[piroguejoe]

while browsing at academy i found a h&r handi rifle varmint ultra in 22-250 for right around 200 bucks. it has a heavy bull barrel and a laminate thumbhole stock.. my buddy owns a standard version in 25-06 and swears by it for coyotes and that was one reason i went with it. any opinions about this gun? plan on tryin to sight it in tomorrow if possible and i cant wait.

 

[broom_jm]

I think if you spend about the same amount, or maybe a bit more, on a good scope and you'll have a varmint rig that will get the job done!

Now, you start a thread like this, and it is absolutely mandatory that you post pictures of the gun, the groups you shoot from the bench AND a few pics of the varmints you shoot. Failure to do so can get you banned! OK, OK...not really but we want to see pictures!

 

[piroguejoe]

for now i put an old 3-9 bushnell on it till finances allow somethin better. i also am gonna try the winchester 45gr hp out i bought a 40rnd box last night. i dont know how to post pics yet but i think its a real good lookin rifle especially for the money. my buddy is chompin at the bit for some trigger time with it!

 

[Farrier Matt]

Ive had Handi Rifles in 280 Rem, 50 cal BP, 22-250 and 22 Hornet. The 22-250 is the only one that didnt shoot very good. Im sure it was just a fluke. Good luck with your new rifle, and let us know how it does.

 

[piroguejoe]

when u say it didnt shoot very good exactly how bad was it?

 

[cowpoke1955]

I think the Handi Rifles are solid and simple. A lot less to go wrong. It will serve you well for a long time.

 

[piroguejoe]

finally made it to the range today to see what she could do. first off once sighted in i fired a 3 shot group that was easily covered by a dime and i mean move the dime around and still not see no holes. dont have calipers but really need some. several decent groups under an inch for sure. but two problems arrose the action pops open when i fire it prolly 75% of the time. and several fliers where i know i was on target. how do i remedy the popping open?

 

[broom_jm]

I have heard of that problem with H&Rs. You'll want to send it back to the factory (or find a local authorized gunsmith) to fix it. I'm not aware of anything you can do yourself, but you might check with David White (ASSASSIN on these pages) as he is one of the best H&R smiths around.

 

[Wrongtarget]

When new, the most likely cause is not closing the action with enough force, you need to close the action with a little authority until the latch and locking shelf get used to each other, don't be afraid to close it briskly, it won't hurt it, but it will make sure it locks up good.

Pop opens can be caused by inadequate lock up, you can check the latch engagement, instructions are in the FAQ and Help sticky at GBO under barrel fitting. http://www.go2gbo.com/forums/index.php/board,126.0.html

Make sure the underside of the barrel is clean and free of any debris that might prevent the barrel from seating in the frame properly.

Also, make sure there is no oil on the latch or latch shelf, they should be clean and dry.

Check to make sure the loaded round is fully chambered and not preventing the action from closing all the way, this could be caused by insufficient headspace due to improperly sized brass or a dirty chamber.

 

[broom_jm]

Are you shooting factory or handloads? I'm shooting both 30'06 and a 35 caliber wildcat which are both pretty powerful, but the action has never popped open after a shot. I'm interested to read the article on the link that Wrongtarget posted.

 

[piroguejoe]

well had my first yote hunt today and after several unsuccessful spots i got a shot and connected from about 125yds on the mangiest animal ive ever seen. id call it a mercy killing before id call it hunting on that one. also made a crow go poof too! those 45gr hps are awesome to say the least. does anyone else have trouble with excessive fouling? i spent better than an hour both times cleaning mine with brush, patches and butch's boreshine as opposed to 15 min on my new 300. not complaining i know im still breaking in my barrel just wondering if this is normal. thanks everyone for your comments this is a great place for info or opinions and i cant get enough of it.

 

[gunchamp]

I owned the exact same rifle a while ago and the action came open on every shot. I bought it at gander mt just for something to monkey around with. It was given back to their gunsmith twice before they gave me my money back. They were never able to fix it. I'm sure a better smith would have no problem with it but this one did. My dad owns one and has never had an issue with it.

 

[omegahunter]

Had a .44 H&R with the pop open problem. Sent it back to Remington's repair shop and it locks up nice and tight now with a noticable increase in accuracy.

H&R's seem to have a bit rougher bore. Once you get it broke in, it will clean up quicker.

 

[piroguejoe]

well its been a long while but the old handi rifle worked its self out. It took about 60rnds before the pop open problem completely went away. Accuracy was touch and go but after about 80 rnds she really started settling down. I will call it a consistant 1" gun with most being under that. I was to the point of selling it but stuck with it and love it. I was given a cheap centerpoint 4-16x scope that works wonderfully and even did a custom paint job for yote hunting so I don't stand out like a sore thumb. it took a lil tinkering and patience but I still feel like I got a great deal on this gun.