I have owned several Harrington and Richardson Handi rifles over the years and have always found them quite accurate. However, I have just acquired one in 308 with a bull barrel and it's terrible! I have tried several bullet weight and brands and it won't group under 5 inches. Checked all the basics, rings and bases for tightness and using a Caldwell bench view to secure rifle while shooting. The barrel crown looks good but I am suspecting that's the problem. Any suggestions?
H&R Handi rifle accuracy problem
- Thread starter ten ring
- Start date
I looked at a picture of one of these things and my whole theory went out the window lol
I was going to suggest checking your stock bedding, but that's clearly not a thing with this particular rifle.
Have you tried shooting it with a different optic of some sort? Maybe your scope is just buggered internally. I would eliminate that factor before moving on to the barrel.
If the scope is for sure not the issue, I would maybe have a gunsmith inspect the barrel. It may be out of spec in some regard, in some way the naked eye can't see but specialized tools can detect.
Not much to go wrong with a single shot like that one, so the list of causes is significantly shortened.
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nomad 68
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
The later models were plagued with problems. A friend of mine had one in .308 with bull barrel that was bored off center. It was replaced by H&R but that's clearly not an option anymore.
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OkayShooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nova Scotia
Try putting a shim between the forearm and the barrel, by the mounting screw.
But alot of these break barrel rifles dont like lead sleds and perfer soft rest under the forearm.
But alot of these break barrel rifles dont like lead sleds and perfer soft rest under the forearm.
Dump Shoot
Regular
- Location
- Lower Canada
Check the torque of the stock bolt.
And go through this (esp. Handi Basics 101):
https://www.go2gbo.com/forums/h-r-centerfire-rifles.108/
And go through this (esp. Handi Basics 101):
https://www.go2gbo.com/forums/h-r-centerfire-rifles.108/
Is the barrel straight? I have seen that in other single shot guns.
Are you grouping 5" off point of aim. Or is the group 5" in diameter?
I had one years ago and it was very accurate. I don't know about the new ones.
As the others have suggested, check and torque your bolts. Including scope mounts.
Are you grouping 5" off point of aim. Or is the group 5" in diameter?
I had one years ago and it was very accurate. I don't know about the new ones.
As the others have suggested, check and torque your bolts. Including scope mounts.
Lots of videos on how to recrown the barrel. Some 308's like heavy 210gr bullets and some like 130gr bullets. Use the appropriate recipe.
Do you know what the barrel twist rate is?
As mentioned above is the barrel straight?
Do you know what the barrel twist rate is?
As mentioned above is the barrel straight?
Thank you all for your valuable insight and advice! I believe that I have solved the problem thanks to OkayShooter. I put a shim between the forearm and barrel right at the stud that secures the forearm screw and properly torqued the forearm screw. Cleaned the barrel and then back to the range. Lo and behold, the Handi rifle was handy once more! The rifle is now shooting consistent 1 1/2 to 2 inch groups. Once again, my sincerest thanks to all who replied!
Cheers!
Cheers!
- Location
- ON, North of GTA
I just wish I could get my Handi to fire consistently. Light strikes most of the time.
Ordered some new hammer springs but that hasn't helped. Pretty frustrating, not sure where to go from here.
Ordered some new hammer springs but that hasn't helped. Pretty frustrating, not sure where to go from here.
Try lubing the firing pin witha little graphite powder. If you have ever oiled the pin, clean it with some solvent (brake cleaner) and let it dry thoroughly before applying the graphite. Matter of fact, try it out before using the graphite, just cleaning the dried out oil may fix the problem.
- Location
- ON, North of GTA
Thanks for the suggestion.
I have polished up the firing pin and the bore it sits in. Tried running it dry and with G96, neither seems to make a difference.
I still think it's the hammer spring being to weak even though i have a brand new one in it and it is claimed to be extra power spring.
I've tried bending the dog leg on the spring to give more preload but after a couple firings it returns to it's original strength.
Maybe I should try reshaping one then heat treating it to see if that helps. Will have to read up on that process.
I have polished up the firing pin and the bore it sits in. Tried running it dry and with G96, neither seems to make a difference.
I still think it's the hammer spring being to weak even though i have a brand new one in it and it is claimed to be extra power spring.
I've tried bending the dog leg on the spring to give more preload but after a couple firings it returns to it's original strength.
Maybe I should try reshaping one then heat treating it to see if that helps. Will have to read up on that process.
OkayShooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nova Scotia
Try welding and extending the FP?
- Location
- ON, North of GTA
I have good protrusion of the pin from the breach face.
I am curious if having a longer pin on the transfer bar side would have any effect. When you cokc the hammer the first bit has less resistance as it is the hammer spring only before engaging the transfer bar spring as well if you follow what I mean.
It's a weird setup. I though I read before about guys converting from transfer bar to a rebounding hammer with a 1/2 cokc safety. I think there used to be hammer and trigger/sears available to do so but have no idea if they still exist.
I am curious if having a longer pin on the transfer bar side would have any effect. When you cokc the hammer the first bit has less resistance as it is the hammer spring only before engaging the transfer bar spring as well if you follow what I mean.
It's a weird setup. I though I read before about guys converting from transfer bar to a rebounding hammer with a 1/2 cokc safety. I think there used to be hammer and trigger/sears available to do so but have no idea if they still exist.
GimpyGolden do you reload? Because I’ve heard of this problem before in other brands of rifles. Check your headspace. If you have excessive head space then your hull won’t be pushed back far enough to reach the firing pin. If you just shoot factory ammo you may have to have your chamber set back. Hope this helps
Folks... I don't know how many of you know this poster in the real world, but his name "was" Trevor. Trevor unfortunately passed away last year. He was a passionate gun nut, shooter and hunter. He was president of our local gun club for four years and served on the board until his passing. His wake and celebration of life was held at the gun club. Fellow Black Powder shooters, fired a seven gun salute, and three Canon salvo in remembrance. Also, our 50 meter range was dedicated with a nice memorial plaque and named after Trevor in memory.
I thought that perhaps, some of you had dealings and/or an online relationship and no idea what had happened to him. I may start a separate "in memorium" thread.
- Location
- ON, North of GTA
I do reload and have loaded once fired and neck sized only loads for this rifle and still no go.
Primers are fully seated and I've tried three different brands.
When I swap to my 12GA barrel I get inconsistent ignition there too so I really do think it's the spring not having enough strength, even though I have swapped out to brand new ones.
These days that gun just sits in the back of the safe, un usable. Maybe I will get the ambition to have another go at it sooner or later.
