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Post by bigblue on Dec 11, 2008 20:16:13 GMT -6
A while back I bought a H+R Handi Rifle Frame at a yard sale for $15. It looked like an aborted trigger job that got the better of somebody. The frame itself looks like it had some surface rust that was cleaned off with steel wool, so it needs a new finish. I'll use a spray on baked finish for that. The trigger guard is cracked, the hammer and trigger both look like they were overworked and will need replacing. I'll need to have a new barrel fitted to the frame and buy a new stock bolt and stock. Most barrels cost $90 for this rifle and I'm leaning towards a .444 barrel. Synthetic stocks from H+R go for $40, but I might order an inletted unfinished laminate stock from Gunstocks at: www.gunstocksinc.com/web_pages/Plate-pics/NEF-stocks/Handi-rifle-stocks.htm They run about $130. While that original $15 sounds cheap for a frame, the whole project will cost me between $200-$300. Still cheap for a rifle, but a new one in synthetic stock can be had for $300. It should make for a nice project though. Don
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Post by bubbawitha4570 on Dec 11, 2008 20:39:04 GMT -6
.....see I told you that Ruger was workable...... ;D ;D
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Post by DocHolladay on Dec 12, 2008 0:55:08 GMT -6
Got some nice stocks there. Waiting on the pics of progress.
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Post by smokepole on Dec 12, 2008 8:27:09 GMT -6
That sounds like a good project to keep you busy this winter.
smokepole
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Post by bigblue on Dec 13, 2008 14:19:59 GMT -6
I ended up ordering the parts I need from Brownells. Once I have her back together I'll order a Stock from Gunstocks, then it's off to H+R 1871 for a new barrel. I'll save finishing the frame 'til last to avoid any scratches. Don
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Post by bigblue on Dec 14, 2008 9:48:49 GMT -6
That old itch for a .500 S+W Handi is coming back. I was looking at all their barrels offered and it struck me again. There is a guy in Alaska that makes some nice 700gr. bullets for it! I wouldn't even want to drop one of those on my foot. I wonder if you can stack up recoil pads? LOL www.lsstuff.com/ranger-rick/ Don
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Post by juliang on Dec 15, 2008 6:07:21 GMT -6
That is like 3 of my ML bullets! Wow, that is a huge hunk of lead. Shooting that in a Handi would be an...interesting experience. I would wear more than a T-shirt Don.
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Post by bigblue on Dec 24, 2008 5:49:48 GMT -6
.....see I told you that Ruger was workable...... ;D ;D A few minor design changes and you can get anything to work. LOL Don
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Post by bigblue on Dec 24, 2008 6:03:41 GMT -6
I received the parts order from Brownells this past week and sat down to put the frame together. but.....I'm missing one darn spring. DUH!! Being the rifle is hammer fired, they have a striker that raises up between the hammer and the firing pin when you pull the trigger. It's there to prevent the hammer from being able to hit the firing pin if the rifle is dropped or something strikes the hammer. The spring that works that striker is missing. Well I sent another order to Brownells to get that spring and while I'm at it ordered all new springs to make sure they're all in good shape. I did decide to paint the receiver frame using Brownells Gun-Kote bake on paint. I'll use the same paint on the new barrel when I get it. I think it will look good with a timber or camo laminate stock. Here's a photo of the painted frame and parts. Don
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Post by DocHolladay on Dec 24, 2008 8:05:32 GMT -6
You work that trigger over while it is out???
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Post by bigblue on Dec 24, 2008 14:53:10 GMT -6
Doc, I think I'll just do some polishing on the surfaces until I get it back together and see what the pull is like. Don
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Post by juliang on Dec 25, 2008 4:49:38 GMT -6
Don, I hate all those springs, I'm not good with springs. I'm looking forward to seeing what this project turns out like.
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Post by bigblue on Dec 29, 2008 16:36:45 GMT -6
I'm looking forward to seeing what this project turns out like. Me too! Don
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Post by bigblue on Dec 29, 2008 19:47:17 GMT -6
I received my lifter spring from Brownells today and the receiver is back together and working. I did take a refresher look at a download from a gent that goes by the handle of Perklo. He worked up this download to help out with trigger work on Handi rifles, here's a link for anyone interested: perkloafm.com/downloads.html The re-assembly took around ten minutes. I measured the trigger pull and it is a heavy 5 1/2lbs. I understand that if it's over 5lbs. H+R/NEF will do a free trigger job so I'm not going to mess with it. Next step is to get a stock for it and then send it off for a barrel. I'm still not sure which caliber I want to get. Don
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Post by DocHolladay on Dec 29, 2008 21:40:52 GMT -6
I am thinking you need to stick with the .500 S&W. I like the looks of that 700gr hardcast boolit.
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