Gun Review of the H&R Handi-Rifle for Hunting

The H&R Handi-Rifle is a single shot rifle that is a simple and reliable rifle for hunters. The Handi-Rifle has been made under both the Harrington & Richardson name as well as the New England Firearms name. A quick look around the internet shows these guns selling in their base packages for under $250. Slightly used models with scopes and slings are selling in the $250 range as well.

The Handi-Rifle is virtually identical to the popular single shot shotguns made under both names as well. In fact while it is not advisable to shoot the gun in this manner, the barrels from my H&R 20 gauge shotgun and my NEF .22 Hornet rifle will interchange. The rifle barrel and action does appear to be made of higher grade metal which makes sense as rifle pressure is higher than shotgun pressure. Do not interchange parts on this or other firearms, I only mention it to point out the similarities between the guns.

The H&R Handi-Rifle is a sleek, good looking gun for the price. The base model comes with surprisingly nice wood and the simple design provides a workman like appearance. After all a rifle is a tool, while fancy guns are nice, rifles are meant to do a job. Surprisingly, the H&R Handi-Rifle weighs about 7 pounds or in other words is comparable to many other deer rifles. The length of the H&R Handi-Rifle in long action cartridges is comparable to other rifles as well. (Weights and lengths vary depending on model) The heft of the H&R Handi-Rifle makes it steady when shooting off hand.

My .22 Hornet NEF Handi-Rifle is not exactly a tack driver but has sufficient accuracy for its purpose. Groups with about any ammunition are in the 1 ½ inch range and hand loads bring that down to about an inch. I would probably want to shoot the rifle in .223 Remington and .22-250 before buying it as these are a long range varmint rounds, but the accuracy is more than sufficient for big game hunting. The H&R Handi-Rifle chambered in 30-30 would be an interesting gun. Using true pointed bullets in hand loads would improve the ballistics of this great hunting round considerably.

The H&R Handi-Rifle is offered in a number of chambering including .17 HMR, .22 LR, .22 WMR, .204 Ruger, .22 Hornet, .223 Remington, .22-250, .243 Winchester, 25-06 Remington, .270 Winchester, .280 Remington, 7mm-08, 30-30 Winchester, .308 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, 308 Winchester, .444 Marlin, 45-70 Government as well as .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .45 Long Colt, and 500 S&W. The H&R Handi-Rifle is also available in a number of models that include: synthetic stocks, survival stocks with storage, open sights, checkered stocks, plain blued finish, case hardened finish, stainless steel, various barrel lengths, and youth models.

The H&R Handi-Rifle is a versatile rifle that can fill virtually any niche from plinking, varmint hunting, small game hunting, and big game hunting.