« previous next »
Pages: [1]   Go Down

Author Topic: Looking at a used .45 Colt Handi rifle  (Read 947 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline geezerbiker

  • Trade Count: (14)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1884
  • Gender: Male
Looking at a used .45 Colt Handi rifle
« on: May 10, 2011, 10:32:32 PM »
I originally planned to add a .45 Colt barrel to my .223 ultra Varmint but then NEF discontinued that caliber...  Anyway a local shop here in NW Oregon has a used .45 Colt Handi rifle for $265.  Does this sound like too much money?  It looks like it's in pretty good condition or at least I didn't see anything wrong with it.

Tony
Logged

Offline petemi

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (73)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 7386
  • Gender: Male
Re: Looking at a used .45 Colt Handi rifle
« Reply #1 on: May 11, 2011, 12:07:02 AM »
I guess if it was clean, I'd buy it.  There were places that had them new for quite a bit less, but by the time you add the FFL transfer fee and possibly shipping, you wouldn't save much.

Pete
Logged
Keep both eyes open and make the first shot good.
The growing Handi/Sportster/Pardner/Topper Family:  .22 WMR, .22-250. 223, Two Superlight 7mm-08s and one .243, .30-30,  .308, 32-20, 18 inch .356/.358 Win., Two 16.5 inch .357 Max., 18 inch 38-55 BC Carbine, 16.5 inch .445 Super Mag., .45LC, 16.5 and 22 inch .45-70s, .50 Huntsman SS, .410, 20 ga., 12 ga., 20 ga. Pardner Pump, Versa-Pack .410 - .22
[size=7.4 pt]PLEASE DONATE TO THE GBO SERVER FUND  We're closer to the goal but not there yet, we can still use more donations, thanks

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,191112.msg1098959491.html#msg1098959491

Offline Buckwheat Jack

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 113
  • Gender: Male
  • 45-70; 45 Long Colt; 12ga; .410
Re: Looking at a used .45 Colt Handi rifle
« Reply #2 on: May 11, 2011, 02:18:27 AM »
That's about what the new one I bought recently would have cost if I had had to pay shipping. It was $229 from cdnn. Plus FFL fee, local delivery.
Logged
aim small, hit big

Offline geezerbiker

  • Trade Count: (14)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1884
  • Gender: Male
Re: Looking at a used .45 Colt Handi rifle
« Reply #3 on: May 11, 2011, 08:07:46 AM »
Thanx guys.  I think I'm going to wait and see if he's willing to deal on it after it's sat there for a while longer.   

What I really want is something that is larger in bore size that would hit harder with a slower moving cast bullet.  I guess a .44 mag or .444 Marlin barrel would be an OK second but I really wanted a .45 Colt...

Tony
Logged

Offline PHATINJUN

  • "Seeker of the Red Mist"
  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (144)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4076
  • Gender: Male
Re: Looking at a used .45 Colt Handi rifle
« Reply #4 on: May 11, 2011, 08:31:24 AM »
geeeeeezzzz buy the thing already we really hate the snooze you looze stories :'( Kurt
Logged
Deceased 2/16/24
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/machesney-park-il/kurt-heckman-11671764

Sportster17M2,20"Nickle410Tamer,26"410,
WTUTI12ga,WTU25-06,M158 22RemJet, 24"Ultra.204Ruger24"UltraFluted.204Ruger
M157Mannliker.22Hornet,24".223UltraFluted,   24".223Ultra,7X64BrenekkeUltra,22-250AIUltraFluted            7.62x39,22"303Britstub.32H&Rmag, .32303BritstubHuntsman,24" SS.50calHuntsman 58calHuntsman 12gaHuntsman
NEF RevolversSSModel73.32H&Rmag                     Blued Model73.32H&R mag The herd is shrinking!!
                                 "SOLI DEO GLORIA"

