Do these rifles handle the big 500? Or do they shoot loose?

Same platform handles 12ga., and 45-70.

I think it'll handle the 500 S&W.

Not a fan of the rifles though. Many like them, just not my favorite.

12 Gauge doesnt operate at near the pressures of the 45-70 let alone the 500S&W.....heard rumors the 500's stretched the frame but havent heard it from a reliable source so could be BS....

the 45-70 is a solid shooter. For the price it rocks.

Quickload thinks that 32 gr Unique 405 gr in a 45/70 is 87,841 psi.

I knew the handi rifle would do it. I calculated it would do 3x that.

Those were not against my shoulder.

But the recoil of just a trapdoor load against my shoulder kicked me into next week.

Buddy has one that is good after a few thousand rounds.

I will stick to my 44 mag though.

Must be plenty strong

I have the Buffalo Classic in 45-70. It shoots a 300 grain bullet at 2625 fps. Could do a little more because there are not any bad pressure signs.It kicks enough as is. Strong action. ED K

H&R uses two actions for their guns. The SB1 is a low pressure receiver that is used for shotguns and muzzleloaders and maybe a couple of pistol calibers like .357. The SB2 is much stronger and is used for high pressure centerfire cartridges.

was thinking i heard that they wouldnt put rifle barrels on the shotguns but would put shotgun barrels on an existing rifle frame for you but couldnt remember where or when i heard that....

They won't rebarrel anything manufactured before the reorganization in 1987. When somebody calls in to ask for a barrel fitting, the company goes by the serial number to ID the receiver as to whether it is an SB1 or SB2. I have had a few Handi Rifles over the years. Currently the only H&R products that I own are a Sidekick muzzleloader, a 12 gauge Turkey Special and an old 20 gauge from their early years.

All in all they are decent guns with mostly decent accuracy, but the center fires are overpriced compared to the Savage Axis and Ruger American rifles, even by the Mossberg rifles.

Wow...that's what? A grand and a half of pocket change through a 300 dollar gun?

Over 2600 fps with a 300 gr bullet is 458 win mag power.

I get 2600 250 gr with a 338WM.
That is the biggest bang I do.

I would not fire 2600 300 gr from MY shoulder.

Can the 45-70 be pushed that hard ?

They won't rebarrel anything at all now.

They are pretty much out of business

where did you learn of this? Wanted to have some re-barreling done for the SB2 in 45-70. Guess I'd better hurry huh?

The barrel accessory program is all but shut down now, apparently most of the H&R employees have been laid off. Lot of discussion of it on the Graybeard Handi Forum. Had been looking for a 357 and happy to have found a new one earlier this week.
I agree in that the economy bolt actions have probably killed a lot of their market.

David

did you find the barrel or the whole gun? Might give them a call Monday to see what they have left.

I'd like to find about 3.

Thanks---David

That is sad news

The Buffalo gun has i beleive a 30 inch barrel and that is where the velocity comes from. I dont think a short barrel will achieve this. My load is stout but safe. ED K

Web site says 32 inches but what's 2 inches among friends.

I was to lazy to go measure mine. I had to put one of those slip on recoil pads to shoot and test. It isnt torture to shoot but it isnt pleasant either.The 300 grainer at 2625 is bad. I shot a nice buck at about 175 yds and he went down so hard and fast i thought i broke his back.It was right behind the front shoulder and simply hammered him. ED K

Powerhouse!!