H&R Combo

[joshk-k]

Hey there, folks...

I've stumbled across a gun available on consignment at a local gun store, and think it's enough of a good deal to have put it on layaway. I would just like your opinions on the package and on the price.

It is a nearly new H&R SB-1 Deluxe, that comes with three barrels: a 20 gauge (modified cylinder, maybe?), a 20 gauge slug barrel, and a .30-30 rifle barrel with iron sights.

I already have an H&R single-shot 20 gauge and a Marlin lever-action .30-30, so the ammo's no issue. The asking price was $279. I am going to trade in my single-shot and end up paying about $200.

My assumption is that I'm (basically) tripling the usefullness of a single gun for a reasonable price. Sound right? Any experiences with these guns or the combos? Is this a deal that you would have felt good about?

Thanks,
Josh

P.S. For legal purposes, if the rifle barrel is mounted on the gun, it is considered a rifle and not a shotgun, correct?

 

[Dave McCracken]

Decent deal IMO.

FYI, years ago I had one of the 30-30 rifles. With a 4X Leopold and mild handloads using a 125 gr spitzer, it was death on groundhogs out to 150 yards.

Best groups ran 1.5" at 100 yards. Not bad for a utility gun.

 

[joshk-k]

Great. You seem to be a respected fellow on these shotgun pages, so your approval counts for something. Thanks for responding.

Josh

 

[mnrivrat]

NEF H&R Handi-rifles and shotguns are well respected and rightfully so. For around $100 you can add another barrel/caliber to your new purchase.

Mine is in .223 Remington and these have been sub MOA guns for me. My friends is in .243 Win. and is his varmit gun. They are rugged, simple, and accurate - what's not to like ? Good guns !

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I have an older H&R Topper 158 with two barrels: 20 gauge modified and .22 Hornet. The Hornet barrel has an old Weaver 4x scope. It's a neat combo for sure.

I picked it up used a couple years ago for about $200.

 

[Red Tornado]

I think it's a fair deal, and I like the H&R stuff, however, just to play devil's advocate to keep it interesting.

You already have a 20 ga single, and a 30-30, so the net is that you're just adding a slug gun for $200. Are you in a shotgun only state for deer? If not, your 30-30 has that covered. Is there anything else that might give you greater utility for $200 than this combo?

Maybe a Mosin and 440 rounds (or more). Perhaps a decent .22? A 20ga repeater? Only you can answer that, but I just wanted to throw something out.
RT
P.S. I think you'll be happy w/ the combo if you get it.

 

[joshk-k]

RT,

Thanks for the devilishness.

Unfortunately, this fall I'm not going to be able to hunt. I just moved to Oregon in June, and to qualify for resident permits, you must have been here for at least six months. I'm just not willing/able to fork over the out of state fees. Where I moved from, though, was a shotgun only county in NY (Dutchess), so I do know that it's important to have the best gun possible if you ever are hunting in a location like that. At the time all I had was that 20 gauge single, without even a proper slug barrel on it. It was so light that it kicked like hell (anytime), but especially when you fired slugs. This combo seems to have heavier barrels all around, which I'm fine with.

I got rid of the only other shotgun I had (a Mossberg 935 Magnum), since I didn't really use it and felt awkward with it. Basically, I only want to have one shotgun, and I think it would be nice to have a few options to play around with it.

People seem to think that this is a pretty good deal. I think it is too. I'll pick it up next Tuesday, and hopefully get to shoot it sometime shortly thereafter.

Thanks again,
Josh

 

[Big Az Al]

My first was a 148 combo

It has since become a five barrel set. 46 years old and still kickin, my teen shoot it once, four of the five barrels and put down gramps 1022 and said this is the gun for me! The 22LR barrel is wickedly accurate!

I think he will share though!

 

[joshk-k]

I think that the ability to have more options and choice without actualy adding another gun, just a couple extra barrels really, to my cabinet is a good thing. My .30-30 lever action is what I would reach for in a fight, but for punching paper or hunting, the single-shot may be better for me (more time between shots at the range, the added imperitive of only having one shot while hunting).

Josh

 

[Red Tornado]

I agree that a single shot is better at the range, and usually more accurate, but I'm confused about one thing.

I only want to have one shotgun

I don't understand...surely this is a typo?!? My economist instincts recoil in horror...the basic economic assumption...more is better. The shooter in me is also horrified, MUST. HAVE. MORE. GUNS.

RT

 

[joshk-k]

To be totally honest, I just like shooting rifles more. I'm way better at it, and I enjoy it more. I've just never really gotten into shooting shotguns. I've got really good eyesight (20/13), and I enjoy the challenge of shooting rifles with iron sights at distance.

Also, in reference to your earlier post that basically I'm getting a slug gun for $200: Really I'm getting a slug gun AND another .30-30 for $200, which makes that seem more reasonable.

If you want to donate a shotgun to my safe, you're more than welcome to.

Anyway, thanks for all the responses. I feel good about this purchase.

Josh

 

[joshk-k]

Hey! I picked up my new gun(s), and I'm really happy with it! The gun and all three barrels are in really top notch shape, and I noticed that it's some Whitetails Unlimited Commemorative edition, so it's actually a good bit nicer than the standard (nice checkering, etc.). Lord willing and the ammo prices don't rise, I'll get to take it out to the range sometime soon.

Thanks for your help.
Josh

 

[Dave McCracken]

Great,Josh. I'd like to hear how the range trip goes.