I have a 30/30 Handi-Rifle and, as others have mentioned here, it will only eject new or full-length re-sized cases. I prefer neck sizeing and don't like searching the bushes for ejected cases.
Is it possible to convert the spring loaded ejector to a more powerful cam operated extractor?

Jon

You can convert it to an extractor and increase the spring pressure, but it would take more than minor machining to convert it to a mechanical extractor like the new H&R rifle have. The pic below shows the external difference between the old(bottom) and new underlugs. The link shows how to convert the ejector to an extractor. Sometime this year, H&R will run out of the ejector lugs and will only be producing extractor equipped rifles.

http://www.brimstonepistoleros.com/Articles/hr-ejector-mod.html

Excellent!
Exactly the information I was looking for. My Handi-Rifle is only about a year old but it clearly has the system in the bottom picture and the link you supplied has everything I need to make the conversion.
I did'nt know H&R's now have extractors. Thanks for taking the trouble to post the very detailed pictures...the difference is clear.

Thanks again!

Jon

For info:
I made the ejector mod's per "brimstonepistoleros" site. I have a milling machine so I used a 1/4" carbide endmill to remove the metal from the ejector.
Since it's still spring (and not cam) action that pushes the case from the chamber I replaced the stock 1" long X .035" wire dia. ejector spring with one that is 1.250" long X .045" wire dia. Also highly polished the ejector where it rubs on the breech face upon closing the action. Will have to watch for wear in this area with the increased spring power.
As stated on the website it's a quick and easy mod. Now I just hope the spring has enough power to extract neck sized cases.

Jon

Jon

Polishing the chamber has been enough to prevent stuck cases in all of my Handis and Ultras and I have over a dozen now....I use Flitz metal polish on a patch wrapped around a bore mop that fits snug in the chamber, add the tip section of a jointed cleaning rod to the mop and chuck the rod in your electric drill, polish the chamber a bit, add more flitz and polish for a total of about a minute or 2, clean up and you're done. The only stuck case I've had since I started doing this was my fault, I forgot to wipe the chamber after cleaning at the range....the chamber must be clean and dry, no oil or it will likely cause a case to stick. My latest project was rechamberiing a 45-70 Bufffalo Classic to 45-120, all done now except for new sights. The last thing I did before a trip to the range was converting it to an extractor so the $2+ a piece brass stays with me instead of in the next county!!





The "little" cartridge on the left is a 45-70 round!

Thanks for the chamber polish info. I thought about doing that when the "failure to eject" neck sized cases first happened but did'nt because of concerns about increasing thrust on the breech. Also, the cases that don't eject are just barely stuck and come flying out with the lighest tap of a cleaning rod. But, if they don't extract (have'nt shot it yet) even after the "mod" I'll definitely try your polishing system.
I have one of those "little" 45/70"s in a 7.5 lb. Marlin 1895 Cowboy. A couple of 405g JFP's at about 1600fps is more than enough for me! Shooting the 45/120 must be quite an experience...especially with that big plain base cast bullet on the left and 120g of black powder. Lets see...525g bullet + 120g BP = 645g being launched at something over 1300-1400fps? Pretty impressive and that 45/70 DOES look small!
BTW, is there any way to tell from the catalog info/specs., etc. which NEF/H&R 1871's have extractors? My 2005 catelog and the H&R website say nothing about extractors; only ejectors on all models. I'm thinking about getting another barrel and sure would like to get one with the extractor.
Jon

H&R said they will gradually be converting over to the new style as they run out of the old style underlugs. They build the barrels with Green Mountain blanks, weld the underlugs on in the H&R plant. If you order an accessory barrel, you may be able to specify an extractor on your barrel, don't know for sure. I would call or email them and ask, although it depends on who you talk to, there's a lot of misinfo coming out of H&R just depending on who's helping you. Jennifer is one of the reliable people there and I think Howard is another, but I've only talked to Jennifer, not sure about the other person. Check at the H&R/NEF Centerfire Forum at GBO for lots more info. I go by the handle Quickdtoo there..

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewforum.php?f=126

Here's a link to some other "tweaks" on the Handi...

http://www.angelfire.com/ma/ZERMEL/tweakultra.html

hr1871@hr1871.com

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