Any have real experience.

[RemingtonMagnum]

We constantly see and read that we can’t use a shot gun receiver with a rifle barrel. WHY? I know the standard reason why! Just has anyone ever had a problem when using these two NEF with each other??? Any real experience on the subject.


Don Jackson Remington Magnum/Ultramag

[quickdtoo]

Yup, Mtjerry unknowingly put a .270 barrel on an SB1 frame, it didn't turn out well at all. He found out after the fact that it was an SB1 frame off a 45/410 survivor. He had difficulty opening the action and the primers were significantly bulged with mild loads, his words.


Tim

[Sourdough]

The .223 accessory barrel I ordered for my 30-06 Handi fits on an old 1970s H&R 12ga Slug gun.  Works just fine, been shooting it for 9 years now.  I have worked on the trigger to the old 12 ga frame and it is real light and smooth.  No transfer bar so it shoots nice.

[Paul5388]

Tim,

The indiscriminate use of shotgun receivers certainly shouldn't happen, so that's the reason I tried to clarify using factory level loads in lower pressure chamberings.  :-)

[mt3030]

Sourdough:
Yep, I am not surprised it worked just fine. The late Toppers were factory fitted with 223 barrels. And they all (shotgun and rifle) used the same action.

Wally

[cheatermk3]

We see SB2 receivers for sale in the classifieds here for $75 or so; you can buy a new handirifle for $230 at the box stores, and find them used for quite a bit less.

So, the question really is, is it worth the money to take a chance with your (or the person standing next to you) life/health/eyesight?

Remember that you may not be the last person to own/operate the hybrid firearm--or the last to think "it's got a rifle barrel on it so it must be OK to put another caliber rifle barrel on it".

for me $75 is cheap peace of mind--my $.02

[Mac11700]

for me $75 is cheap peace of mind--my $.02

Well said...if you look at the shotgun frames made today...as compared to those you think are ok to shoot high pressure rounds..you will see the cast lines where they have been put together..I think the older frames made before NEF's take over are made different than they are today.. I wouldn't take the chance on getting hurt to save a few bucks..

Mac

[Paul5388]

I don't suppose using a shotgun receiver is much different than using level 2 and 3 loads in a .45-70 SB2 either.   :roll:

[quickdtoo]

Compare level 3 pressures to .500 S&W pressures. :wink:

Tim

[Mac11700]

I think it's way different..since the sb-2 frame can handle the 500 S&W..

The cartridge design was handled by Cor Bon of Sturgis, S.D., which has extensive experience in that field. The guidelines the company received were firm: The bullet had to be precisely .50-cal., and the operating pressure could not exceed 50,000 psi. It had to produce at least 2200 ft.-lb. of energy with its heavier loads, and the overall cartridge length could not exceed a certain figure.

I don't know of any shot shells generating this much pressure..and most class2 45-70 loads don't even come close to full house 500 S&W pressures..nor do the lower level class 3 loads I shoot..

Mac

[RemingtonMagnum]

Any other mishap from making these combinations. Let me make it clear I am not advocating mixing just wanted to know of accidental personal experience.

Remington Magnum/Ultramag

[Paul5388]

Well, it seems like the accidents are relatively rare from the reports we've gotten so far.  Nothing has blown up, maimed or mangled that I have ever heard of.  

With a little prudence it seems like the practice is successful and only in cases of the extreme is there a problem.

I suppose it should also be noted the early Toppers were chambered in .357 Mag that was using 45,000 cup at the time, so there isn't a reason the Handi shotgun would be of lesser quality.

[Mac11700]

Paul:

The first Handi I ever owned..was a Topper 158 30-30..and also a seperate 12 ga Topper...At that time you could only get a 20ga or a 410 barrel combo on the rifle frame back then..and they didn't sell any rifle barrels on the shotgun frames ..They were different then..as they are different now..

Just because some folks have done it and have had no problems..doesn't mean it should be done all the time by everyone..so let your own concious be your own guide....Is it recommended..no..so..for anyone to do so..they do at their own risk...so..Please eveyone be carefull :toast:

Mac

[Paul5388]

Mac,

In the 1965 Shooter's Bible, page 68 there is a Model 158 that comes in 12, 16, 20 and .410 gauges.  The price was $31.95 and it was called a "Topper".  On page 67, there is another "Topper" without a model number that came in .30-30 or .22 Jet with a 20 gauge or .410 barrel available as an accessory for $12.00 each.  Now there were "Topper Deluxe" Model 198, "Topper Jr." Model 490, "Topper Jr. Deluxe" Model 490, "Golden Squires" Model 159, "Golden Squire Jr." Model 549 and the "Mustang" Model 163, but they all had the same receiver.

In the 1983 Shooter's Bible, page 219, the "Combo Gun" was a model 058 that was in 20 Gauge with accessory barrels of .30-30 or .22 Hornet.  The price was $110.00.  Page 295 has another Model 058 in 12, 20 and .410 for $79.50.

Numrich offers parts for the 088 in .410 I just recently got (H&R 088).  They include .22 Jet, .22 Hornet, .30-30, .357 Mag, .44 Mag and .45-70 in addition to the shotgun parts.

It sure does look like there never was a "rifle receiver only" that H&R made for their break open single shots.

H&R made shotgun only recievers until the early 1950s and some of the early Model 48 Toppers and Model 148s were shotgun only.