrels was just as expensive as complete guns so not many people bought extra barrels.
My first gun was a h&r 30-30 with a. 20g barrel with it. My brother got it for me in 1983 from the S.I.R mail order catalog. I still hunt with it. Mine has a straight grip stock like a model 94
I have one of them and had several barrels factory fitted for it. 12g, 20g, .357 mag/38 special, 22 hornet, and 45/70. The accuracy is acceptable for a "utility" gun, but the price and versatility are the real benefits. I've taken deer in the morning and duck in the afternoon. I did break the breach lock some year's back from shooting some monstrous 45/70 loads. But, other than that, no issues. I doubt I'll ever get rid of mine.
I had one in .22 hornet for many years, loved the thing, shot countless foxes with it.
I really like the H&Rs, They were built to last several lifetimes with average use. My Dad bought me one of the 410s when I was 8 years old, and I still have it. Except for a few scratches, it still looks and works like it did, the day he gave it to me.
I have two, a .450 marlin and 20 gauge slug gun. I have picked up a few Henry Single shots as my new "Handi Rifles-shotguns". Something really cool about them!
Yeah...the Henrys look really nice
For me the most versatile gun out there is a Savage Model 24 came in a variety of calibers the one I have is a 22 magnum on top and a 20-gauge down below can't get more versatile than that
My Henry 45 70 single shot is pretty darn close to the Handi Rifle design.
It was something I researched a bit when questioning the strength of them for shooting heavier 45 70 loads.
I really like having that longer barrel in a lighter, simple design of the single shots.
The balance is great and they swing easily.
I have several of these guns and barrels! 12 gauge, 20 gauge, 22 hornet, 204 ruger and 45-70. I have rimfire frame and a 17 Hmr, didn't like the 17 hmr to much so I had gunsmith drill it out to 17 WSM, way better and I can find ammo for it! Instead of trigger job squirt graphite into action around hammer into trigger mechanism to lighten trigger, dropped about half the weight of trigger pull. Little messy but worth the clean up.
Hi Joel/ I have an H and R chambered in 22-250. Love everything about the gun except the trigger pull weight. I am definitely going to give the graphite a try !! Sounds like a simple non invasive way to improve that. I almost got a trigger job done, but did not want to mess with it, hoping to find a better solution, and this sounds like the one!
I have 2 Handi Rifles. One in .30-06 with a heavy barrel. It is a scope only gun. And one in .30-30 with a Williams peep sight and synthetic stock. It has a 20 gauge extra barrel. Both are excellent and I’m lucky to have them .
Thank you for your videos. I enjoy them very much.
I wonder how interchangeable the barrels are and if it matters if the starting gun is a shotgun or a 'handi rifle'? I've seen discussions on some forums where there's talk of an SB1 and SB2 action. That the 'handi rifle' action is stronger or the firing pin better suited to rifle cartridges? I also wonder how or if the similar NEF and Savage guns are interchangeable with the H&R? I do know the action on a NEF muzzleloader is shorter than the action on a NEF shotgun.
I live in South Africa and my father own a H&R 12ga single shot with a 32' barrle. We love to hunt small antelope with AAA shot. Buck is on the run when you shoot it, so it's challenging. The old H&R was and is stil a great gun and outclassed even the expensive ones.
I agree sir, I have always liked these and the New England Firearms break action shotguns and rifles.
When you started discussing "the accident" it very strongly put me in mind of the issues with the Parrot Rifles (cannon).
The eventual solution to which was the Krupps interrupted breach. Effectively the breach plug and the barrel became one solid chunk of metal.
You know what's what.
Both are threaded locking systems, a full thread is stronger than an interrupted one, they only used the latter to open it faster.
I use an H&R USH for my 12 gauge from hell. With one gun I can take deer all the way up to elephant. I truly believe it's the most versatile firearm I own
I got a 20 ga H & R I got it brand new in 1980 when I was 10 that thing kicks like a mule lol and I still have it
Thanks for the video
That is the same gun and year for me, so maybe you can answer a question for me please. All of the books say it's a Topper model 48, except mine says 58 on it. What does your's say? Thank you.
