shortening Handi-Rifle 45-70 questions

[45ACP4U]

Hello,

I purchased an H&R Handi Rifle in 45-70 with a 22" barrel. It came with a 3x9 scope.

1. My goal is to change the stock with an ATI collapsible stock and cut the barrel to 16.5" and port the barrel, which is still over the required 26 OAL. The purpose is to have a rifle that I can pack away on family camping trips. It's gonna be my just in case rifle..

2. I have never shot a 45-70 gun, but I shoot a lot of rem 870 with slugs at work.


QUESTIONS:
Q 1. How would it affect the accuracy? I am thinking with a shorter barrel I'm losing velocity as well.

Q 2. How is the recoil as compared to 12 gauge slugs.

Q 3. Any better suggestions?

Q 4. What are some of the recommended 45-70 rounds?

Q 5. Which gunsmith is decent and affordable for these types of work in the Los Angeles/Long Beach/OC areas. After all it's only a $200 rifle..

Thanks for your time.

[Divernhunter]

When you do this please contact me as I would be interested in the buttstock if it is wood. I have a rifle I want to modify a buttstock for and not chop my original. Thanks

[45ACP4U]

45-70 stock

Let see how it goes with my experiment and test fire. Once im done and everything is good, i ll let you know.

Thanks.

[w210838]

Yes I have done this and it's pretty sweet but I only cut mine down to 18 inches. She shoots like a dream too! I would say it's about like a stout 308. As far as smiths did it my sell.

[w210838]

Oh also I did a fixed buttstock FYI

[45ACP4U]

Shortening handi rifle 45-70 stock

Oh also I did a fixed buttstock FYI

Do you think it would be much velocity loss from 22" to 18" to 16" barrel lengths? Thanks

[w210838]

I went from 300 grainers at 2440 fps to 2100 fps with it cut down. Factory black powder ranges from 1300-1400 fps I think you will be ok

[fijiblue]

I would skip the porting. For a pack away camping rifle, if you have to use it, chances are it will not be in a situation where you would be wearing or have time to worry about hearing protection. Recoil is not bad at all, even on short light guide guns. A lot less than 12 gauge slugs. If I had to put a number on it I would agree with w21 above and compare it to a 308. The increase in potential hearing damage doesn't seem worth it.

I'm all about porting, muzzle brakes etc. on range Guns or hunting rifles. On a "brush gun" not so much.

[G-Man WC]

For all things Handi. FAQ's at Graybeard Outdoor Handi site. -g

http://www.go2gbo.com/forums/hr-centerfire-rifles/faq's-and-help-****please-read!!!****/

[saki302]

Try Randall (ar15barrels) for cutting the barrel.

I would skip porting, it'll just make it loud.

Recoil should be less than a light 12 gauge with slugs, depending on your load.

I have an 18" Marlin .45-70 that doesn't kick too bad at all. If you run too straight of a stock which reduces muzzle climb though, your gun will feel snappy, and your shoulder will get pounded more. I'd keep the wood stock on there- shorten it a touch if necessary.

-Dave

[ElvenSoul]

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/gunsmithing/how-thread-handi-rifle-barrel-296925/

http://www.go2gbo.com/forums/hr-centerfire-rifles/has-anyone-ever-cut-a-handi-rifle-barrel-down-to-16-inches/

https://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=326720

http://www.castbullet.com/shooting/handi.htm

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/03/15/hr-handi-rifle-in-45-70-government/

There are a few on fixing the trigger. Contact the maker they used to offer trigger upgrades.

[Whiterabbit]

Hello,

I purchased an H&R Handi Rifle in 45-70 with a 22" barrel. It came with a 3x9 scope.

1. My goal is to change the stock with an ATI collapsible stock and cut the barrel to 16.5" and port the barrel, which is still over the required 26 OAL. The purpose is to have a rifle that I can pack away on family camping trips. It's gonna be my just in case rifle..

2. I have never shot a 45-70 gun, but I shoot a lot of rem 870 with slugs at work.


QUESTIONS:
Q 1. How would it affect the accuracy? I am thinking with a shorter barrel I'm losing velocity as well.

Q 2. How is the recoil as compared to 12 gauge slugs.

Q 3. Any better suggestions?

Q 4. What are some of the recommended 45-70 rounds?

Q 5. Which gunsmith is decent and affordable for these types of work in the Los Angeles/Long Beach/OC areas. After all it's only a $200 rifle..

Thanks for your time.

1. If you crown it well, it won't. I suggest not worrying about velocity.

2. no comment. If you are really concerned, use a limbsaver and shoot away. It takes the hurt off.

3. I suggest leaving the stock wood. Cut the pistol grip off if it has one and rasp it down to a straight stock. Classic look for a classic cartridge. No adjustability needed. Too much to fiddle with. Should be a one-load, one gun gun.

