Reader Forum

NEF Handi-Ri le I recently purchased a New England Firearms Handi-Rifle SB2 in 243 Winchester. It also came with an additional 22-250 barrel that seems to fit but opens when fired. Since NEF is no longer in business I would like to properly fit the 22-250 barrel to the receiver. What advice can you provide on how to properly fit anew NEF barrel to an existing receiver?

Rueben Cole This break-open action rifle with side lever release was introduced in 1989 by New England Firearms in a number of centerfire cartridges from 22 Hornet through 30-06 and even 45-70. You mentioned the 22-250 barrel seemed to fit okay but opens when fired. I take this to mean the action jars open enough to open it fully while not using the side lever release.

Through feedback of other NEF SB2 owners, this sometimes occurred particularly on the heavy recoil models, regardless of hinge pin breech block tolerance. Some were improved by careful lubrication of the hinge-pin mechanism, which appears to bind, thereby allowing the action to open slightly. The way in which the SB2 rifle is held while firing can make a difference as well.

Some SB2 owners complain the rifle has to be held just right to cock it; it failed to cock from some angled positions and didn’t always lock fully when closed unless it was slammed. Other owner’s communication with the manufacturer left them with little satisfaction. Similar things occur with the Stevens 107B shotgun. Installing aside thumb screw to lock the action release mechanism on firing can remedy this. Note, the NEF Handi- Rifle is not an ultra precision action.

Keep this in mind if attempting to change things. AG