First revolver- NEF R22

[Hunterdad]

Just picked this up today for a good price. Its a stainless NEF R22 mini ultra in 22mag. Does anyone have any personal experience with these? There isn't much info out there on them. Im also curious if the cylinders can be swapped out to shoot 22lr? Any info is greatly appreciated.
Thanks



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[Hunterdad]

I have been researching all day on this gun and can't find anything for this particular model. I can find blued versions with 6" barrels but no stainless models at all. I also can't find any blued models with the 2.5" barrel like this one has. It would appear that I have a rare gun here, but can't wait to hear about any personal experiences.

Thanks

 

[savit260]

NEF's are decendents of the H&R guns to the best of my knowledge.

 

[mr_goodbomb]

That looks great. If it's anything like the NEF shotguns, I'm sure it'll hold up. How much did you spend on it?

 

[Hunterdad]

Thanks. I paid $125 otd for it.

 

[Hunterdad]

Nobody? I thought someone would know something.

 

[GRIZ22]

I don't think NEF (or H&R) ever made stainless guns. You can probably get a 22 LR cylinder for it but remember it has to be fitted to the gun. I wouldn't consider yours a rare gun. It is a quality inexpensive gun though.

 

[NCsmitty]

Here's a little info gleaned from another THR thread, and I'm guessing it's probably correct.
I have a H&R 32 S&W long made in 1975, and can say that it is a well made, solid, budget revolver, and the OP's 22 Mag should provide a lifetime of service.

H&R went out of business in the middle 1980s.

NEF took it's place when the rights and factory was sold. NEF was to have taken over a lot of the H&R models but that didn't happen.

NEF put out models of the old H&R revolvers.
In 1987 NEF was formed to make H&R revolvers independently of H&R and under the NEF logo. In 1991 H&R 1871,Inc. was formed from the residual of the parent company and took over NEF. They produced firearms for both NEF and and under the H&R banner. That is until 1999 when Marlin aquired the assets.

NCsmitty

 

[Hunterdad]

Thanks for the input guys. Im pretty sure it's stainless. Its heavier than he'll. Hopefully someone comes along that has 1st hand experience with thee.

Thanks again
Adam

 

[BCRider]

Try a magnet on it. If it sticks weakly or not at all then you can say for sure it's stainless.

 

[Hunterdad]

Its definitely stainless. Just tried the magnet and it barely sticks.

 

[GRIZ22]

I don't think NEF (or H&R) ever made stainless guns.

I take that back. I should have said I never saw a stainless NEF or H&R. A quick google showed several hits on Gunbroker.

 

[wnycollector]

Sorry to report your NEF is not SS...its nickel plated.
I have a model r92 and its a decent plinker.

 

[Hunterdad]

Proof?

 

[32 Magnum]

The only KNOWN NEF and H&R 1871 handguns made from stainless steel are R&D examples. Stainless pieces do not show up in any of the NEF or H&R 1871 literature that I have or have seen. The DID make steel revolvers with ELECTROLESS NICKEL finishes.
Most, if not all, ordnance grade stainless steels are magnetic.
Jim Hauff
H&R Collector/Researcher and Contributing Editor for H&R firearms to "THE BLUE BOOK OF GUN VALUES" by S. Fjestad

 

[wnycollector]

Proof?

I have an early 1990's gun bible that lists the R92, R22, R73 as only coming in blue and nickel only.

 

[Hunterdad]

Fair enough. The barrel and cylinder definitely look like stainless to me, but I guess not. Does your gun bible list an R22 Mini Ultra?

Thanks

 

[wnycollector]

It lists the ultra in 2.5,4, and 6inch barrel lengths for 22lr and. 22mag. It also lists the "Lady Ultra" w/ a 3" barrel in 32 mag.

 

[Hunterdad]

That's the info I was looking for. This is the 2.5" model. I could not find another like it.

Thanks
Adam

 

[Onward Allusion]

It ain't stainless. It is matte nickel. I have one. Comes in 22LR and 22 Mag

One of the weakest areas of these guns is the trigger spring. The bullets also have a tendency to tumble.