H&R /NEF Handi-rifle

[RuralKentuckian]

:confused: Has anyone owned or hunted with a handi-rifle in 243 or 257Roberts? I am looking for an inexpensive but dependable rifle for coyote and deer.I prefer the 257 Roberts if available. Thanks! Larry

[Walker]

Larry, I hate to post an opinion when I have no 1st. hand knowledge but since no one else answered here goes. I believe several years ago some gun rag (magazine) named the Handi-rifle the firearm of the year. Nobody on any of the forums I visit agreed with that. The consensus was the NEF was a cheaply made cheap firearm. I'd look for a used something else. Walker

[Shadow]

I have neglected to post because I have no experience with NEF rifles. I have an H&R single shot .410. It worked well for the time I had it, but it did break eventually. I don't know what you are looking for, but the model 700 Remington is a solid performer. You can get an ADL for a pretty fair price. The BDL is a little more expensive, but they have been great guns in my experience.

[swilk]

THis is an old topic, but im going to answer it anway. I have a NEF in .223 and .243. Here is what I have found with both of them. they have horrible triggers. Not bad triggers, but the worse I have ever even heard of. They also do not like to have shot after shot fired from them .... when the barrel heats up, accuracy goes to hell. Finally, they shoot VERY well. I bought both of mine back when you could get them for $150 brand new, and for out of the box accuracy, top it with a good scope and it will shoot as good as most any rifle ..... when you get used to those horrible triggers.

[Warden]

I had one in .270 but do not have it any more. I was going to bend the barrel and put it in the garbage can, but some guy offered 100 dollars for it. My opinion is that they are junk. Mine would not hold a zero. I went through all kinds of ammo, scope moving to another gun to check scope, base screws tight-all the normal problems. I used a sandbag at the rear and a Harris bipod on front. I have basic shooting fundementals mastered such as breathing, trigger squeeze, etc. SO, it was the gun's fault. All of the above with another NEF rifle that my ex supervisor bought for his grandson. Same thing. My opinion-get something else.

[deerblaster]

A buddy of mine has one in a 243, and is well satisfied with it. He has shot yotes out to 300yd with it. And it is his "truck" gun. It dont look like much, but buetiful aint everything.
I dont think the are chambered in a 257, But if they were I would have one in a heartbeat. I LOVE THEM ROBERTS ;)

[Trooper]

Well I don't have one in my hot little hands yet, but I will give you a report on one soon. I bought one out of California, but as the money order and FFL were probably traveling during the Christmas holiday, I don't expect it for a little while. Anyway, I wanted a .35 Whelen, and found one. It is a RMEF limited edition, with a coffee colored laminated stock, and a 26" barrel. I will have dies soon and I do plan to give it a workout as soon as I can.
Tpr.

[wheelgun]

I purchased two last year,223 rem and 243 win.The 223 rem was fair,real picky about what you feed it.The 243 win was a piece of #%&*$#@!.I started out using factory ammo(federal)out of 5 shots the action would open when you fired 3 or 4 times.Tried different ammo same thing.Returned to factory,they sent it back nothing wrong with this rifle.Went to range same thing.Traded it for Savage model 111,223 rem.sweet rifle.Also traded the 223 rem.I will never buy another one.

[MRH773]

While I can't speak about the Handi-rifle, I do have an H&R 20 gauge with a rifled barrel that I had drilled and tapped and mounted a a cheap Tasco 4X scope on it. Using Lightfield slugs, it will shoot a 2 inch group at 100 yards all day and the trigger is... excellent. I caught it on sale for $99.95. I have lent it out and everyone who used it, loves it especially the one who shot a beautiful 8-point at 115 yards with it. Small, light and so accurate. More people should use a single shot. You make that first shot count. Mark. smile.gif

[fast*eddie]

I can't speak for the 243 or 270 but I have a 223 HandiRifle with bull barrel.When I sighted it in out of the box, I had to move 3" right and 3 1/2" up at 100 yards using American Eagle hp's. I now reload 50 gr Hornaday V-Max's. I have popped woodchucks out to 240 yards. Wouldn't trade the rifle for anything. I paid $7.50 to mail & insure the rifle when I sent it into NEF for the FREE trigger job.The barrel on this rifle is alot straighter than most Remingtons ! :D