Ok, you folks, along with Obama, have convinced methat it is time to start looking at handi's. Did a bit of research and while there are lots of calibres that look like they could be a lot of fun, there just arent that many available right now but since the youngest just went through the safes and claimed those that were "his", I am left with a hole in the arsonal that one of the available H&R's would fill nicely. So I'm the new proud owner of a new .243. I think that for what I want to do with this rifle, (across the field varmits) the current 3x9 3200 is going to be found somewhat lacking. 9X now is nothing like 9X use to be!! It can't be me and old eyes, I'm too YOUNG!! And I'm sure it has nothing to do with the old bifocals, has to be the scope! Anyway, after a few more paychecks will start looking for at least 4x16.
The Rifle: Much better balance than I had expected. I do like the short overall length break action allow for. The weight isn't bad at all actually more substance to it than I'd figured on. Less felt recoil than the Model 7 in the same caliber. Trigger is not bad out of the box, a little stiff but no creep and acceptably smooth. The hammer offset is going to take some getting use to, I tend to push the entire hammer against the left side of the frame. Pleasantly supprised by the recessed crown, I'd expected the normal rounded crown.
Cleaned the heavy oil out and fired a few times out of the garage just to see what it felt like and to have a couple of pieces of brass fired from this rifle. Took it apart again and cleaned it, you can almost see the machining marks on the barrel rust while there is an absence of oil, well maybe not quite that bad but it sure seemed that way.
Overall impression... I think I'm going to like it but if it shoots well without tinkering I'm going to be disappointed! Already started trying to trade for a second and third.
so if my wiffe asks, ya'll will tell her you twisted my arm,..right???
BF
