rechamber a H&R handy gun

[6.5x55swm]

I have a H&R handy gun II chambered in 44 rem mag and was wondering if it could be rechambered to a 444 marlin, shouldn't be a big job to make the chamber an inch longer

 

[kc34]

I have a H&R handy gun II chambered in 44 rem mag and was wondering if it could be rechambered to a 444 marlin, shouldn't be a big job to make the chamber an inch longer

Do you know if the receiver on your H&R is an SB1 or SB2?
The SB1 receivers were just made to handle the pistol and shotguns pressures and the newer SB2 were made for the larger rifle calibers. I think the first thing you need to confirm is which receiver you have on yours.

 

[6.5x55swm]

mine was made between 1982 to 85

 

[DaveF]

[/IMG]
Take your barrel off, and look inside your frame.
The two at above left are both SB 1 frames, and the two at above right are both SB 2 frames.
SB 1 frames are for shotgun and pistol calibre barrels only.
SB 2 frames are for higher pressure rifle calibres.

Apparently there's a big difference in strength of the frame castings due to their respective different heat-treatments, and if yours is an SB 1 it would be unsafe to have your barrel re-chambered.

 

[6.5x55swm]

well I guess my 44 rem mag will have to do, mine is the silver one, also have the matching 20 ga barrel

 

[unstableryan]

Does yours have the silly heavy barrel too? I think they just took a stock 20 gauge barrel and drilled the .44 out of it. I'd love to turn it down on a lathe and make the rifle a lot lighter.