Anyone have opinions on these? Apparently their "H&R TALK" forum closed permanently today, so I'm scrambling to find another forum with H&R rifle owners.

They are a handy little rifle. Acurrate, reliable, and economocial. The only real downside to them is that I think they look a little "ugly" but I try not to judge any gun on looks alone.

From what I've seen, they're pretty nice guns for what they are. (inexpensive, no frills, single-shots)

My father-in-law bought a 243 H&R Ultra Varminter and has recently ordered several barrels for it, including 25-06 and either 22 Hornet or 223 (maybe both). He absolutely loves his for groundhog hunting. He has a high power scope (6-18X or something) and he shoots 'chucks at any range he can find 'em.

Take a look at the H&R website if you intend to order any extra barrels. You have to be careful what you start with or you severly limit your options when it comes to extra barrels. For example, if you buy a shotgun they won't sell you rifle barrels--but if you buy a rifle they will sell you shotgun barrels. Not all rifle barrels fit all models. Buy an 'Ultra' model with the bull barrel or a large caliber like 30-06 if you want the widest range of options.

Anyone have opinions on these? Apparently their "H&R TALK" forum closed permanently today, so I'm scrambling to find another forum with H&R rifle owners.

Moyer

I bought one in .223 and put a cheap scope on it. After I shot it a time or two, I bought a better scope because it deserved a better one.
Very accurate, easy handling in an enclosed blind, and dependable.

Since there's not much invested, it became my workhorse. I kept mine lying on the windshield of a jeep, and after two full seasons of getting beat up, it was still dead on.
Some *** stole it from me along with other stuff.
But I would highly recommend one.
Keep them well oiled as the light blueing will rust easy,but that was the only negative- doesn't hurt the accuracy.

A lot cheaper than the Thompson,too
Tom

I had an NEF 45-70 with synthetic stock. Bought it on a whim, it was very accurate with 405 gr bullets. A very nice inexpensive, functional rifle.

I have a 223 Ultra, and it's be best gun I've ever shot, and probably the least expensive. They have a somewhat slow twist rate (1:12), so tend to like smaller bullets, at least in the 223 caliber. Using Winchester value packs 45gr JHP and Ultramax 40gr NBT, I've hit 1.3" - 1.6" groups at 200yds. That's good for me, and the gun is probably capable of doing better than that.

I'm still using an inexpensive Bushnell Trophy 4-9x40, and will upgrade to a better one when I can afford it. I also have an old H&R 22lr, over 40 years old and it was my first rifle. Still has the scope I put on it 30 years ago, and still very accurate. I don't think you can go wrong with these guns.

My .243 Ultra arrived this week. I bought it to get me into the .204 Ruger reasonably. Those barrels will be available this summer. Now I'm waiting for the extra high rings for the Redfield Tracker scope to clear the hammer. It will be ready to go when the snow clears. Life is good.

George

I have a N.E.F. Handi-Rifle in .22 Hornet. I also had it fitted for a 28 gauge shotgun barrel. I have enjoyed shooting it in both calibers and am thinking about getting another barrel, maybe a .30-30 this time. They are one of the best bangs for your dollar.

http://www.gunsandammomag.com has a forum and they have often talked about the N.E.F./H&R rifles and shotguns. Some of the guys have even done some custom work on them like camo paint jobs, changing the iron sights and shortening a .44 mag. barrel to make a super handy carbine. Ask around. Someone might be able to dig up some of the old threads there. Happy Shooting!

I bought my 'recoil sensitive son' a H&R last month. Put a Simmons Whitetail Expedition 4x12x42 w/AO on it. Michael and I spent about 3 hours at the range going through the formal new barrel break in procedures with consistent 2" groups using Remington 55gr SPs, as recommended by H&R due to the twist.
Michael shot his first deer two days later with ONE shot at 150yds and a 55gr Remington Soft Point. The deer dropped on the spot.
IF you are looking for a weapon to hang on the wall and show off to your friends get a Ruger 1. IF you are looking for a very good quality rifle with additional barrel upgrade capability that gives you a lot of reliable bang for your buck buy a H&R.
Good Luck,
JP
Peace through superior firepower...

I bought a youth synthetic model in .243 six years ago for my daughter. She used it one year and then got involved in competitive swimming (during hunting season), so she hasn't used it since then. But I have. It's been a tack driver on rare occasions, but more often it shoots poor groups. I guess I just haven't found the perfect combination. I bought a 30/30 barrel for it, and it is more accurate, but still nothing outstanding. But I have had more fun with this rifle that any other, just because I shoot it more often, trying to find that perfect combination. I have other rifles which are monotonously accurate, but this one remains a challenge. I recently ordered a 30/06 with a wood stock. I look forward to shooting this rifle as much. Each trip to the range is like a science experiment, change one variable at a time and evalutate results. Keeps me humble.

They are a handy little rifle. Acurrate, reliable, and economocial. The only real downside to them is that I think they look a little "ugly" but I try not to judge any gun on looks alone.

