Probably no surprise to many who post here, but this is just more of a plug for the wonders of the Handi than anything. I want to say "thanks" right up front for all the information and discussion that is on this forum, as it helped me make up my mind and to know what I was getting into.
I got this little rifle from the classifieds here and it arrived looking better than I would have expected it to. Almost thought the reciever had been professionally re-blued but the stamped lettering and "corners" and edges did not give that away. Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't, but it sure looked nice and had a really decent trigger. Not a spec of dirt, oil or powder residue in the reciever - just clean as a pin. I had placed a Weaver fixed-six on it that was hiding in the safe, as the Handi came with a solidly mounted base and some very nice steel rings. It was a real bargain overall.
Got out today for a few minutes and I was anxious to see if I could at least hit a sheet of paper. Using a 60 gr Sierra HP load worked up for my No. 3 (puts "three" in less than 1/2" out of the No.3), I sat at the 50 yard mark and put two down-range. Walked down and found them 1 1/4" apart and only 2" high and left of where I "held" (wasn't the steadiest with so little mass in the rifle). Not bad, really, at least as per my expectations.
Made elevation and windage adustments and walked all the way back to the hundred yard mark and shot three off the bench, less than a minute apart. Barrel was warm but barely. I expected it to be smoking from comments I have read on the LW barrels on Handis.
Walked down to the target and found three holes, one inch even between the two farthest centers. Not bad at all so far. Two of the three were about 5/16" on center.
I put three more down-range at about the same pace and the barrel was a little warmer but no big deal. Checked the target and another 1" group. For a "new" gun, and me not being all settled in and focused, I was pleased. I believe that starting out at 1", I just may be able to tweak it down to 1/2", so I am pretty happy with this little rifle right now.
My friend put three Federal 55 grain full-patch rounds through it and I could not cover the group with my hand. Not that rifle'c cup o' tea, I suppose, but I like the Sierra 60 gr. HP anyway and I imagine with some fussing, I could come up with a good load for a lighter bullet if I wanted to. With the 1:12 twist, I have plenty of options. Has me rethinking the Hornet project now. If I can work up a good, viable .223-class 'chuck load that shoots at 1/2" AND a reduced load for "yardwork" (starlings and things that eat stuff out of the garden before I do), I will stick with this one. Will be running some cast through it too, I suppose.
I know it's a "youth" model and all, and even though it's been a few decades since I was granted the "under 12" discount at the movies, I just love that stock set. I am not a big guy to begin with, so I can get along with it. If you're much over 5' - 6", it may not work for you. The rifle is 33 1/4" long overall and can't weigh much more than 5 1/2# with the scope on it.
Might make a sweet little "truck gun" but would would have to slide the two halves of your gun rack clsoer together or it'll fall behind the seat.
Jeff H