Offline gcrank1

  • Trade Count: (24)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 7644
  • Gender: Male
Re: Looking at a used .45 Colt Handi rifle
« Reply #5 on: May 11, 2011, 09:04:03 AM »
I, for one, am getting real tired of kicking myself in the butt..........
Logged
"Halt while I adjust my accoutrements!"
      ><   ->
We are only temporary caretakers of the past heading toward an uncertain future
22Mag UV / 22LR  Sportster
357Mag Schuetzen Special
45-70  SS Ultra Hunter with UV cin.lam. wood
12ga. 'Ol' Ugly OverKill', Buck barrel c/w  SpeedStock  and swap 28" x Full bird barrel, 1974

Offline dpe.ahoy

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (7)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3363
  • Gender: Male
Re: Looking at a used .45 Colt Handi rifle
« Reply #6 on: May 11, 2011, 05:12:49 PM »
Whatcha lookin for?  Why ain't ya shootin the darn thing?  Since they don't make em and most everybody is out of new ones, the price is gonna go up.  Those of us that has em, keeps them most of the time.  Get it and forget if it's a good price or not, it's a damn good rifle.  DP
Logged
RIP Oct 27, 2017

Handi's:22Shot, 22LR, 2-22Mag, 22Hornet, 5-223, 2-357Max, 44 mag, 2-45LC, 7-30 Waters, 7mm-08, 280, 25-06, 30-30, 30-30AI, 444Marlin, 45-70, AND 2-38-55s, 158 Topper 22 Hornet/20ga. combo;  Levers-Marlins:Two 357's, 44 mag, 4-30-30s, RC-Glenfields 36G-30A & XLR, 3-35 Rem, M-375, 2-444P's, 444SS, 308 MX, 338Marlin MXLR, 38-55 CB, 45-70 GS, XS7 22-250 and 7mm08;  BLR's:7mm08, 358Win;  Rossi: 3-357mag, 44mag, 2-454 Casull; Winchesters: 7-30 Waters, 45Colt Trapper; Bolt actions, too many;  22's, way too many.  Who says it's an addiction?

Offline Antietamgw

  • Trade Count: (63)
  • Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 377
Re: Looking at a used .45 Colt Handi rifle
« Reply #7 on: May 11, 2011, 06:00:37 PM »
Quote from: geezerbiker on May 11, 2011, 08:07:46 AM

What I really want is something that is larger in bore size that would hit harder with a slower moving cast bullet.  I guess a .44 mag or .444 Marlin barrel would be an OK second but I really wanted a .45 Colt...

Tony
If you reload, the .45-70 can go from almost silent to a real stomper. So could the 444 but I've never had one.  I thought about the 45 Colt but I've shot the .45-70 since the early '70's(an H&R Shikari was one of my first!) and consider it more versatile than the 45 Colt.  I just couldn't justify it, especially since I'd probably need some different molds. Didn't stop me from checking the CDNN ad a few times a week though  :) Whatever you decide, enjoy!
Logged
Keep your plow share and your sword - know how and when to use them.

Offline ratdog

  • Trade Count: (1)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1000
Re: Looking at a used .45 Colt Handi rifle
« Reply #8 on: May 13, 2011, 02:30:52 PM »
if you wait you may loose but there always is a 45-70 out there waiting.
Logged

Offline geezerbiker

  • Trade Count: (14)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1884
  • Gender: Male
Re: Looking at a used .45 Colt Handi rifle
« Reply #9 on: May 14, 2011, 08:35:31 AM »
I picked up a couple .44 bullet molds for $10 each...  So I'm thinking maybe the universe is telling me I need to get a .44 instead.  The original plan was to take a .45 Colt and open it up to .454 cas...

I'm thinking along the lings of the .444 Marlin might do the same with less hassle.  I'm wondering now if the .444 works OK with reduced cast bullet loads or if a .44 mag would be better...  I'm not in a hurry since I have more than enough rifles for any type of Hunting that's available in Western Oregon...

