Need advise please on new NEF.

[JimG]

I had bought a used Ruger MKII all weather 30-06 that was causing me some great frustration recently. A co-worker thought he wanted it and said he would give me a NEF Handi in .204 with a Bushnell Sportsman 4x12x40 AO with Weaver Quad rings. All new and unfired. And 80 rounds of Hornady 40 gr and 20 rounds of Hornady 32 gr. Said he went to mount the scope and found that the hammer hits the bottom of the scope (just barely). He also said he did'nt see it in the store but the butt stock does not fit the reciever perfectly. It is a little off. So I caved in and went for it. This is the way I'm currently looking at it-

1. grind about 3/32 to 1/8" off the tip of the hammer to gain clearance and polish and cold blue

2. ignore the stock, if it really bothers me I'll do a little sanding and re-finish the butt stock

What do you all think? I'm new to the .204 and Handi's. I do have a Pardner in 20 gauge and can't complain. What's the general concensus on Bushnell Sportsman scopes? Thanks.

[hunterwinco]

Welcome aboard!  I also started with a Pardner 20guage that I used for partridge.  Now I have a .223 w/ a bushnell sportsman.  Really a pretty good scope for 49.00!  One thing with the handi's hammer, if you put a 40mm scope on it you will need high rings.  I dont know how the .204 shoots by my .223 is awesome with winchester white box ammo!  easily sub moa!  Look out because this an addiction!  I now have in addition to the 20 guage, a .223, 30-30, 22 hornet, and sidekick muzzleloader!  They are neat guns for the price!  Too bad about the MKII, I have a .270 MKII and its been a nice rifle.  Shoot a moose with it!  But the Handi's are just cool!

[bajabill]

get high scope mount rings,  my first quick thought is that you gave the ruger away for cheap   :cry: .  But, it may have been a bad apple.

[JimG]

May of traded cheap but I payed roughly $375 plus tax for the Ruger. A new unfired Handi sells for about $225 plus tax around here, the mounts sell for $10 at Wally World, the scope retails for somewhere around $75  and the 100 rounds are $74.75 ($14.95 per box), total $384.75. So I get a 'new' gun and get rid of that inaccurate beast that was going to likely cost big $$ to sort out . He gets a problem child. And yes he was made well aware.

[poncaguy]

Use high mounts........

[lik2hunt]

Leupold Rifleman #55870 high rings. No hammer spur, plenty of scope clearance, and comfortable to shoot with. The stock is probably just that way from the factory, all NEF stocks are a larger fit to the frame than is needed. The 204's have gained a reputation as quite the little shooters here too.

[trotterlg]

I have a .223 with medium Burris signature z rings and the hammer needed a tiny bit removed to clear the eye bell on the Swift scope.  I just gound a little bit off  and had to take a very small amount off the hammer extension in front of the hammer spur as it also hit a little.  It works perfect, just a little cold bule and it is good.  I like the scope as low as I can get it, a scope on stilts just looks stupid.  Larry