New England Firearms Handi-Rifle --
an uncomplicated, accurate and inexpensive break-open single shot rifle.
Interchangeable barrels a la Thompson-Center Contender (except that you
have to ship the rifle to NEF to get fitted for the new barrel, you can't
just buy one) for cartridges ranging from .22LR and .22 Hornet to .30-06
and 45-70 Gov't, (I've also seen a .45cal muzzle loader) as well as various
shotgun barrels. From what I can find out, Harrington and Richardson made
guns like this for quite a while. NEF, aka H&R 1891 (post bancruptcy
successor company to Harrington & Richardson) decided to start making
the receiver out of a better grade of metal, which also let them bring
out barrels for more powerful cartridges. Can't find much about it on the
net. NEF has a web site, but it only has contact information.
I don't own one, but I've shot one on occasion. Shakey old me (decades
of caffeine (ab)use. . .) can keep 5 shots inside the 9 ring at 100 yards.
(Be careful what you buy. If it's an "SB2" NEF will install rifle
barrels. If it's an "SB1" they will only install shotgun barrels.)
Thoughts
on the Handi-rifle as cheap scout rifle
H&R's current (as of 2002-mar-24)
web site location .
Marlin's got some stuff on them too.