I’ve owned many H&R rifles and shotguns through the years and I have a collection of them today. My favorite is my Topper deluxe 12 gage with all the chokes. I’ve taken numerous turkey etc. the 25-06 handy ultra was awesome, I took plenty of deer and 2 pronghorn. A friend had to buy it from me😢 I now use a Ruger# 1 and I tell you I miss my H&R ,rugged simple and fairly light. Thank you sir for sharing.
Thank you also Terry - the 25-06 in the H&R would be a "go to" rifle - and the 12 - so useful - hard to beat.
I LOVE mine in 45-70. To my surprise, it will shoot 535 grain Postell bullets very well. 29.5 grains of 5744 sends it at 1352 FPS. Unbelievably fun. Great video as always!!!
That's fantastic Mark - those are unstoppable bullets - long and open lead - accurate and give that "great shooting" feeling. Thanks for letting us know.
Man, I wish H&R was still in business. I NEVER owned one, always telling myself they would always be around.
Doesn't Henry make a reproduction of this?
I only own one for that same reasons. I kept putting off getting another because "They will always be around and affordable!" towards the end they cost as much as a Remington which made them a really bad purchase at that point. You can not take a design that has been around forever that is known for being very affordable and with no real changes just double or triple the price over night and think it will sell. In 1995 I paid $149 or $199 for my USH by the 2000's they wanted $350, $450, $500 retail for them and they kept going up. The fit and finish was never on the level of a $350 to $500. Cadillac tried to take a Chevy Caviler economy car and rebadge it as the Cadillac CImarron with fake leather, fake wood and a padded top for top dollar. It did not go well! They drove themselves out of business with terrible marketing! They were fantastic when affordable. Imagine if tomorrow the Ruger 10/22 shot up to $1200 almost overnight and that was the main product Ruger made and sold and was known for.
Henry, Midland, Rossi, and Savage are the only single-shot break actions shotguns I know of currently, and not each of these offer all common gauges.
For newcomers to the Handi- Not all barrels interchange with the actions as easily as demonstrated here. Many need to be carefully fitted by a gunsmith, and some are not meant to interchange. Be careful ( :
Picked a up a Rocky Mtn Elk Foundation in 35 Whelen for 400 bucks. So simple with a great cartridge. Very Handi
I have an H&R Pardner 20 gauge. I’ve had it for years and I love it for grouse.
Mike, I know this is an odd one, but could you possibly get your hands on an H&R 300 or 301? These were Harrington & RIchardson bolt guns built on either FN or Sako actions in H&R’s custom shop. I have a 301 carbine and they were pretty neat.
I bought my son one for his first deer rifle when he was 10. It is chambered in .243. He's 26 now and still loves that H&R rifle.
Great dad - perfect rifle for starters or for life - they don't wear out.
I wish I had bought one in .500 S&W when they were available.
I’ve got one of those 32 gauge guns as well. I ordered a custom mold from accurate molds, 50 cal 230 grains and .427 cal for inside the shot cup 220 grain bullet. I load my own shells using green dot powder. I also have a smoothbore stevens 32 gauge, a video is on my channel of it, and I’ve figured out a way to fold crimp the shells. Last week a found a 24 gauge and it’s on its way to me.
Great video. I love the concept. It is especially relevant today with the unknown policies of this administration on firearms. There is talk about taxing our guns.
I have an Encore, "How many guns do you have?". ONE " What caliber?" MULTI, it works for me.
Those single shot guns like the Encore or Handi-Rifle are far more accurate then I ever will be.
I bought my grandson a Rossi Pick 4 which is a copy of the H&R and he used it to get his first deer. With the 4 barrels he could choose between .22 LR, .410, 20 gauge, and .243 Winchester.
My grandpa use to have a .22 / .410 over and under . He used that when he was trapping .I always thought that would be a great gun to take with you if you were going on a live off the land camping trip .
Perfect gun Sir Jhonson - he chose well! All the best to you.
Greetings USOG! I love the H&Rs! Long time since had time to sit and watch your excellent videos. Look forward to catching up.
Had a 12gauge Topper. Less than 6 pounds, it was responsible for creating some nasty shoulder bruises when firing 3" mag slugs.
Soy propietario de un H&R Handi Rifle en calibre 30-30. Es uno de mis favoritos. Desde argentina saludos.
