Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Single Shots H&R Model 258 Handy Gun II

Never thought I'd spend good money on a "Handi Rifle", but couldn't pass this one up. 1985 vintage original H&R model 258 "Handy Gun II" in .30-30 and 20ga, electroless nickel. Looks like it spent the last 38 years in a time capsule.

This is partly to scratch a nostalgia itch. When I first decided I "needed" a deer rifle as a kid in the early '80s, I nearly spent my life savings on a H&R single shot .30-30 because it was cheap. It probably would have been a model 158. My dad talked me out of buying one and told me to not buy the cheapest gun out there. That Christmas, I got a model 70 .243. Anyway, as we age, nostalgia kicks in and I've kept my eye open for an early H&R similar to the ones I saw in the catalog back then. The later NEF and H&R 1871 guns held no interest for me. Too bulky, clubish, not very "Handy". These early guns with their gently tapered barrels are quite handy.

I already had the perfect nickel finished Burris 4x Mini on another gun, so I pulled it off and found what is likely the last Warne nickel finished base in America (discontinued). It turned out to be a rather spiffy looking package, me thinks...

Nice looking setup . And if you handload you're not limited by bullet choices in the 30-30

I have zero need for something like that, and would’ve jumped on it in an instant.

Nice snag!

Neat looking rifle and scope combination.

I'm content with FN or RN bullets for woods hunting, and if I know I'll be shooting past 100 yards I'll be carrying a different rifle. That said, I have a bunch of Hornady 130gr spitzers that might be interesting to try. Or, if I actually load for it, I may go the opposite route and load some Barnes 190gr FP thumpers.

I did a rough zero at 25 yards yesterday and then swapped barrels. The 20ga throws a nice pattern and I'll probably shoot a few squirrels with it come Fall. Unfortunately, it looks like I'll have to re-zero the rifle barrel a bit when swapped back, as it hit a good inch higher at 25 when the .30-30 barrel was reinstalled, even though the forend screw was returned to the same 6 o'clock position. I may try it again with a torque wrench and be sure it is exact.

Should work out great at woods ranges. I like those Burris scopes. I put a 1.75-5 on a 44 mag Handi Rifle

I would not hesitate to buy a H & R product, not bragging, I have some high end guns and buying a entry level does not make me hesitate, I have the h & r in 22 hornet and several pistols.

That's a nice setup!

I would have bought it too!
I had 2 in 223 that I rotated when I was pounding prairie rats and heating up the barrels.
Have fun with that one!

Super cool. You can accomplish a lot with that combo.

Expat

I had one in 357 Remington Maximum/20 gauge. Fun gun, should've kept it but someone wanted it more than me....

My main deer rifle is a 30-30 Contender and I would've snagged that.

👍

Nice

EXACTLY

My dad bought one of those at the Indy 1500 gun show around 1989.
His was in 44 magnum. It was pretty cool.

I had that exact same set, but with a 22 Hornet barrel, not the 30-30. I wish I hadn't sold it in a moment of insanity.

What a beauty. I have had handi rifles in the past, had a 30-30 similar to this one but gave it to my dad. Currently the only H&Rs in my safe are a 410, 12, and 10 Gauge. Love all three of them. The last guns I would ever sell. Killed a snake with the 12 this week actually. Deadliest gun at my house by far.

SCGunNut: What a great looking and "handy" rig!
Good for you.
I have a heavy barrel H&R Handy Rifle in caliber 204 Ruger that shoots just fine and the trigger is quite crisp - I drag it along on trips afield and use it a lot, with few worries.
I also have a pair of N.E.F. single shot heavy barrel "Handy Rifles" (I guess N.E.F. and H&R single shot Rifles are made at the same plant) in calibers 17 Mach2 and 17 HMR. GREAT little Rifles these and also capable of very pleasing accuracy.
I do NOT look down upon "humble" (less expensive) firearms as I came from dirt poor beginnings and the first 20 years of my life were filled with fun times and Hunts using "humble" Rifles and shotguns.
I hope you enjoy your rig as much as I do mine.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy
P.S.: My 3 single shots are all "blued" models I would love to have a "stainless" H&R Handy Gun in any rimfire or centerfire caliber.

Some nice H and Rs for sure. I have some shotguns and a 22 hornet . Always looking 👍

Rare and beautiful Handi.I’ve had several and still a handful.First deer rifle was one in .270win.Carrying one now during the season takes me back to memories of my childhood with that single-shot…