H&R Target Model 38-55

[Roudy]

Ordered a Target Model 38-55 a few weeks ago and it looks like I'm in for a long wait. The dealer (high volume local dealer) called and told me it was on back order and that it might take months to get it.

Is NEF (Marlin) so far behind in production that it causes this kind of wait, or is this rifle only built a couple times a year?

I did get the Lee bullet mold in about a week but the Lee dies are also on back order.

Has anyone had any experience with this rifle?

 

[mustanger98]

Roudy, do you have an SB2 HandiRifle? Reason I ask is H&R has that barrel accessory program. I know about this because I have the HandiRifle in .45-70 and I'm fixing to have them fit it with four additional barrels, two of which will be the .45-70 and .38-55 target barrels, if for sure they'll let me. This is done by sending your reciever, stock, and forarm w/screw to them. They fit and headspace your selection(s) of barrel to your reciever and forarm and ship back to your FFL. If you have a HandiRifle, this would be a less expensive way and get you around the middleman's backlog.

 

[SteveUSA1]

HR 38/55 Target Model

Ordered a Target Model 38-55 a few weeks ago and it looks like I'm in for a long wait. The dealer (high volume local dealer) called and told me it was on back order and that it might take months to get it.

Is NEF (Marlin) so far behind in production that it causes this kind of wait, or is this rifle only built a couple times a year?

I did get the Lee bullet mold in about a week but the Lee dies are also on back order.

Has anyone had any experience with this rifle?

Roudy, It will be well worth the wait. Excellent shooter. If you are planning to reload, send me an email and I will give the details. This rifle needs an extra step in reloading to function/ chamber properly.

 

[mustanger98]

I thought about getting one at one time, both the .38-55 and .45-70 models. Thing was, that cresent buttplate don't fit all of us. So, I opted for the HandiRifle with the shotgun style (more or less) recoil pad. Plus, I personally like the HandiRifle's forarm better. I'm not saying anybody should have ordered something else, but I am saying those use the same receivers and what is basically the same barrels.

I would suggest that you upgrade the rear sight. It comes with the Williams Guide and while it is adjustable for windage and elevation, it isn't adjustable by positive clicks. H&R, in their online store, sells the proper Williams Foolproof w/ Target Knobs which will make the upgrade easy and painless.

 

[Roudy]

H&R Target Model

Thanks for the information. I do have a Handi Rifle in 45-70 and considered getting a 38-55 barrel for it, but I really like the looks of the Target Model. I beleive the barrel program the H&R has is pretty reasonable, but it comes without sights so that would be another $50-60 over the $103 for the barrel. Still not bad though. I shoot a Sharps replica in 45-70 so I probably won't order a longer barrel for the Handi Rifle. (As an aside, I mounted an aperature rear sight on the Handi Rifle and it does shoot good!)

I didn't notice that the Williams sight was sans target knobs...that's a shame! It is a long range target rifle and does need target knobs, will probably upgrade...thanks for the suggestion.

Roudy