How could anyone say these great little rifles are ugly...

http://www.hunt101.com/img/066479.JPG

I don't think my 308 Survivor is...

Mac

Mac,
Calm down, they are an acquired taste. I didn't like the looks of them either, at one time, now I have six.
To Anyone Interested,
A lot of the old guys from H+R/NEF are over at Greybeardsoutdoor. He has set up a site for H+R/NEF discussion, as a curtesy to all those refugees from the old site.
Don

How could anyone say these great little rifles are ugly...

http://www.hunt101.com/img/066479.JPG

I don't think my 308 Survivor is...

Mac

I don't think my 45-70 is either, which is what prompted me to go to the web forums in the first place. Good to see another MT name since the disporatia. There are others at 24hour campfire: http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=245606&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=14&fpart=1

45LCshooter:

How you doing ?Been spending most my time over at Greybeards doing a little moderating on the NEF Discussion board,with Duce.This is a pretty nice place too from what I've seen so far too.I see a lot of the guys bouncing between a few sites just to stay in touch. It nice to see most of us from over at MT again at least trying to keep things going.,even though we are spread out a bit. I think it's great that the Management of the different sites stepped up and assisted all of us in the way they have.We all owe them a Big ThankYou for that.

Have a Good 1 guys

Mac

Yesterday I picked up my 30/06 wood stocked Handi Rifle that I had on order. I was suprised at how attractive the stock actually was. The wood was not walnut, but some other hardwood stained a rich brown color with a comfortable satin finish. I was impressed. Now I'm saving for a suitable scope.

I own 7 H&R / NEF firearms and the low cost was not why I bought them. They are excellent shooters that you don't have to worry about roughing up during field use. My high dollar bolt guns are very handsome firearms, but don't get the use my H&R's get.

Yesterday I picked up my 30/06 wood stocked Handi Rifle that I had on order. I was suprised at how attractive the stock actually was. The wood was not walnut, but some other hardwood stained a rich brown color with a comfortable satin finish. I was impressed. Now I'm saving for a suitable scope.

wyonative...
I am saving for one of these right now. Keep us updated on how it shoots, groups, and what ammo you are using.
If you have any questions on your rifle that can't get answered here, visit graybeardoutdoors.com, the majority of the Handi-Rifle owners from H&R talk are there in the NEF/H&R Discussion Forum.

Will do. It might be a while. Like I said, I don't have a scope for it yet. Might have to take a scope of one of my other rifles just to try it out. Besides that, I'll be spending the weekends for the next month chasing my daughters around the state for their activities - Nordic skiing and state science fair. I'll let you know, though, what happens when I finally have the time. Anticipation is part of the fun.

I have a 223 Ultra, and it's be best gun I've ever shot, and probably the least expensive. They have a somewhat slow twist rate (1:12), so tend to like smaller bullets, at least in the 223 caliber. Using Winchester value packs 45gr JHP and Ultramax 40gr NBT, I've hit 1.3" - 1.6" groups at 200yds. That's good for me, and the gun is probably capable of doing better than that.

I'm still using an inexpensive Bushnell Trophy 4-9x40, and will upgrade to a better one when I can afford it. I also have an old H&R 22lr, over 40 years old and it was my first rifle. Still has the scope I put on it 30 years ago, and still very accurate. I don't think you can go wrong with these guns.
Your right on the lighter bullets.
On a whim, I bought a box of hornady 75 grain factory ammo, and my H&R 223 threw them out sideway. They just wouldn't stabilize, but ti's very accurate with the 55's

My pop got his 7mm08 and it groups terrible.He said somthing about the barrel not floating.I was offered one today for $50 and I thought Oh No then I saw it's .410. Its mine now.
cw

Is H&R/NEF still making them in 7mm-08?
There's some consistancies on the page update.
7mm-08 isn't listed in the cals for the stats but they refer to it in the barrel lengths & top comments.
Can anyone set me straight on that one?

Yep I checked 7mm08
cw

Got a question. I bought my nephew an NEF .22LR/.410 shotgun combo for Christmas. How would I go about getting him a .243 barrel for this reciever? Thanks in advance.

Got a question. I bought my nephew an NEF .22LR/.410 shotgun combo for Christmas. How would I go about getting him a .243 barrel for this reciever? Thanks in advance.

I would call their Customer Service at (978) 630-8220 and find out for sure. The 22 Sportster receiver can only take other rimfires, but I don't know how your combo is set up. The SB2 receivers can take any centerfire barrel (except 10ga. shotgun) if the serial # starts with H or N.

