Well, I have a H&R and I also have a rossi combo. The rossi combo is a 20 gage and a 223, the rossi is reasonably accurate and the 20 gage seem sjust fine. When I say reasonably accurate, I am saying I can get about 1.5 moa out of it regularly with 55 grain FMJ's.
The handi rifle I bought was originally a 243. It was and is a sub moa rifle. It doesnt like hand loads. The extractor has issues getting handloads out of the chamber. Many 243's seemed to have this problem in handi rifles.
I sent the handi rifle off about 9 months ago to get a 45-70 barrel fitted. The accessory barrel fits better than the stock 243. It is really accurate. As accurate as my marlin 1895. So, I give the nod to the handi rifle if I had to choose. The Rossi barrel is thinner and seems like it has less workmanship in it.
I always prefer bolt rifles (unless were talking about levers) but I like any old rifle. In fact, I bought the handi and rossi when I had to buy a rifle but couldnt afford a bolt.
EJ