H&R 45-70 barrels

[Marlin Junky]

I've been bitten by the 45-70 bug and decided to send my Handi-Rifle frame to the factory for a set of polymer stocks and a 45-70 barrel. Dilemma is, I'm wondering if there's a difference in the internal dimensions and quality of the 32" barrel vs. the 22" barrel. Can anyone shed some light on the subject.

Thanks,
MJ

[axman]

I can't say I've ever measured either one of them as I have a buffalo classic 32" and a 22" handi-rifle but both shoot well .
The 32"got 3 shot 3/4" at 100yds with jacketed and the 22" shoots paper patch and cast very good.:Fire:

[twotrees]

The Buffalo barrel is nomaly .457 inside and made by folks that know how to make them right. 22" barrel is 460+- and costs $80, the 32 " is $130 and well worth it, if shooting some paper/steel targets at longer range.

I have one of the 22" barrel synthetic stock guns and it's handier in a tree stand but no where near as accurate as the longer barrel gun.

Good Shooting,

TwoTrees

[Marlin Junky]

Thanks for the quick replies!

I can always shorten the 32" barrel and it's going to be primarily a range gun anyway. If it turns out I like working with the 45-70, I'd probably buy a Marlin for a hunting gun.

One more question though:

What about a forend stock for the 32" barrel? Will the H-R polymer forend work with the long barrel?

MJ

[dk17hmr]

The 32" I had was very accurate with whatever I stuffed in a 45-70 case. I traded it for a 22" barrel because the shorter barrel made it easier on me in the tree stand when bear hunting. It points pretty fast compared to the 32" but not nearly as accurate.

Shouldnt have a problem with the plastic stocks.

[Marlin Junky]

The 32" I had was very accurate with whatever I stuffed in a 45-70 case. I traded it for a 22" barrel because the shorter barrel made it easier on me in the tree stand when bear hunting. It points pretty fast compared to the 32" but not nearly as accurate.

Shouldnt have a problem with the plastic stocks.

Thanks Doug... sounds like you should have just shortened the 32" barrel though.

Are the 32" barrels drilled and tapped for scope mounts?

MJ

[twotrees]

The Buff barrel uses the same weaver scope rail as any H&R. I'll have to try the Target forearm on the 22" Barrel, but late for work, will do it tonight.

TwoTrees

[Marlin Junky]

The Buff barrel uses the same weaver scope rail as any H&R. I'll have to try the Target forearm on the 22" Barrel, but late for work, will do it tonight.

TwoTrees

What I want are the stocks that come with the SB2-S57:

http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Rifles/handiRifle.aspx

and the 32" barrel.

Do you think H&R can handle this request?

MJ

[nicholst55]

The Buffalo Classic barrel is a medium weight barrel - not really a heavy barrel, but heavier than a sporter weight. I don't think any other forearm will fit that barrel, but I could be wrong.

[twotrees]

Thats the short barreled one I have, and was putting it up for sale. But a good friend, that trains the Border Patrol Agents wants it, so he has first right of refusal.

After shooting my Marlin 1895 and my Uberti Hi-Wall in 45-70 This thing is a bear to get to shoot real Boolits. I wouldn't wish this on ya, if you were not going to shoot j word bullets in it.

Save your self the head ache and get the 32" Buffalo Barrel, you'll be a mile ahead with cast.

I just checked. The synthetic fore end will fit on my wife's 38-55 Buff Target barrel, so it should fit the 45-70 version. But you will have to shorten up the screw. Also I always put a rubber gasket between the fore end and the stud on the barrel. Seems to make a difference in how they shoot.

Will H&R do the setup you want?? Call and ask.

Good Shooting,

TwoTrees and RedFoxy

[OBXPilgrim]

If H&R can't, Midway can

http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.exe/browse?TabID=9&Categoryid=11436&categorystring=10636***10560***

The Choate plastic stocks are what H&R uses.

[John Boy]

Marlin, don't know spit about the Handi but here's some info for the BC:
• Barrel - 32" with a 1:20 rifling twist
• Bore - 0.450 and 0.456 grooves
• Bore – Actual 0.4525 and 0.454 grooves
I have an older production rifle and then the barrels were made by Green Mountain. Who produces them now? Don't know.

Mine is a shooter: 2 3/4 x 7" group at 600yds for 5 shots and consistent hits on a 1000yd target. Of course, the loads are solely black powder and no scope, just a vernier :-D

[stillhunter]

Put the money into a Marlin 1895. Mine shoots great, and it's the only factory new gun that I've purchased in years. By the time you count up the work on the H&R, you will have most of the cost! The H&R's are hard to scope. Not so the Marlin..!!

[jack19512]

The H&R's are hard to scope.







What's hard about putting a scope on a H&R? :confused: I've had 3 of them, still have my B/C and none were hard to scope.

[Junior1942]

My 32" Buffalo Classic barrel shoots exactly like my 22" barrel--outstanding with the Lee 450 FP in soft lead.

[bishopgrandpa]

I have two BC's. One about 6 years old and one of the older Wesson and Harrington's. Both shoot jacketed great. My 22" shots J-word at 2" groups at 100 yds but cast (400gr.) like it was made to. 3/4 to 11/4 inch groups. More than good enough for Bambi here in the Northeast.

[Bluehawk]

MY handi wont shoot cast worth a hoot It will shoot the Lyman 385 RN fairly well if its with water quenched WW bullets that come out about 393 . It still does not shot them as well as J bullets .

[kjg]

my handi shortie shootd quite fine, using 14 grains of unique( with out any filler),topped off with a lee 405 hollow point and ww, and slighlt softer than ww, and lee la lube, the thing is topped off with lymans old fashion red dot site real interesting site. kjg

[Antietamgw]

My 32" Buffalo Classic barrel shoots exactly like my 22" barrel--outstanding with the Lee 450 FP in soft lead.

That Lee 450 seems to shoot out of every .45-70 I've tried it in.