Author Topic: Has it been attempted yet? - Handi Group Buy (Read 1434 times)

OBXPilgrim · « **on:** November 17, 2006, 02:11:26 PM »

Well, I started reading through the Handi Wish List post at the top again, and this time even made an addition to it. And I just couldn't help but wondering...

Has anyone approached H&R/NEF about making a limited run of an, up to now, not yet available caliber or a redo of a previously limited production run?

I'm sure that the bottom line is profit for something like this. How many barrels/rifles would they need to ensure a profit to make it happen? Find the right person to ask & I'm sure a number can be had.

I know the start-up costs/tooling would be much higher for a rifle, but I've noticed that some companies actually are willing to make the products their customers want. I know some of the cast bullet shooters are having a heyday with Lee - making custom molds that they design. Seems like a novel idea - make what you want.

acloco · « **Reply #1 on:** November 17, 2006, 02:17:54 PM »

Hmmm.....be kind of cool to have a Handi "GrayBeard Special" rifle.....with SN# 1 of 200 or so.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #2 on:** November 17, 2006, 02:22:31 PM »

I think Mac asked em this at one time, seems to me it was 100 rifles, but we'll have to wait until he gets back from his Arkansas hunting trip for him to confirm that. I pretty sure that their 357mag barrel run last year when they were a discontinued offering, was 100 barrels.

Tim

MSP Ret · « **Reply #3 on:** November 17, 2006, 03:02:07 PM »

Are we talking about a caliber that they already have a production diameter barrel for similar to a .35 Remington made on a .357 Mag barrel or something strange, exotic and a bit wierd as described in ?.? mm's. I would like to see and would buy a .35 Remington or a .45 ACP barrel or gun in a heartbeat....<><....

kenbev · « **Reply #4 on:** November 17, 2006, 03:17:01 PM »

I may well buy the 35 Rem or a 7-30 Waters...I would say that a 32 winchester special would have some saleability...

Brett · « **Reply #5 on:** November 17, 2006, 03:42:38 PM »

I think a Handi in .32 H&R Mag. would be neat.

OBXPilgrim · « **Reply #6 on:** November 17, 2006, 03:54:39 PM »

I just about didn't begin the thread due to the problems I knew it would create for us to decide on a caliber. Reading through the wish list, it ought to be obvious that what is going to be trash to some will be treasures to others.

In order to get close to the volume it would require to do something like this, maybe it would be best to list some of the high hitters that already made the list and have a vote - that is, if it is feasible - best to wait to find out what Mac heard.

I personally would rather have something completely different, as in a 28"-30" 9.3mmx74R (no I don't have one or any components for it). Dressed up like a BC (or a...EURO/African classic), it would be a real showstopper. But..I'm sure there's probably plenty of other fish to catch first.

acloco · « **Reply #7 on:** November 17, 2006, 04:45:08 PM »

My vote for a caliber would be something that could reach out a bit. 6.5x55 would be one of my first choices. 7x57 would be interesting. The 6.5x55 is the same as 6.5x284. But, 284 case has a slight disadvantage - rebated rim.

I am not interested in a large caliber with substantial recoil.

I am not interested in any caliber that cannot reach 500 yards and carry significant downrange power.

Sound off...

6.5x55
7x57

MSP Ret · « **Reply #8 on:** November 17, 2006, 05:17:52 PM »

I luckily have a 7x57 Handi and it's a sweetheart, I do believe everyone should have one, classic calibers are great. Mine is now sporting a set of BC American Black Walnut checkered stocks with the long BC forearm and curved steel case hardened buttplate, I think it is just great. I personally have no interest in a 6.5 anything but others here have mentioned something about a Swede(?), if thats what it takes to get a buy going thats fine with me. I also have no use of a 500 yard gun with plenty of Ooomph!! left when it gets there since I already have my Handi in 45-70 so I have that covered. Now a .45 ACP, THAT interests me, and with enough elevation, downhill, with a tailwind, on a good day, you might be able to reach out 500 yards. Of course if the consensus is to go for the .35 Remington I'm in as well!!!...<><....

P.S. - just thought about something else, what about a .358 Winchester, or how about a 30-30 necked up to .358 (can you tell I like the .35's?). There is always the new .338 Federal, I would rather have a .35 (.358). caliber but I guess the .338 Federal would find it's way into my gun locker if one was made in a Handi. I have read some of the advertising and it sounds as if it might be a passable non-magnum round...

quickdtoo · « **Reply #9 on:** November 17, 2006, 06:21:59 PM »

For those unaware of the .338 Federal, here's a peek at it...I think it would be a darn good Handi round, IMO!!!

Tim

http://www.chuckhawks.com/338_federal_first_look.htm

myarmor · « **Reply #10 on:** November 17, 2006, 08:02:27 PM »

Perhaps this thread should have a poll, with first of all seeing the most requested calibers. Then go from there...
Some calibers I want are offered, though I would jump on a longer barrel/or heavier Bull Barrel configuration for several reasons.
I also agree with MSP, a 45ACP would be a load of fun!! and have some cool prospects too. For that matter even a 9mm or a 30cal M1.
If the barrel config and caliber are what I want, sign me up.

-Aaron

Datil · « **Reply #11 on:** November 18, 2006, 02:13:14 AM »

The only problem with group buy of Rifles is shipping problems to all over the
United States . The barrels they will not sell without fiting. Just my thoughts
of problems that would have to be worked out. Just my 2 cents.