Courtesy of Mike - My Firearm knowledge has increased by leaps and bounds. Keep up the good work 👌
Thanks Asim. My best to you and yours : )
I have three of the rifles and 4 of the shotguns. Hope to complete the major gauges on the shotguns, but will just pick up the rifles when I find a deal. They made so many different rifle/pistol cartridge options, I would not have room for them all.
I really enjoy shooting these single shots.
Mike I have this one called the buffalo classic in 45/70. Nice gun.
I've seen guy's shoot the 50 BMG out of the H&R 12 gauge and 444 marlin out of the 410 gauge and they survived. Though I would never try it or recommend doing it!
The 50 won't have have any gas seal and not even burnt all its powder, like firing a blank.
If I remember correctly, their shotgun receivers weren't built to withstand high-pressure rifle rounds. Consequently, you could get a shotgun barrel for one of their rifles (through the barrel accessory program), but not a rifle barrel for one of their shotguns.
Hi Mike , i always look forward to your videos , and appreciate your time and effort explaining the history and operational quirks of the various firearms. I have only one Handi rifle, it started out as a .22 hornet but I had it rechambered to .222Rimmed. Much more Handi for me.🖒
There is a 22lr barrel called the versi-shot that used the center fire receiver. The barrel was bored on a diagonal to use the center fire firing pin on the rimfire shells.
Hi Jon - I need one - had no idea there was such a device - thanks for the note.
Mike, shortly after watching this post for the first time, I found a NEF HANDI RIFLE in 17 HMR at my local gun shop for $100 !!! Now, I want to learn as much as I can all due to this Great Vid ! Sure wish someone ( DAVIDE PEDERSOLI ? ) would bring it back !
Hi Ron - that's amazing! Great! Those rifles are so hard to find - nothing quite like them. Good shooting!
I used to have an ultra in 25-06. I still have an ultra 12g slug gun and an old 12g topper with a full choke.
Think I am probably only one or very, very, very few people with this H&R handi-rifle set up. Bought it in the 444 Marlin, then bought the 20 gauge barrel for it, then while I was at it, also bought the 45-70, 270 Win and the 308 Win barrels for it. This Handi-rifle is one of my favorite rifles that I own. But now like to get the 35 Whelan, and the 460 S&W or the 500 S&W barrels for it.
How interchangeable are the barrels does it matters if the starting gun is a shotgun or a 'handi rifle'? I've seen discussions on some forums where there's talk of an SB1 and SB2 action. That the 'handi rifle' action is stronger or the firing pin better suited to rifle cartridges? I also wonder how or if the similar NEF and Savage guns are interchangeable with the H&R? I do know the action on a NEF muzzleloader is shorter than the action on a NEF shotgun.
@@dkeith45 You just had me thinking about this. Yep I do remember that is an old thing with the old guys at skeet range that seen during in my teenage years with their over and under shotguns. Usually they have it in a 12 gauge, had to been a 12 gauge then they would put a 20 gauge or 410 gauge barrel into that gun. Recently seen 1 of these old used shotguns at my mom and pop gun store recently. They were asking like $2,000.00 to $4,000.00 for it.
@@airbornesoldieramerica7125 Yeah, the prices for H&R, NEF and American made Savage's have gone WAY up into the $500+ range and barrels, even shotgun barrels are listed for $150 and up on the auction sites. Who knows if they'll sell at those prices, but now there's no listing fee on most of these auction sites, there's no incentive to lower prices, so everyone just lists their item for the same as everyone else. BTW, CVA makes some nice single shot rifles and most are under $400. They have one in 35 Whelan too. I have one of their 50 cal inline muzzleloaders and it's built very nice. Dunno if they offer interchangeable barrels or not though.
There are plenty of crusty old H&R shotguns here in Australia, but not many of the newer models, and even fewer rifles. I've got an old 1908 and a newish NEF Pardner, both in 12 gauge. That synthetic 22 looks great. 👍
Still have me h&r 10 ga. With a 36" barrel and it patterns so nice.
I have a few of these they went out of business because they couldn't make anything new. And once you fool around the trigger and lighting it up that's not a bad rifle they were trying to sell these at over 300 bucks when others were selling budget bolt guns for the same.
One thing to mention about pressure is that bigger cartridges often does not have higher pressure. A 10ga shotgun is about 11000 psi and a 22 short is around 22000 psi. A 50 BMG is 54000 psi which is less than a .223
That's a good thing to mention. I didn't know about the short pressure.
