I had the chance to look at one of these tonight in Wally World. I was surprised on opening it to find a lock up just like that of the Handi. While this was a 12 guage shotgun, I would not expect the rifle to lock any differently. The extractor popped open with authority, but they always do when the chamber is empty. The appearance of the extractor is different, the rim engagement lug is on the end of a 3/16" shaft that comes out of the underlug block, like that of the Handi, it just appears far more massive, I've no clue at the moment how it works mechanically. the lock is controlled by the trigger guard toggling, one pulls on an extension of the guard to open. The action is very stiff, but with a trigger lock filling the guard, it is impossible to get a true feel of the action. The frame is lighter and smaller than that of the Handi. That may not be a minus, but considering what recoil will be in a 5 pound rifle it won't be a plus. The lockwork is a box lock though I've no idea if it is a striker or internal hammer.
Over all, I'd rather have the NEF. While the Spartan will I'm sure have a better quality barrel, especially if it is hammer forged (but that can be screwed up too) The overall fit and finish is not better than that of the NEF and I've someone here in the states to complain to if the arm is not satisfactory, and noting that NEF is upgrading their triggers and changing over to a mechanical extractor, it is obvious NEF is not only seeing the problems with their rifles, they are doing something about it. NEF certainly deserves continued support for their nice rifles.
I'm sure that Remington will repair or make good any gun with their name on it, I just don't know that they are going to improve the product. And their exclusion of the 45-70 and the 6.5x55 leads me to continue to think they don't know anything about singleshots, singleshot owners or the single shot market. The Spartan strikes me as an attempt by Remington to offer an inexpensive product to be in the entry level market, without addressing the real needs of such a market nor to offer a product to the sincere user of single barrel, non repeating arms, nor to make a long term commitment to this market.
This is not meant as a diss of the EAA, they are making a nice arm and are dealing with a massive bueracracy that is becoming increasingly firearms hostile; Remington is simply offering a way for EAA to expand their market, in an overall world market that is shrinking. I hope they do well in their endeavor, I hope most their success is not at the expense of NEF.
It did not escape my attention that there was not an NEF in the gun racks in this store nor have there been over the last few months. The clerk made a point of telling me they sell a lot of these. I thought (perhaps should have said) I can imagine you do since you are not displaying an NEF, an American made alternative for the same money (Spartan was $89.99)
Just my take FWIW, JP
