wanting to trick out my Handi

[1 id dog]

Hello folks, my name is 1 id dog (1 eyed dog) I think I’m about to become a handi-holic. I’ve been actively reading posts and trying to learn as much as possible for quiet a while now but just now joining this fine forum. I must admit this is a great site to expand one’s outdoor knowledge. Wanting to build myself a custom gun and needing a good compact tree stand gun for heavy brush, I purchased a Handy chambered in 500 S&W Magnum. Hunting in very steep rugged terrain I wanted something that should drop a Deer in its tracks with in 100 yards (hunting in wooded mountains)?? Recoil doesn’t worry me and looks don’t concern me, I plan on a camo rattle can paint job after completing this project but I do want to customize it heavily. I do shoot south pawed so TH stocks are limited. I’d love to hear first hand experienced advice on this caliber and tricking out this little rifle lock, stock, barrel & scope. I do plan to hand load since I have the capability and tons of experience except for this caliber. However I do think a premium jacketed bullet under 400 grn’s will perform best for Me in this rifle giving a little limited distance capability if needed. What’s your opinion?  All advice will be heavily considered and greatly appreciated.  Sorry if I got too long winded!   

[canon6]

Welcome to the fire, I do not have any experience with the 500, but the  NEF is a great rifle.There are  500 shooters and I am sure they will chime in.   Doug

[fanner50]

Welcome One eye. Don't expect to stop with just one Handi. Take a look at Choate stocks. They are ambi. weather proof and light weight. I have one on my 35 Whelen Elk killer and my .243 Ultra V. You will find this forum is full of great guys/gals and lots of info. Welcome again and Merry Christmas to ya. - F50

[McLernon]

There is lots of after-market 'stuff' to trick-out your new Handi. Sights, stock sets, trigger guard and spacer and if you are in the U.S.A. you can get lots of extra barrels to play with. Unfortunately us Canuckistani's are stuck with one-barrel-one-receiver.

Have fun!!!

Mc

[oneshotonekill]

The 500's are a blast to shoot.  I've been using a 350 sierra JHP over 40 grains of H110 with devastating results.  I will tell you this much the 500 in a handi recoils more than it should.  I don't know if its the pressure curve or what but my 500 with mid range loads kicks harder than full house 45-70's or 450 marlins.  Based on the weight of the bullet and the powder charge the latter 2 should generate more recoil but for some reason the perceived recoil on the 500 seems much higher.  I also shoot some plinking loads with a 350 berry copper coated bullet and 12 grains of unique.  As far as a scopes goes look into something with a decent amount of eye relief.  I like to use shotgun scopes on my short range big bore rifles just because of the added eye relief.   

[Daniel Laws]

I shoot 400 gr. cast or jacketed out of mine, over 35 gr of H-110.  Kicks like a mule.  Titegroup and unique with cast bullets are much more fun.  It will anchor a deer though, I have to give it that.  Have shot 2, both does, and neither one moved out of its tracks.  Now you are on the slippery slope though.  Next it will be a 45-70, then a 30-30, then a Hornet.  Next thing you know a dozen of the things have followed you home.

[1 id dog]

Thanks Folk's I really appreciate the info, Just as I figured great advice from great people. I do have questions about those choate stocks though:
(1) Will it handle that much recoil
(2) Will it tremendously increase felt recoil by design and not weight reduction
(3) Will it cause the gun to be front heavy, is there a good place to add weight to re-balance
  Thank You

[burntmuch]

The choate stock felt long to me & I ddnt like the way it carried. I went with a straight combed straight gripped for my 45/70 & 357 max. Seemed better for the treestand.  But with that little stock the 45/70 pushes kinda heavy. Its perfect for the The max . So it depends on how you handle recoil. You wont find a better treestand gun.  Oh yeah cut that barrel to about 17 -18 inches.  22 inches is way to long.    Jay

[quickdtoo]

The Choate Varmint stock is extremely stout, it's also the heaviest of all the H&R stocks at 2lbs-2oz incl forend, weights are all listed in the FAQs, it's very good at reducing felt recoil, there are several members that use them exclusively for that purpose, the thumbhole design adds the weight of the shooter's hand, wrist and forearm to the weight of the rifle. Choate also sells an optional low and high cheek pad for it.  

Tim

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