H&R Handi rifles are really good single shot rifles. Well made, very accurate.
I had two, both with laminated stocks, one in 308 Winchester, and a heavy barrel version in 22 WMR. The 308 version is a superb woods gun - three inches shorter than a repeating action in the same caliber, and it can SAFELY be carried with a round in the chamber and the hammer down (transfer bar system), so it is one of the fastest rifles to get off the FIRST shot. With cheap Winchester Power Point 150 grain PSP ammo, it would consistently group three shots under an inch @ 100 yards. The Achilles heel of the H&R is the trigger - some are OK, others are horrible. The 308 (which I sold to a friend, regrettably) had a decent 4# pull, but my 22 WMR has a creepy, long 6# pull. It's capable of 1" groups @ 100 yards, if you can master the disaster trigger. Pulling the Handi Rifle apart for a trigger job is not a simple task.
Just discovered this channel... and it's something special.
Thank you for being here and hope to see you again.
The Handi rifle truly was a great gun and damn cheap to boot. My .45-70 Handi rifle cost me $165 back in the mid 90s.
As far as the strength of these rifle , back in the 1950s, either E.H. Harrison or Julian Hatcher (I'm not sure which it was) had an article in the American Rifleman analyzing the strength of the typical American single shot shotgun. The article showed that regardless of the maker, either H&R or Iver Johnson, these shotguns had bolting systems of incredible strength easily capable of handling any shotgun load that might be fired through it. The H&R Handi Rifle uses the same bolting system but upgraded with superior materials, gun quality steel rather than cast iron.
I recently picked up a new CVA Scout (Made in Bergara). It was a pistol caliber and was getting no love on an auction site.
Unfortunately, I am.unaware of anyone that makes break actions in the USA now.The used NEF, and H&R rifles are bringing more than you can buy some new bolt guns for.
Neat firearms. I wasn't familiar with these at all.
Thanks for sharing. 😊👍
The most versatile firearm I personally own is a Remington bolt action shotgun.
It's handy because it fits Texas center fire hunting laws.
And as long as it's 12ga it was made to accept *any cartridge*
Barrel is an odd length as well.
Slightly longer than most but still shorter than others.
That actually helps balance it out though.
My FIL gave it to me. He used it to hunt ducks and geese when they lived up north I think.
It's kind of weird but really handy and I haven't ever used them but have 17 reloadable brass cartridges for it as well.
I had one that came with two barrels. One in 20 gage and another in .38 special/.357 magnum.
Fun little gun.
That's an ideal combo - I always found the .357 Mag. a very useful and potent cartridge.
I thought I was a cheap skate for loving my H&R 12 gauge. For awhile it was the only gun I had... or needed for all kinds of hunting. Glad to know I'm not alone.
You've got one of the best - I just posted a pic of my H&R 12 Ga. Trap - another gem. Cheers!
I bought one in 28 gauge before the crisis and I have one in 223
The 28 is a gem - come to think of it - so is the .223!
I love your channel, you are amazing man, please continue ...thank you Bob
Now Mike, you can’t mention the handiness of the H&R/NEF without paying homage to the Savage 219/220 series; which I believe you did a video on. They were the first major U.S. company to offer interchangeable barrel options.
The Model 219/220 series can be traced back to two Stevens designs: the No.94 hammer gun and the No. 180 hammerless. The Savage model 220/219 is basically a hammerless Stevens No. 94. The 219/220 barrels even fit the No.94 in most cases. The first was the J. Stevens Arms & Tool No. 160 “trigger opener” which was offered in pre-production in the calibers 25-20, 32-40, 38-40, 44-40, 38-55, and 303.
You are right about the lockup, which also mimics earlier Stevens lugs. I talked with a fellow awhile back who had an H&R/NEF model 176 ten bore fitted with a 577 3 1/4” barrel he took to Africa for a Dugga hunt. I think he got two on that hunt! He also has a 500 NE on the NEF frame.
As always I enjoyed your video, but you know I had to get my Stevens praise in there...😁
Here is a link to Brian’s hunt with his 577.
ua-cam.com/video/YGj57ClaBrM/v-deo.html
Really informative again!! Hope all is well!!
