I know a lot of the guys on this board are grousing about the quality of H&R guns since Big Green (Remington) took over. It was the same when Winchester produced the post-64 Model 70's. In all honesty, the post-64 Model 70's (push feed) were just as good as the pre-64's, (minus the Mauser controlled round feed bolt). Gun buyers are very traditional by nature, and hate change, any type of change.
I have three Ilion guns, that were purchased this year. I have no problems with any of them. If anything, the triggers seem a little smoother on the Ilion guns, compared to some of my "untouched" Gardner guns. They all shoot good, and I expect that they'll shoot even better after I break them in.
I would go ahead and just buy the Buffalo Classic. I wouldn't worry about the claims of poor quality, if, and I stress the "if" part, you have a problem, H&R will correct the problem. I know that you probably feel that you shouldn't have to send a gun back to get it to work properly, but, think about the number of guns produced. Like anything else, the guns that have problems, are discussed more often than the guns that don't (the "squeaky wheel gets the oil" syndrome). I've also had some minor problems with Gardner produced guns, which I corrected. If you have a problem, post here about it, and I'm sure that someone will steer you in the right direction.
Let us know how, you like the BC if you decide to purchase one. I'm willing to bet that you won't have a problem with it.
