Got a look at the "resurrected" H&R Pardner Pump Shotgun by Remington today
So, many are aware that the Freedom Group shut the doors at H&R in February of 2015.
But they did move some very limited production over to Remington (the production of, not the manufacture).
Back in December Remington was advertising (at the buyers shows) that they would be producing the H&R Pardner Pump for 2016 (no word at all on any of the single shot rifles/shotguns that H&R/NEF used to make).
Anyhow, I received a few today - and here are my first thoughts.
These are a "cheap shotgun" - so not for fans of the B's, but if you are on a budget or looking for a "first shotgun" to get your kids shooting with a pump you really could do worse and pay a lot more.
These, so far, are only available in synthetic (black). Rem did advertise wood stocked models as well, but as of yet, none are listed.
They are available in 12 gauge with a 28" vented rib barrel or 20 gauge with a 26" vented rib barrel (the barrels are "blacked" - can't describe them as "blued" to any degree and the metal underneath is definitely "not polished", but then again, it isn't on an Express either - you have to chuck the bucks for a Wingmaster if you want "pretty").
The machine work is quite decent as far as the fit is concerned - they assembled well (and I mean not even a hitch/hang-up) without having to fiddle around (unlike some other "starter" models out there).
The receiver is drilled/tapped for a one piece scope mount (nice touch).
They use screw in Win Chokes (so regular Invector, Mossberg chokes will fit) and true to Remington's penny pinching, they only come with a modified choke.
They cycle well, nothing feels loose or sloppy. The trigger is a little stiff even for a shotgun, but certainly "usable" with no perceived travel at all - it's "tight".
The stock is about what you expect since it was Coke bottles in the recycle box a few weeks before they made the stock, but doesn't sound as hollow or feel as flexy as what you get on an Axis rifle, but it shoulders half decently and at least for me (and one other guy at work who shouldered it) we didn't have to move or contort to be looking right down the rib. And in a side by side comparison, the 870 Express would be a better gun if it used the same butt pad that you find on the H&R - you won't be running out to replace that on this model.
The major selling point is the pricetag - these should be on the shelf in the low $300 range.
Now, those thinking in "non-2016 dollars" will say "that's not a deal", but "this year" a synthetic Rem 870 (3") synthetic is selling in the $475-$500 range, so the H&R is almost a full 200 bucks "less".
So maybe something to look for if your have limited bucks and are looking for "starter pump shotgun".
Being "brand new today" I have no knowledge of how these will shoot or cycle with shells in them, but "so far" I wouldn't stroke these off the list if someone is looking for an inexpensive, starter shotgun...
So, many are aware that the Freedom Group shut the doors at H&R in February of 2015.
But they did move some very limited production over to Remington (the production of, not the manufacture).
Back in December Remington was advertising (at the buyers shows) that they would be producing the H&R Pardner Pump for 2016 (no word at all on any of the single shot rifles/shotguns that H&R/NEF used to make).
Anyhow, I received a few today - and here are my first thoughts.
These are a "cheap shotgun" - so not for fans of the B's, but if you are on a budget or looking for a "first shotgun" to get your kids shooting with a pump you really could do worse and pay a lot more.
These, so far, are only available in synthetic (black). Rem did advertise wood stocked models as well, but as of yet, none are listed.
They are available in 12 gauge with a 28" vented rib barrel or 20 gauge with a 26" vented rib barrel (the barrels are "blacked" - can't describe them as "blued" to any degree and the metal underneath is definitely "not polished", but then again, it isn't on an Express either - you have to chuck the bucks for a Wingmaster if you want "pretty").
The machine work is quite decent as far as the fit is concerned - they assembled well (and I mean not even a hitch/hang-up) without having to fiddle around (unlike some other "starter" models out there).
The receiver is drilled/tapped for a one piece scope mount (nice touch).
They use screw in Win Chokes (so regular Invector, Mossberg chokes will fit) and true to Remington's penny pinching, they only come with a modified choke.
They cycle well, nothing feels loose or sloppy. The trigger is a little stiff even for a shotgun, but certainly "usable" with no perceived travel at all - it's "tight".
The stock is about what you expect since it was Coke bottles in the recycle box a few weeks before they made the stock, but doesn't sound as hollow or feel as flexy as what you get on an Axis rifle, but it shoulders half decently and at least for me (and one other guy at work who shouldered it) we didn't have to move or contort to be looking right down the rib. And in a side by side comparison, the 870 Express would be a better gun if it used the same butt pad that you find on the H&R - you won't be running out to replace that on this model.
The major selling point is the pricetag - these should be on the shelf in the low $300 range.
Now, those thinking in "non-2016 dollars" will say "that's not a deal", but "this year" a synthetic Rem 870 (3") synthetic is selling in the $475-$500 range, so the H&R is almost a full 200 bucks "less".
So maybe something to look for if your have limited bucks and are looking for "starter pump shotgun".
Being "brand new today" I have no knowledge of how these will shoot or cycle with shells in them, but "so far" I wouldn't stroke these off the list if someone is looking for an inexpensive, starter shotgun...