4. Do you cast? if so, I suggest a postell type 500 grain bullet. Loaded to whatever is accurate. at 500 grains, you don't need lots of speed to do whatever needs to be done. If you don't, I recommend using beartooth bullets, whatever is cheap and easy to get. No reason to qualify expensive barnes bullets if you want to actually shoot the darn thing. 4198 for powder.

5. The best person to do the work is you. afterall, it's a $200 gun. You use a hacksaw to cut the barrel to 16 5/8 after wrapping the barrel with tape to get as straight as you can with the cut. Then you start with the files. well chalked new single cut bastard file, and buy a nice one, even nice files are relatively cheap. Keep it chalked and the shavings fall out. Go slow and check with a square often. A good square. You will find it does not need to be micrometer-perfect. Just flat and pretty close.

I crown with a cutter, but the internet folks do it with a brass screw and polishing compound. whatever you want.

I saw a guy cut a mosin with a hacksaw, file it with a rusty file and carpenters square, burnish it with a brass screw and the wrong compound, and that rifle shoots awesome. Obviously even a blind pig finds an acorn now and again, but with a good square and file, you'll be just fine.

Ditto trigger work. There are I think 5 moving parts in the handi. A small hard Arkansas stone and 3 hours of time and you can take it down smooth. Instructions on what to do where are online. a hard arkansas stone is all you need.

Just my two cents.

------------------

And if you just really mess it up, a gunsmith can take it from 16 5/8 to 16.5 and you're back in business.

Just don't forget to group with it as is, then group again after you cut the barrel to make sure there isn't a gross change. Verify you get a nice lube/fouling star on the muzzle.

[Whiterabbit]

mine, before I refinished the stock



I also thinned out the fore grip and finished everything blonde.

[45ACP4U]

Shortening handi rifle 45-70

Thanks for the link. So much info that i'm gonna have to call in sick tomorrow so I can read them all..lol.

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb...barrel-296925/

http://www.go2gbo.com/forums/hr-centerfire-rifles/has-anyone-ever-cut-a-handi-rifle-barrel-down-to-16-inches/

https://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=326720

http://www.castbullet.com/shooting/handi.htm

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/03/15/hr-handi-rifle-in-45-70-government/

There are a few on fixing the trigger. Contact the maker they used to offer trigger upgrades.

[45ACP4U]

Shortening handi rifle 45-70

That is actually not a bad idea. My neighbor works with metals offered to cut the barrel for me. I could cut it to 17" to make room for mistakes.. But would I need the front sight reinstalled since I have a 3x9 scope?

I think i am gonna leave the ATI stock on and shoot with it. Cut the barrel and test fire again. If i don't like the ATI stock, i ll reinstall the old wooden stock.

Also, i was thinking about welding a piece of metal to the forearm grip screw. That way i can disassemble quicker (without screwdriver) and stow in in suit case, just in case i check into a hotel..

I dont reload. So what is the best all around round? I bought some Hornady 325 gr (with red tips). That's all i can find online..

1. If you crown it well, it won't. I suggest not worrying about velocity.

2. no comment. If you are really concerned, use a limbsaver and shoot away. It takes the hurt off.

3. I suggest leaving the stock wood. Cut the pistol grip off if it has one and rasp it down to a straight stock. Classic look for a classic cartridge. No adjustability needed. Too much to fiddle with. Should be a one-load, one gun gun.

4. Do you cast? if so, I suggest a postell type 500 grain bullet. Loaded to whatever is accurate. at 500 grains, you don't need lots of speed to do whatever needs to be done. If you don't, I recommend using beartooth bullets, whatever is cheap and easy to get. No reason to qualify expensive barnes bullets if you want to actually shoot the darn thing. 4198 for powder.

5. The best person to do the work is you. afterall, it's a $200 gun. You use a hacksaw to cut the barrel to 16 5/8 after wrapping the barrel with tape to get as straight as you can with the cut. Then you start with the files. well chalked new single cut bastard file, and buy a nice one, even nice files are relatively cheap. Keep it chalked and the shavings fall out. Go slow and check with a square often. A good square. You will find it does not need to be micrometer-perfect. Just flat and pretty close.

I crown with a cutter, but the internet folks do it with a brass screw and polishing compound. whatever you want.

I saw a guy cut a mosin with a hacksaw, file it with a rusty file and carpenters square, burnish it with a brass screw and the wrong compound, and that rifle shoots awesome. Obviously even a blind pig finds an acorn now and again, but with a good square and file, you'll be just fine.

Ditto trigger work. There are I think 5 moving parts in the handi. A small hard Arkansas stone and 3 hours of time and you can take it down smooth. Instructions on what to do where are online. a hard arkansas stone is all you need.

Just my two cents.

------------------

And if you just really mess it up, a gunsmith can take it from 16 5/8 to 16.5 and you're back in business.

Just don't forget to group with it as is, then group again after you cut the barrel to make sure there isn't a gross change. Verify you get a nice lube/fouling star on the muzzle.