Tony
Logged

Offline tacklebury

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (12)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3633
  • Gender: Male
  • Central Michigan
Re: Looking at a used .45 Colt Handi rifle
« Reply #10 on: May 14, 2011, 01:33:33 PM »
I don't know if that shop has the ability to let you shoot it, but one thing I had found out the hard way with my .45 colt is that a lot of them have very loose chambers.  When I purchased mine, they ended up replacing it 3 times to get to one that didn't make my brass into a football.  The first one blew out the brass 25 thousandths at the rear, then the second about 18 thousandths in the center.  The second would barely eject the brass on hotter loads.  If they won't let you shoot it first, however, you could see if you can check it with a go/no-go gauge at least.  My 3rd one is spot on and only allows 2 thousandths growth.  It's actually a little tighter than my Ruger Blackhawk's cylinder, which is also tight.  Not so tight there is ejection issues though, so I am quite happy with it now.  ;)
Logged
Tacklebury --}>>>>>    Multi-Barrel: .223 Superlite, 7mm-08 22", .30-40 Krag M158, .357 Maximum 16-1/4 HB, .45 Colt, .45-70 22" irons, 32" .45-70 Peeps, 12 Ga. 3-1/2 w/ Chokes, .410 Smooth slugger, .45 Cal Muzzy, .50 Cal Muzzy, .58 Cal Muzzy

also classics: M903 9-shot Target .22 Revolver, 1926 .410 Single, 1915 38 S&W Break top Revolver and 7-shot H&R Trapper .22 6" bbl.

Offline gcrank1

  • Trade Count: (24)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 7644
  • Gender: Male
Re: Looking at a used .45 Colt Handi rifle
« Reply #11 on: May 14, 2011, 01:39:43 PM »
Years ago I had the 44 Mag 'Shikari', it was fun and easy to feed with cast bullet loads. Nowdays I might go for the 444 and probably use Trail Boss loads with cast; I like those big, long cases (I know, BB, the 45-120 cigars make anything else look absolutely stubby).
Whichever comes along first you probably wont go wrong.
Logged
"Halt while I adjust my accoutrements!"
      ><   ->
We are only temporary caretakers of the past heading toward an uncertain future
22Mag UV / 22LR  Sportster
357Mag Schuetzen Special
45-70  SS Ultra Hunter with UV cin.lam. wood
12ga. 'Ol' Ugly OverKill', Buck barrel c/w  SpeedStock  and swap 28" x Full bird barrel, 1974

Offline dpe.ahoy

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (7)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3363
  • Gender: Male
Re: Looking at a used .45 Colt Handi rifle
« Reply #12 on: May 14, 2011, 01:49:12 PM »
My first one has a large chamber, had to make the extractor fit the chamber to get the brass out.  just use milder loads out of that one.  DP
Logged
RIP Oct 27, 2017

Handi's:22Shot, 22LR, 2-22Mag, 22Hornet, 5-223, 2-357Max, 44 mag, 2-45LC, 7-30 Waters, 7mm-08, 280, 25-06, 30-30, 30-30AI, 444Marlin, 45-70, AND 2-38-55s, 158 Topper 22 Hornet/20ga. combo;  Levers-Marlins:Two 357's, 44 mag, 4-30-30s, RC-Glenfields 36G-30A & XLR, 3-35 Rem, M-375, 2-444P's, 444SS, 308 MX, 338Marlin MXLR, 38-55 CB, 45-70 GS, XS7 22-250 and 7mm08;  BLR's:7mm08, 358Win;  Rossi: 3-357mag, 44mag, 2-454 Casull; Winchesters: 7-30 Waters, 45Colt Trapper; Bolt actions, too many;  22's, way too many.  Who says it's an addiction?

Offline ratdog

  • Trade Count: (1)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1000
Re: Looking at a used .45 Colt Handi rifle
« Reply #13 on: May 16, 2011, 03:22:17 PM »
i have a 45 colt now you guys got me thinking of the 44 mag again this handy disease is heavy stuff.sure is fun.
Logged
Pages: [1]   Go Up
« previous next »