I have a Handi-rifle in .17HMR. In a pinch I mounted a cheap Bushnell scope on it. As mentioned above, it deserves a better scope! Accuracy is excellent. I own four .17HMR's and this is my loaner rifle.

steve

I've got 2 NEF rifles, a .243 and a .45-70, both have wood stocks. I'm more than pleased with the accuracy that both of the rifles can achieve! Have used the .45-70 for three hunting seasons and have killed 5 bucks, 1 doe, and 4 bobcats with it. Shoot 300 grain Winchester hollow-points in it, believe me when I say this, the whitetail deer do not run away when hit! Love these handi-rifles so well that I plan to purchase a .223 and a .17HMR in the near future. Since I've had my 2 rifles, several of my friends have bought them in various calibers' never heard anything negative about them.

AZ223,
Took your advice and called NEF customer service. They said that the .22 LR and .410 combo cannot utilize any other barrels due to the design of the frame. Thanks for the number.

In N.J. we have to use shotguns or muzzleloaders (No rifles) for any game not considered as varmints. My 20 gauge H&R Ultra slug hunter has become my mainstay weapon for deer,and I won't even consider carrying anything else into the field unless of course its muzzleloader season. I'm so happy with the way it shoots Lightfield slugs that I am now lookin to order the 38-55 target model H&R for fun at the range, and possibly hunting in PA, and NY. With the accuracy I've gotten out of the slug gun, I've never needed a second shot, and don't feel limited by the fact that its a single-shot because I know where the first shot is going!! :D
whizzum300

BigBlue thank for the info on the old H&R guys. I will pay a visit there.

I just got a Buffalo Classic to put beside the Target Model I got last year. Some of the NEF/H&R rifles might be a little ugly, but thats usually due to synthetic stocks & that sort of thing. The two I got can't be called ugly by anyone that appreciates the looks of firearms.
I'm looking forward to some good shooting with them...

I just got a Buffalo Classic to put beside the Target Model I got last year. Some of the NEF/H&R rifles might be a little ugly, but thats usually due to synthetic stocks & that sort of thing. The two I got can't be called ugly by anyone that appreciates the looks of firearms.
I'm looking forward to some good shooting with them...
Sixgun,
I bought a Buffalo Classic about a month ago, and the grain in the stock is really nice. I didn't care for the satin finish however, so I stripped it and applied around forty coats of Tung oil. The original finish on the stock does have a stain in it, so without the stain, the grain really stands out. The only problem is, I have to switch to a different stock if I want to hunt with it. :D I have been seaching gun shows for a different rear sight for it. I know Track of Wolf, makes a nice sight for this gun, but I'm looking for a military style adjustable ramp sight, like they have on the old 98 Mausers.
Don

I handled one today and was pretty impressed with two things. One, the trigger was pretty darn acceptable considering it's a single-action, hammer-fired gun.

Second, there's no perceptible SOUND when cocking the gun. Are they all like that by design, or was that example a fluke?

Mine make sound when cocked, a "clunk" or "thunk" is the way I would describe it. So far I like the factory sights, can't complain a bit. I've been shooting at 60 to 70 yds. with good accuracy, plan to lengthen that out to approx. 130 yds over the next couple of months.

THANKS, sixgun.

my first h&r was a combo 22hornet/20ga my dad bought me I used it 1 season and replaced it over the next 2 years with a weatherby, ithaca, and a ruger MOD 77 one for big game,one for birds and one for varments 3 years ago was deer hunting and had a nice 10 point cross the meadow i was looking over when i got ready to shoot a shot rang out the dear fell in his tracks it was shot by our neighbor who was 82 using aH&R in 45-70 at 140+yards the moral is I had a fancier gun but he had the deer that I had to drag out anyways so in my bookat 47yrs old I cleaned up the 22hornet and me and my first gun took 11coyote,2bobcats,27fox,and a lot of groundhogs and its lighter then my mod77 in243 win.

I have a NEF .223, 22" heavy barrel. Last yeay I bought a 4200 Elite 4-16x for it. It shoots cheap WallyWord Winchester ammo M.O.A. concistantly. IMO its a perfect truck gun.
I do wish it came with a lighter trigger, the way it is now is fine. Also I realy wish that it has rifle twist would stabalize hevier rounds. But both of thoughs quams are minor.

I actually have a question that may or may not be stupid. I have a 45-70 buffalo classic and I asked the clerk, who seemed really knowledgable, if I could fire 45 long colts out of it. He said I would not. Out of curiosity, why would this be an impossibility?

Snarf.

I actually have a question that may or may not be stupid. I have a 45-70 buffalo classic and I asked the clerk, who seemed really knowledgable, if I could fire 45 long colts out of it. He said I would not. Out of curiosity, why would this be an impossibility?

Snarf.

You would be courting disaster if you try to fire a .45 Colt cartridge in your .45/70 rifle. Bullet diameter is different for one. The Colt round uses a .451 diameter bullet while the diameter of the .45/70 is .458. Secondly, case size is vastly different, the colt is only 1.6 inches long and the .45/70 is 2.55 inches long. So chamber sizes are way off. Please do not go any further than this thought and never think of it again for safety's sake.

aaahhh... ya know, I didnt think of the cartridge length. now I feel silly. although I didnt know about the bullet diameter.