Considering an H&R Handi-Rifle

[gazpacho]

Well as the title says, I considering the purchase of an H&R handy rifle. Specifically, a Superlight Compact in either .223 or 22 Hornet. This rifle will be for plinking and target shooting. I reload neither caliber, but probably will after I buy the rifle. I currently have 2 ARs in 223,5.56, but no Hornets.

I would welcome any input on H&R in general, the particular model in question, and the calibers. No SHTF or TEOTWAKI please.

 

[whitetail]

I have a HR Superlight in 22 Hornet. It shoots 1 1/4 inch groups at 100 yards with 35 Gr vmax with 13gr Lil Gun powder. I am very happy with it. Hard to beat it for the money. I shoot a lot so it pays to reload. I can reload it for 10 to 15 cents per round with Midsouth bullets, which are also accurate. That is not counting the cost of brass of course. I often read that it is a pain to hand load the Hornet. I disagree with that. I have loaded thousands of Hornet rounds and never have a problem loading it. I also have a CZ 527 Hornet. IT shoots 3/4 inch groups at 100 yards. Great gun. But my most accurate Hornet is a Savage Mod 40. It shoots one ragged hole at 100 yards all day long. I like them all, but the HR Superlight is the one that stays in the truck. Good, dependable and the price is right. Whitetail

 

[Lon371]

I have 4 of the H&R's. A .44, .223 bull barrel, 12 gage, and a 20 gage ultra slug. Soo i am a little partial to them. I love the way they carry,except the ultra slug it ways 40lbs I think(not really but is heavy)

The catch to a H&R/NEF is you may have to tinker to get it to shoot great. But for the price they are a great gun.

Lonny

 

[rbernie]

They are solid rifles for the money. I like my three very much.

 

[MachIVshooter]

I have the .223 Featherweight and a .22 Hornet heavy barrel. Both shoot pretty darn good. I bought the Hornet new for $220 and the .223 used for $100. Hard to beat 'em for the money (impossible, really).

 

[conhntr]

i have one with 3 barrels

45-70-- 2.5-3" at 100
22 hornet 1.5"
243 2" but will not reliably extract=useless

get it in a rimmed catridge (hornet) extraction wont be an issue

 

[Low Budget Shooter]

Dear Gaz,

My 223 superlight is so inexpensive, light, simple, and, yes, "handi," that I highly recommend it. I don't think you can buy any other 223 for less than $500, but you can get these for $200 or less.

LBS

 

[HeavenlySword]

Arg double post

 

[HeavenlySword]

Ammunition commonality can be a good idea

 

[fireman 9731]

H&R makes some very reliable, quality guns for great prices. not to mention that you can get a multitude of other barrels for it very inexpensively.

+1

 

[gazpacho]

Thanks much for the replies. Gonna get the H&R, now just have to decide between 223 and 22 hornet

 

[gdcpony]

My old survivor (.223) is still in action against the local varmint population in the hands of a friend of mine. It provides hits out to 400 routinely with an old $50 Busnell on top. It has hit one groundhog past 600, but luck starts being a factor out that far. Less than $300 for a sub-MOA setup is a great bargain.
My current is a 20ga Ultrs slugger thumbhole and as mentioned it is heavy, but it throws 1.1" 100yd groups any time I slap it unto a bipod.
I doubt there is a better bargain on the market for cheap accurate shooting.

 

[RaferJanders]

66912 Has a Decked out Handi rifle in 45/70, Ka POW! That thing is a blast, If you are reloading than I would go with 22Hornet, but if you are not, Man that 22hornet is a King's Ransom, He uses it on his Float boat when fishing in MT, Moose and Bear quiver at thought of a 45/70 slug at a range of 12ft!

 

[Lon371]

If you dont reload, you should look to the .223. I recently picked up Remington for $10 a box of 20, and a generic for $8.

I have not priced the .22hornet so I am not sure there.

Lonny

 

[dalv]

I have (4) - great inexpensive guns. Can't go wrong for the price and if you really want a shooter check out dandtcustomgunworks.com/ - David White does some super custom work on these.
Biggest issue for accuracy is a trigger job as the factory setup is pretty rough. If look around there is info on the net about home polishing the triggers to smooth it out and bedding for more accuracy.
Or, just shoot it as it comes...
Enjoy!

 

[NCsmitty]

I have a couple NEF firearms, a 17HMR and a 410. Ultra reliable, and the 17 will shoot under an 1" with hornady 17gr.
I would get the 223 because of the cheap ammo and components, if you reload. You can always load down to Hornet velocities if you choose, or use the full potential that the 223 offers.
As noted, many barrels are available if you want to change calibers.

NCsmitty

 

[woodvillebum]

I would never own a handi rifle bigger than .223 there is a problem with the barrels if you shoot it enough to heat up you start hitting every but the paper. I have shot a heavy barrled .223 and keyholed two shots at 400-500 yards but there was lots of time inbetween shots. It has to do with swage rifling and not stress releaving the barrel.

 

[federalfarmer]

Anyone have a .270 win barrel for sale for one of these?

Mine is a .223 shoots nice groups with a fixed 8 power scope --- and also has eject problems.

 

[gazpacho]

federalfarmer,

can you explain the ejection problems with 223?

 

[Lon371]

I believe some folks were having problems with the surplus 5.56 in the .223. The 5.56 outer deminsions are the same but the walls are thicker to the inside. When fired i believe the casing was swelling creating a stuck casing. I will not swear to this, but I am thinking(woops) that is what I read.

Lonny

 

[pmeisel]

I have a 12 gauge and a 410, and have had the opportunity to shoot a friend's 45-70. All good solid guns. Best thing, for a waterfowler, is that it is inexpensive enough that if you lose it in the river it wrecks your day but not your season. Also, I shoot the 12 better than any other gun I have, just balances well for me.

 

[GardDog223]

I bought a H&R heavy barrel .223 for my son to transition from rimfire to centerfire, as he grew older. For the money, you cannot beat the H&R.

My only issue is: The model I ordered came with a 1 in 12" twist barrel. It shoots the really light stuff fine, but spreads the heavier weight rounds. Check the twist rate for both calibers against your intended purpose, before you make your final decision.