Who all has a handi 44mag and what do you think of it?

[teddy12b]

Who all has a handi 44mag and what do you think of it?  Held one today.  I was kind of so-so on it.

[quickdtoo]

Dunno whatcha mean by so-so,  what do you expect for a $220 rifle that you can add numerous barrels to for about $100 or less each?

Tim

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,124678.msg1098437890.html#msg1098437890

[LaOtto222]

The new ones have an extractor, 1 -38" twist rate and .429 to .430 groove diameters. Reportedly shoot well with hand loads and factory loads. Stay away from the older ones. Look in the frequently asked questions for date of manufacture. The older 44 had groove diameters of .432 and shoot poorly unless you purchased over sized cast bullets. My advice is go ahead and get it if it has been made this year. just my 2 cents worth.

[murphdog]

I've got one of the new 44mag handi rifles, and I'm quite happy with it.  The 44mag cartridge won't give you target rifle accuracy, but it looks like my rifle is accurate enough to take deer at 100 yards or less, which is what I want from it.  I do most of my hunting in the woods, and most of my shot opportunities are at 50-75 yards anyhow.  Indiana legalized pistol-cartridge rifles this year, and I went out intending to buy a lever-action 44.  But when I picked up a Handi Rifle and put it to my shoulder, I just fell in love with its compact size and the way it carried and handled, so I bought it instead.  (Also, it was much cheaper.)  If you're interested in shooting 44 mag, I would'nt hesitate to recommend this gun to you.  Of course, only time will tell if it holds up to my expectations. 
   Duane

[EVOC ONE]

I like mine very much. 

It has one of the new barrels and is a synthetic model.  It shoots very good out to 100 yards.  With reloads, I've found no deviation of accuracy loading from minimum to maximum in the Speer manual using Win 296 and Remington bulk 240's.  And, it shoots Winchester 240 gr FP factory ammo about the same.

Recoil is about like a 20 ga., so it's not offensive in that area. 

[poncaguy]

Which is more accurate, the new 44 mag or the 45 Colt?

[quickdtoo]

Larry, if you want accurate, get the .444!

Tim

[poncaguy]

My 45-70 and 35 Whelen do that too!

[quickdtoo]

Mine too, but they aren't .44s!!

Tim

[poncaguy]

How's the recoil and is the 444 a factory barrel?

[quickdtoo]

Factory fitted earlier this year, 240gr & 265gr recoil is pretty much like top 300gr trapdoor loads in the 45-70, 355gr are a bit stiffer.

Tim

[gomerdog]

My 44 mag is an accessory barrel, which I bought for use on a receiver that came from the factory with a 30/06 barrel. I bought the mag barrel over a year ago, and it is one of my favorite barrels. I don't know if it is one of the "new" 44 mag barrels or not, but it has an extractor and shoots 300 to 320 bullets better than lighter ones. I can switch barrels numerous times during a range session, and the  point of aim is always right where it should be, which is more than I can say about the 30/06 barrel. I carried it once on a wintery day last September hunting antelope, but I haven't killed anything with it yet. It just feels good when I carry it. It might see use in about a week when I am hunting that mythical animal, the bull elk.