Good for you!
Is it a standard contour?
or heavy barrel?
I dont' have a .223 barrel yet,
but
have or have had several Handi-Rifles and barrels.
Was especially fond of my 26inch .280 barrel,
a .357 Maximum barrel I had,
and a .218 Bee I'm still getting familiar with!
Check out 'Graybeardoutdoors.com'
for a dedicated board/forum for the H&R single-rifles/shotguns.
And also check out their site at
'hr1871.com'
and the barrel accessory program you can learn about through the customer service links.
Enjoy your new rifle.