Does anyone here have experience with this rifle? Can you tell me about accuracy, loads, overall satisfaction?

I haven't any first hand knowledge of that rifle, but from many posts I've read, they don't recommend any of the lightweight barrels. The standard Handi barrel has much better accuracy. I have the H+R Ultra in .243 and .223 and they have heavier barrels on them. The heat build up can still be a problem with the heavy barrels, so I'd imagine it would really adversly affect the lightweights.
Don

BigBlue - heat build-up is not a concern for me as this will be a hunting rifle not a bench rifle. The most accurate rifle I have owned in my life was a .25-06 NEF with a bull barrel. But, it was way too heavy to pack through the hills.

i have a nef in .243 with 22 inch barrel, shoots good. with 40 gr of varget and sierra 60 gr hp i get .75 - 1 inch groups at 100 yds. 37 gr of varget and 80 gr speer get 1.25 inches at 100.

My grandson just bought a NEF handi in 243 with the 22 inch barrel. As per agreed, I bought the scope and mounted it. Took it to the range along with my bolt 243 and 22-250. I was so impressed with this $200 rifle that I have a 223 ultra varmint on order. This has got to be the ultimate secret of the gun world. Now if they would only spend a few extra bucks to put a decent finish on them. These things shoot better for the buck than anything I have seen in a good while.

Donald, I concur. I have owned Handi-Rifles in .223, 25-06, and .45-70. I bought my son an Ultra in .270 and I just picked up this Superlight in .243. With the short barrel and light weight the .243 will be a little more finicky about loads and less-forgiving, but it appears I can learn to shoot it well. The .25-06 had a bull barrel and it was a long-distance tack driver, but simply too heavy to pack around. I also own NEF shotguns in .410 and 20 guage. By the way, I once read an article in Varmint Hunter where an experienced gunsmith tested the Handi-Rifle against a Ruger No. 1 and judged the NEF rifle as more accurate.

You all are discussing the Handi Rifle - synthetic or not?

The reason I ask is that I really like the look of the syn handi depicted on the website without the raised comb (monte carlo type) stock. That model is offered in .22 Hornet and .45/70. I assumethat the barrel accessory program applies to that model as well as the others, and the Hornet would be my first choice aquisition.

Does anyone know the relative price difference between syn and hardwood stocks withthe blue finish?

I agree with Donald about the finish, but at the price, if needed, a more durable finish could be applied. I take it the finish is the same as on the shotguns? Those are the only NEF firearms I have seen up close.

Mike,
I believe the price difference from wood to synthetic is only about $10. The Handi's finish is God awful, so every one I own has been stripped and oil finished, except my .223 Ultra that was treated to a camo job. The only synthetic I own is the .17 Sportster, and it's a handsome rifle. All of my wood stocked Handis are laminated, with the exception of the walnut Buffalo Classic. Ugly finish or not, they do shoot very well for the money.
Don