Marv.

Cknerr · « **Reply #12 on:** November 18, 2006, 02:52:56 AM »

a certain gunsmith willing to make a run of 100 barrels in a particular caliber not usually done by Handi people if they are not willing? I think it could be done profitable for the gunsmith in smaller runs (say 50) and still keep the price near the factory's.

THe down side would be an assured sale of the run because the gunsmith would not have deep enough pockets to absorb that kind of cash outlay. He isn't Marlin or a factory with that kind of capital.

hmmmmm

Chris

kenbev · « **Reply #13 on:** November 18, 2006, 04:08:15 AM »

I for one and probably several others would only be interested in something that I can buy ammo for. 35 Rem, 7-30 Waters, 257 Roberts, or even a Classic like the 32 Win. The wildcat and odd calibers that you can't get ammo for are of very little use for me. Pistol calibers do not excite me although I would porbably buy one just beacuse it's a Handi....

bobg · « **Reply #14 on:** November 18, 2006, 09:24:16 AM »

I think a Handi in 250 Savage would be great. I would buy one in a heart beat
bobg

bsbowles · « **Reply #15 on:** November 18, 2006, 10:25:19 AM »

Quote from: acloco on November 17, 2006, 04:45:08 PM

My vote for a caliber would be something that could reach out a bit. 6.5x55 would be one of my first choices. 7x57 would be interesting. The 6.5x55 is the same as 6.5x284. But, 284 case has a slight disadvantage - rebated rim.

I am not interested in a large caliber with substantial recoil.

I am not interested in any caliber that cannot reach 500 yards and carry significant downrange power.

Sound off...

6.5x55
7x57

If NEF made a 6.5X55 I would buy one. This cartridge is one of the best out there - low recoil/good accuracy. Oh yeah and a 24 inch barrel.

acloco · « **Reply #16 on:** November 18, 2006, 12:45:14 PM »

Quote from: bsbowles on November 18, 2006, 10:25:19 AM

Quote from: acloco on November 17, 2006, 04:45:08 PM
My vote for a caliber would be something that could reach out a bit. 6.5x55 would be one of my first choices. 7x57 would be interesting. The 6.5x55 is the same as 6.5x284. But, 284 case has a slight disadvantage - rebated rim.

I am not interested in a large caliber with substantial recoil.

I am not interested in any caliber that cannot reach 500 yards and carry significant downrange power.

Sound off...

6.5x55
7x57

If NEF made a 6.5X55 I would buy one. This cartridge is one of the best out there - low recoil/good accuracy. Oh yeah and a 24 inch barrel.

I should have been clearer about energy after 500 yards. Read that ability of the case to get the bullet delivered, at respectable speed AND make the kill, cleanly. Does not matter if it is on Moose or Prairie Dog. Just want it to deliver the goods. The 6.5 bullets have higher SD than 98% of the bullets out there, regardless of caliber. Look at any 30 cal bullet and compare to a 140 grain in 6.5/264. Look at a 458 bullet....any weight....and look at the difference in SD.

The 6.5's have excellent BC as well.

From Hornady's website - 140 gr SST
.264" 140 gr. BC = 0.520 SD = 0.287

140 gr AMax
.264" 140 gr. BC = 0.550 SD = 0.287

30 cal, 155 gr AMax
.308" 155 gr. BC = 0.435 SD = 0.233

165 gr BTSP
.308" 165 gr. 0.435 0.248

178 gr AMax
.308" 178 gr. 0.495 0.268

190 gr BTSP
.308" 190 gr. 0.491 0.286

338 caliber

225 gr SST
.338" 225 gr. 0.430 0.281

225 gr SP
.338" 225 gr. 0.397 0.281

225 gr interbond
.338" 225 gr. 0.430 0.281

250 gr RN
.338" 250 gr. 0.291 0.313

250 gr SP
.338" 250 gr. 0.431 0.313

458 caliber
500 gr interbond RN
.458 500 gr. 0.287 0.341

mt3030 · « **Reply #17 on:** November 19, 2006, 09:31:01 AM »

I like the idea, but we could not even get together on a $5.00 medal once before. (Anyone else remember that little attempt?) Too many ideas trying to please too many cooks.

We've had several successful group buys on bullet molds. I think tthe reason they worked so well was one person found the mold he though would be popular, and found a source. He then anounced his intentions to order if he could get a minimum numbers of commitments (by sending checks ahead of time). Period. Would that work with complete rifles?

slayer · « **Reply #18 on:** November 19, 2006, 11:47:34 AM »

I may be interested in the right caliber and specs. I would love a 24-26 inch barreled something!! Maybe a .222 That is a dying caliber to the .223 Jack.

cheatermk3 · « **Reply #19 on:** November 19, 2006, 06:24:47 PM »

Too bad the factory doesn't sell barrel blanks--I'd love to have a 25-20 but the only realistic way to get one at present would be to rebore a hornet.

Just a straight caliber blank in any of the bores already being produced would really open up the possibilities at an affordable price. Then all you'd have to do would be to chamber the tube and fit it to your frame.

East TennesseChris · « **Reply #20 on:** November 24, 2006, 03:50:50 PM »

How about a smokeless muzzleloader? 45 or 50 cal. No ffl would be needed for shipping. It could use a .25 acp type breech plug.

wgr · « **Reply #21 on:** November 25, 2006, 02:43:58 PM »

how about a 45win.magnum