I have been a fan of H&R for a long time, own a few and have studied their online catalogs. One thing I really like about them is that they did not simply sell extra barrels as another single shot maker does, they required that the action be sent back to them to have the new barrel(s) hand fitted. While they look the same, H&R states that while the shotgun barrels could be fitted to a rifle action, rifle barrels cannot be fitted to shotgun actions. I assume strength of the action is the issue with that.
I purchased a H&R Handi Rifle in .223 with a bull barrel and sent it back to have a .308 bull barrel fitted, as well as standard barrels for .22 Hornet, .30-30 and .44 Magnum. The .223 & the .308 make a nice pair, as do the Hornet & the .30-30. The .44 mates up with my Super Blackhawk. I am having difficulty locating a good high comb wood stock, and am getting the impression that there is not much demand for that.
I also have a .22 RF LR with a plastic stock and an older .54 caliber muzzle loader.
When I sent my action back to have the accessory barrels fitted, I could smell something was going on because the communications I received was from Remington.
While I will never understand what people see in the AR, I firmly believe that the H&R is THE BEST!
Glad you had the vision to buy one and completed with barrels for most needs - smart!
I had an H&R topper growing up in 12 gauge and had a bore obstruction that I did not see after I had a squib load and proceeded to put a 1-oz slug in behind it and blew the barrel up that was the only thing that was damaged on the gun and I magically walked away without a scratch
Hi Aaron - I had a similar thing happen with a 20 ga. obstructed by mud in a swamp - the barrel peeled back but that was it - no injury. I cut the barrel back and it was good to go again. Luck I guess - and a great action.
Savage model 24 + 22 or 22mag over 410, 20, or 12. Now that is versatile and no take down fiddling.
I have a handi rifle in 357 magnum reamed to 357 maximum, bull barrel, excellent shooter.
I've got the same thing. It's my favorite deer rifle .
Back in the late 70's H and R produced a muzzle loader on a very similar platform. I know it came in .45 cal and shot round patched balls like a laser but I think it also came in .54 cal. As well. It had a multi piece ram rod and was most likely one of the most unique muzzle loading rifles of it's time. Later as wear and erosion from black powder loosened the hinge unit the guns became dangerous as they could blow the breach plug out as they were locked closed. Many people tightened up the mechanism by using paper playing cards soaked in gun oil.
Hi Marty - Amazing - playing cards soaked in gun oil! The things I learn in a day. Thanks for the note - I had no idea.
I own the tracker 2 and it’s a tack driver. I hope they get back in business and perhaps refine the stock and forearm
I love the Handi's but I think the most versatile gun out there would be the TC Contender/Encore series. More costly, sure, but more versatile too.
Was my first gun. Have the barrel still but the receiver went missing after my mom had her basement cleaned out.
I took my first turkey with my NEF 12GA at 35 yards, a nice big 21 pounder with a 10" beard. I lost count of how many squirrels I've taken with it. I'm hoping to take a deer with slug this upcoming season.
THE EARLY SHOT GUNS USED PAPER CARTRIGES 2-1/2" 410 WAS CALLED 12MM.
Thank you!
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns Your welcom, Some shells were head stamped 12mm/.410 giving credit to the German origin of the paper cases
I had two I regret selling, a 28 gauge with a laminate stock I paid $80 new, and a .45-70 Buffalo Classic I couldnt afford to feed at the time. I now have a .17HM2 that is like a laser beam. Firiing it is like dry firing, the only zero recoil firearm I have used, even less than an AT4 9mm trainer.
My cousin bought an H&R semi auto 22 magnum, I had a Stirling bolt action 22 magnum, and we went target shooting. My rifle grouped really well, his shot all over the place.
