OK ?? about 45-70 22" vs 32" barrels

[HutchHandiMan]

ok ok ok...

I think I am finaly going to take the plunge into BIG BORE and order a 45-70 barrel for my CHRISTmas present....

Ok now but which one....the 22" standard or the 32" BC....

Is it my understanding that a BC barrel WILL fit on a SB2 frame or not....

IF so....how much more accurate is the 32 over the 22.....or if at all...I would be sending either barrel to be ported...

I am not a big open sight shooter, so I would be looking into scoping it.....somthing in the 3x9 or 4x12 maybe 8x16 range...though I think that 4x12 would be my best bet...in the 150-300 yard range...

Also I use a sourvior stock...and I know either will be front heavy, but I already have a plan for that...

Any ideas, thoughts, sujections?

Thanks,

Hutch

[44 Man]

Now I have to tell you, I have always been a 'short/light' rifle kind of guy.  I bought a BC 45-70 this summer and have been having a ball with it.  I thought it would be muzzle heavy and awkward but it is not.  It seems to balance very well and feels light.  Of course none of the NEF guns are very heavy anyway.  Because of my age, I much prefer scopes anymore, but I thought I would try the sights that came on the gun.  I tried two upper level one loads, sat down at the bench, and my first two shots were touching at 100 yds!  Both loads shot about 2 1/2" at that distance with the receiver sights and I'm sure would do much better with a scope.  I'm happy and impressed.  I like the looks of the BC better than the standard model my friend just bought, but he likes his too.  Buy the one you prefer and don't worry about any accuracy differences.  Individual guns vary more than what the barrel difference would make.  Yes, each barrel can be put on the other frame, but the factory is supposed to fit them.  44 Man

[quickdtoo]

Hutch,

You're good to go with the .45-70 on any SB2 frame.

I had to have both length barrels and now have 2 short and 3 long! If I could only have one, I would get the long barrel first. I kinda wish they offered the 45-70 in the Target length barrel, it's about the best compromise tween the 2 and I'm considering shortening the scoped BC barrel to 28".

[Mac11700]

If your going to have it ported...might as well trim it back to 28" when you have it done...would make the perfect lenght for a 45-70 in a Handi.....I have the 22" version it's very accurate as far as rifles go...but I still would very much like to get a BC and cut it back just to have the longer lenght....

Mac

[mattparliament]

Hello!  I have the 32" barrel on my synthetic stocked frame and love it.  It is not longer than any other bolt action rifle because it doesn't have a bolt.  They shoot VERY well!



Very easy to carry in the field also.  I use a Simmons whitetail classic 6.5-20 x 50mm scope and love it also.  You can still get those from midwayusa.com for $100.  Hope this helps.  Either way you can't go wrong with the 45-70!

[bajabill]

I think the 32" is great for use with open sights.  I also like the sights that come with the BC, you wont be getting those in the base price of a 32" barrel however.  THe BC forend is longer than the standard handi or ultra forend, and also balances well with the 32" barrel (looks wise).  I think the 32" barrel would look un-natrual on a standard length forend and think the 22" barrel would be fine if using a scope.  The scoped 32" barrel looks awkward to me also.

I vote (if I am allowed a vote) for you buying a full up Buffalo Classic   :-)   The wood stock is much better quality and it goes together like a designer meant it to go together.  Mixing and matching this piece from here and that piece from there .... well, I think you end up with Frankenstein.  

And if you dont take my advise, just get a 45-70 somehow because you will enjoy it.  Just the weight of the ammo makes you respect it more than the next gun in the safe.

[Grizzx2]

I'm voting with bajabill.  I too am new to the 45-70.  Just had to go with the B.C.  Can't hardly shoot with open sights anymore cuz of my speckled eyes but was impressed with the sights on my Classic. For right now I'm going to stick with them until I miss what I'm shooting at.

[poncaguy]

I have the 22" 45-70, put the Chaote Varmit stock on it, really reduced felt recoil. Shoots 1" at 100.