All this talk about the H&R/NEF has gotten me interested in them. I haven't owned a single shot in many years(decades!) but hunting with one would sure add an element of excitement to the chase. I like the idea of being able to go to another caliber without plunking down $300+ for a whole new rig too.
I went to NEF's website and came away with a few questions. 1) You have to return your rifle to have the new barrel fitted. Can they return it directly to you if your not a FFL holder?
2) They quote prices of around $85 for a new barrel. Is this total price? Any other charges? $85 would be an excellent deal for a complete turn around.
3) I'm looking at an Ultra in .223 w/heavy barrel. Then fitting it with a .308 I would also like to eventualy get a .50 muzzle loader. Will all three of these fit on the same frame?
Thanks for any help you can give............Bill
One more question...has anyone seen a noticable difference in accuracy between thw .223 heavy and .223 normal barrel?

1. You do not have to go through a dealer with a FFL. Go to their website and print a copy of their ordering instructions and an order form for details.

2. The total cost is the price of the barrel plus freight, which I think is $15. So, for about $100 you can be shooting a completely different caliber.

3. Yes, you can use one receiver (if you buy a rifle) for different rifle calibers, shotgun barrels, and muzzleloaders.

Be aware that the turn around time is somewhere between 4 and 8 weeks. Sometimes even more, but I think it's worth it.

1. You do not have to go through a dealer with a FFL. Go to their website and print a copy of their ordering instructions and an order form for details.

2. The total cost is the price of the barrel plus freight, which I think is $15. So, for about $100 you can be shooting a completely different caliber.

3. Yes, you can use one receiver (if you buy a rifle) for different rifle calibers, shotgun barrels, and muzzleloaders.

Be aware that the turn around time is somewhere between 4 and 8 weeks. Sometimes even more, but I think it's worth it.

What he said. Plus, The regular barrel is plenty accurate enough. It is a lot heavier than some other makers bull barrels. Besides that bull barrel would be very heavy for a carry rifle. And not a whole lot of difference in accuracy. If you send her in, make sure to request a free trigger job. WDO

Thanks to both of you for the info and I will ask about the free trigger job. Still a little confused on how they can send a modern firearm directly to your home. I thought an FFL had to recieve all but curios and relics.

Hi,

It's specifically permitted by federal law for a gun owner to send their firearm directly to an FFL for repair, and have it returned to them.

Sounds as though the savings would add-up if you went ahead and had them do the .308 and .50 barrels at the same time. Maybe you can hit them up for a 'volume' discount? :)

Seems to me IIRC that the receivers aren't all the same in the rifles. If you start out with a .30-30 or .44 mag you can't have a .308 or .30-06 barrel installed due to different heat-treating of the receiver. However, if you start with one of the high-intensity pressure receivers, they can fit it with any other combination they offer. Something to keep in mind.

Regarding the accuracy of the .223 barrels, I can't say on the HB version, but several years ago I came up with one of the lightweight .223's with synthetic stock as an "extra rifle" for guests when I went chuck shooting.... well, this rifle, the first time at the bench out-shot a HB stainless fluted barrel Rem700 that was tuned well! This with the ammo loaded for the 700 Rem! After barrel break-in, that light barrel Handi-Rifle shot groups in the mid-.3's on occasion!

Fun stuff.

God Bless,

Mike..thanks for the insight on the shipping issue.....
Marshall....your experience with the standard (v.s. bull) barrel tells me I don't need a bull barrel for my purposes...
Victor...I've been doing some shopping and found they offer a combo which includes a .243 with scope rails and a .50 cal ML with fire sights/tapped for about $300. Very tempting. I was wavering between .223 and .243 anyhow so this may be the way to go. Hmmmm....

If you buy a Newer Handi rifle. I think in the last 4 or 5 years, then you CAN add ANY barrel that they make. You can't add rifle barrels to shotgun receivers. But you can add shotgun or M/L barrels to rifle receivers.

Look at the 2nd letter of the serial number.
(I'm pretty sure 1995 is J, 1994 H, etc)

K=1996
L=1997
M=1998
N=1999
P=2000
R=2001
S=2002
T=2003
You're looking for N or later if you want to be able to order the barrels marked with an asterisk on the accessory barrel page. I.E. the higher pressure calibers. WDO

Great info... I just learned a thing or two. Last I'd looked into the issue was some time ago (as evidenced by my post), it's good to know that any rifle action now produced will serve for any rifle barrel/caliber they offer! Good Stuff!

God Bless,

Marshall.......Don't you know us old fa*ts have to depend on the new crowd to keep up with the new techo data!
Well......Let me tell you all what really tears me! I acquired one of the new NEF Hornets.....black stock and all. Knowing that Hornets have been tricky, to say the least, in years gone by......I apporached sight in with some dread. To my get suprise the firearm stated eating whatever I fed it with nice round groups! After some load tuning, 13 grains of LilGun and the standard Winchester HP.......it groups under an inch at 100 yards. This *utt-ugly single shot just is not supposed to do it. If fact, the "Thing" (my private name for it) outshoots my friends Rugers SS and bolt guns????????? Oh Well!
Best Regards, James