Hello grancito2 - I'll try to find an H&R .22 Mag semi - they are much sought after by collectors - I wonder why your cousins was not accurate - they're usually quite accurate. Anyway - your Sterling was sterling : )
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns It was good, I could shoot a deer in the neck spine at 100 yards. To make the Sterling accurate, I had to float the barrel, perhaps his had a problem with the fore wood against it.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns there is very few manufactuers that made a 22mag auto the xtra length makes difficult to feed properly there is one european company that has been successful one of the top line names i can not remember still makes them today 700 dollar range. Some american
Manu tried i think savage put some out i have seen one savage ruger did long time ago in q0 22 but never seen one
I have a ruger model 77 bolt with laminate stock k and grey bull barrel great accuracy at 100 yds daughter took first deer when she was 7 at 100 yds right behind the ear i got hooked when i bought a mossberg plinkster 22 mag when i was young over 40 years ago some writers have stated that gun is the most accurate 22 mag writing about it
Did hr make a 22 mag semi ....heckler and kosch started making 22 mmags back in the 80s in europe the price back then was ovef 500 bucks at that time it was the only 22mag semi available anywhere i believe .. i wanted one of those so bad back in my younger says
Great platform. I had a 30/30-20ga barrel combo in the topper if the mid-late 70s. $38 on clearance! Very heavy trigger but a 1.5 moa shooter with my SS only handloads. Should not have sold it! The .223 NEF I had a few years later could not come close no matter the load combo. The .17hmr NEF is my last one and it is a keeper! I’ll never sell it! 2 trips to NEF to fix an ejection issue but friendly and fast service. The barrel program on the H&R was the same when the name changed. Had to send it in for final fit. The TC Contender I own (pistol) is truly a drop in exchange! Much better….but much more expensive! I would love to have the .357 magnum NEF! But they sold to Marlin who sold to Remington and NEF didn’t survive Remingtons mismanagement and bankruptcy. Too bad.
I came across an H&R .223 in a pawnshop. I have never even heard of them. I was originally looking for a 5.56 Henry single shot, but they are really hard to find right now. This one was $250 in near new shape. I couldn't pass it up. I recently acquired a G1 Contender with the 45-70 barrel. I hope to be able to shoot them both soon.
Very informative thank you for sharing love my Harrington and Richardson 30 CAL
I shoot cb caps,shorts in the back yard so i have one of these. Also i have heard many arguments about tightening locking...if you simply hammer the top edge at end of the barrel locking lug...ten seconds of work. If you go to far just file or stone the surface. No solderd shims or punch marks on side of lock.you can't see this method also the metal is work hardened. If you have to do this several times it gets better. Remember..the tightness is not really an issue. that lock is not going to fail..
The problem is that if is is loose it "bangs" against the lock and excelerates losening.
Great post - thank you.
Oh..also...it the lock is really loose you hit primer off center.i used this method to fit 2 barrels...never ever adapt high pressures barrels to an older receiver the old cast iron frame was offered in 30-30 that was what i mounted on my older iron frame...much good info on line...these are really popular in certain circle
Though its a single shot a lot of the benefits of that well designed action outweigh the magazine capacity. You can have a 22 inch barrel that handles like a carbine. Combined with a 308, 708, or 243 youve got an excellent brush gun that will get the most out of any cartridge its chambered for. Safety is always a consideration but sometimes in pursuit of game we can find ourselves gambling with safety out of necessity. My buddy and i were chasing a flock of turkeys, racing to get ahead of them, crossing rickety steps over barbed wire while crossing from one pasture to another and keeping the brush between us and their sharp eyes. As i crossed the fence behind my buddy the steps broke sending me catapulting forward with a loaded 12 gauge. I had a good bar safety but had that gun gone off.. When i got back home i picked up a good harrington richardson at a local flea market for a hundred bucks, had the .ocal gunsmith shorten the barrel a couple inches and fix me up with a screw in turkey choke. I also ordered a full 20 barrel and a muzzle loader barrel. Ive now got 1 gun that works for small game, large game, turkey. The 12 kicks like a mule but is deadly out to 40 yards. Ive taken at least 5 deer with the muzzleloader and dispatched chicken killing racoons and other raiders and have gotten rid of at least 2 armadillos destroying my yard. But most of all should i find myself again chasing the turkeys i have one shell to think about and i know that unless i am physically pulling the trigger after i have cocked it that gun is not going to fire.
Great post!
I shot one in 10 gauge once and only once, lol
These guns were light weight so there wasn't much mass to absorb great recoil. Adding lead to the fore-end grip would help.
If I remember correctly, their 10-gauge shotguns were build on a larger/heavier frame than most of their other shotguns, which were even lighter. They had a 12-gauge slug gun that only weighed about 6 lbs (nice to carry/ rough to shoot). Also, they had some 12-gauge guns with 3 1/2 chambers build on the smaller/lighter frame.
