Handi Rifle question

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How are their triggers? Are the triggers adjustable? Are they easy to take apart (like a single shot shotgun where you just remove the forearm and open)? How is the accuracy - generally speaking?

Thanks.
 
I'm far from an expert, but in my opinion the triggers are okay. Some people say they're horrible but those people are probably comparing it to a trigger group that costs more than the entire Handi Rifle does.

The trigger are not externally adjustable, but with some smithing work it can be done. Maybe I have strong hands, but I personally think the trigger is fine at ~5# or whatever it's at.

Disassembly is easy. Unscrew the forend screw, pull the foreend off, open the action and the barrel separates from the receiver. I went all ghetto on mine and picked up a machine screw and wing nut from Home Depot so that I don't need to use a screwdriver to take it apart.

I can't really comment on accuracy because I suck. Don't really have enough trigger time to say one way or another.
 
I will add that I only ever owned one handi.... I bought it out of necessity during travel when I needed a rifle for a yote hunt.... topped it with a cheap banner knowing it would get flogged when I got home.... it was the survivor model with crappy plastic stock qnd no iron sights and a heavy barrel.... (seriously, who makes a survivor with no iron sights and a heavy barrel? )....

The trigger was so so and it was terribly front heavy and the cheap nylon sling that came with it was useless and gaudy.....

Now.... here is the thing... winchester white box first group.... under nickel size at 100 meters.... absolute tack driver.... I would not hesitate to buy one again if I wanted a single shot...just not a survivor....lol
 
Triggers can be worked on... the first couple take some concentration... there is a good DIY tutorial in the H&R Centerfire FAQ's over on GBO forums... the accuracy can be mediocre out of the box, but it is easy to fine tune them for excellent accuracy... mine are all at or under MOA with handloads...
 
I find each one has it's own personality. I have read and discovered that these rifles tend to get better over time the more one uses them.

My 45/70 has the nicest trigger I have used on one of these and my new .243 is nice. While my 30/30 and the older .243 have heavier triggers.

I have a 12 gauge survivor and it's trigger is nice and crisp.
Btw I'd love to trade my 45/70 for a .308 survivor.
 
Last edited:
Calum said:
I find each one has it's own personality. I have read and discovered that these rifles tend to get better over time the more one uses them.

My 45/70 has the nicest trigger I have used on one of these and my new .243 is nice. While my 30/30 and the older .243 have heavier triggers.

I have a 12 gauge survivor and it's trigger is nice and crisp.
Btw I'd love to trade my 45/70 for a .308 survivor.
Click to expand...


The Big Green Machine screwed up many thinga when the sunk their claws into H&R flesh... but one thing they did not screw-up is the triggers on Handi rifles... late gen product have noticeably better triggers...
 
So the newer production ones have a decent trigger?

I am looking at a Superlight for a youth. I find that a good trigger really helps with the enjoyment/accuracy - especially for children.
 
Every Handi Rifle I've had has been a shooter. Printed my first 1 hole group with a H&R .204

only issues I've ever had were extractor/ejector related and easily remedied.

it's amazing what a little polishing will do for a Handi trigger...and extractor/ejector...
 
I've owned numerous H&R singles in my life, and have liked most all of 'em. Great rifles for the bucks and not
hard to work on to get good results. The recent ones do have better triggers for sure.:)
 
I'm no expert here but I recently bought an H&R Ultra Varmint in .223. Trigger was so hard to pull... I've read that it should get better after 80 to 100 shots. After 100 shots, I mesured it with a fish scale (wich is generally true) and it gave an 8 lb pull. I can't believe they've built a varminter with an 8 lb trigger. I assume that's the reason I couldn't get under 2.5 moa.

I'll have to take it appart and do some polishing...
 
I've always thought of getting one in 35 Whelen but can't decide if I want a nice bolt gun or cheap beater. Maybe someday. I do enjoy single shots and have had decent luck with the hnrs that I have shot
 
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