I’ve got one of those, same gun and model in this video, and i shoot all the way up to 3oz loads in it pretty regularly. The gun is so heavy that the recoil is less than what you would get with a single shot 12 gauge using 3” shells. The gun weighs 11 pounds. It’s more of a slow shove then a sharp punch like most shotguns.
You want recoil, shoot a full load in 45/70 in the handi rifle. The action is far stronger then the old trap doors so it will digest any sensible load.
I had one and I ran full power loads with 350 gr jacketed bullets. Recoil is quite stout to say the least.
I just got my 45-70 barrel, shot some hornady ftp 325 grain out of it, my shoulder took a beating. Hopefully it's a one shot deer season 🙏
I do enjoy your presentations, and appreciate all you do sir !!! Hands down your the best. I need too say I've had a 'Love Relationship' with the Ithaca Lever Action Single Shots...
I've built my 'Go-Ta's' on the Deer Slayer series,,, from Moose & Bear with Waterfowl included. Everyone need's their personal "Goat's" series of shotguns, my favorite is the greatest Turkey Gun Ever,,,
I built a One Mile 6.5 x 55 barrel and paired it up just to impress myself.
God Bless and please keep the good works coming, you are sincerely appreciated Sir.
Fan of singles, rifle and shotgun.
"some movies about the .44" nice
I have 4 in from .410 JR , 20 , 16, 12 guage, very handy and will last forever. Actually the Henry single shot in .357 or 45/70 is great versatile rifle.
You've got a very fine collection G&C - one in .357 would cover a lot of ground for sure.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns thank you that means alot coming from you, I envy your collection and how you respect the great rifles and utilitarian equally such as 740,760, M77 etc.
I had one 12 GA case hardened in excellent condition, found it for $50 at a yard sale was stolen from me before I could get my Hands on ammo and shoot it unfortunately :(
We use the dart guns to administer medication to cattle, much less stress on the cattle than roping them
That's good to know; I had no idea
I have had a 223,22-250,270,45-70 @ a 500 s @ w.
They were all very accurate rifles. But the 500 was actually lighter than the s@w long barrel revolver in it.
That is the only gun that has ever hurt me. And I have used 375,458,338,358 and 10gaxand 3 1/2 12 ga. All with no problems.
I honestly think that 500 started my rotator cuff ripping.
FWIW, look up 'Tanker style' muzzle brakes.
@@dkeith45sorry for the delay.
My computer didn't notify me of a response and have been in and out of the hospital quite a few times and kinda lost touch with this channel.
I don't like muzzle brakes. They are loud all though effective recoil reducing.
I did a lot of hog hunting with dogs. Have to hear the dogs and be ready for a quick shot.
The shoulder damage was/ is all ready done + other damage.
When I do hunt I use low recoil rounds mostly now. 6.5g 6mm Remington
I am thinking about a low recoil 45-70 with lead bullet to see if I can get the recoil down enough to use my favorite cal.
@@tbjtbj4786 Yep, they are indeed louder and can kick up dust if fired from a prone position. The recoil reduction is really amazing though. As for reduced loads, easily done. You can even go as low power as a .22LR. There's a device known as a 'Hammond Game Getter' which is made in Canada and allows you to insert a .22 blank into an altered centerfire rifle shell. The kit contains a swag block allowing you to swag a lead round ball to the proper diameter for the rifle the kit is made for. It then allows you to shoot small game.
Talking of things going wrong, I seem to remember there being a muzzleloading version of this with a push in breech plug that had the potential to come back at the shooter if you opened it on a hangfire.
Interesting Keith - I did not know. I hope to learn more.
I know of one muzzle loader version of this gun but it wasn't a push in breach plug. It was a screw in version and used 209 shot shell primers. It must be pretty reliable since the owner has used it for at least the last 15 years, maybe longer.
i have the h&r in .243 and .30-06. very good rifle.
2 gems - can't go wrong with the H&R. Thanks for the note.
I have an older SB2 handi rifle in .44 mag that shoots well with lighter ammo. I would like an older one in 30-30
I would love to keep one in my truck.
Great videos, thank you. Love your gun collection.
Got a Rossi 223 on an h&r style action with a manual safety
That's strange just came up on the algorithm. Was wishing I could find one at an affordable price chambered in 7 mm mag. Just because I have about ,150 rounds nothing to run them through. I was going to give them to my older brother but he died. He was only one left and family with a 7mm mag.