Thoughts and Opinions on Handi Rifle

[cherokee75]

I see on a lot of threads people taking deer and singing the praises of the handi rifle.  I was just looking at all the calibers offered and saw they make one for the 45-70.  I already have rifles (not handi-rifles) in .243, .30/06, and .30-30 so I thought why not a big bore.  It would be pretty much just for fun since I live in IL and can't hunt deer with a rifle other than a ML.  What kind of accuracy can one expect from them? Are they durable?  Basically, what can I expect for $200?  Is it a case of you get what you pay for or is it a great deal for the money?

[Badnews Bob]

Great deal for the money, I have the handi version not the BC, Two deer in the freezer with it this year and very accurate too. I mostly shoot lighter loads with the 405 grain hard cast lead bullets. I load my own so its pretty economical too.

[Stan in SC]

The 45/70 Handi Rifle is an excellent fun rifle to shoot.Once you are bitten by the "big bore bug" there is no looking back.I started out with a 30/30 Handi and sent it back to have the 45/70 barrel installed and later purchased the Buffalo Classic.
If you handload the fun is doubled in being able to customize your loads to both your particular rifle as well as your shooting type and style.
This caliber was the first metallic cartridge accepted by the US Army,was the caliber Custer's men had at Little Big Horn and is chambered in many many fine rifles world wide.It's almost a religion.
Do some research on the caliber on the internet and I think you will be smitten.As usual,any time any of us can advise or assist you have but to ask.

Stan

[Dave Weiss]

My Handi 45-70 shoots 2" groups at 100yds off a sand bag (with open sights). I'm ecstatic... and that's with a variety of ammo, Rem 405's, Leverevolution, Buffalo bore 405's shot ok, Buffalo bore 350's not so good (might have been because my eyeballs were being jarred from their sockets by the recoil). I've worked up a tolerable handload that shoots cloverleaves. In my opinion they are way worth the money.

>>>===> Dave

[FLNT4EVR]

By all means buy one.You will find that it's the best $200 gun you've ever owned.They're a solid accurate  rifle and a whole lot of fun to shoot.They are strong enough to handle  loads that are recomended for the Ruger #1,and shoot jacketed or cast bullets equaly well.Who knows ,you may be like the rest of us here,and become a "Handi Holic".

[burntmuch]

At the very least its an afordable way to try new calibers. When you find one you dont like. sell barrel & try a different one. And theyre the perfect treestand gun.

[Ranger J]

The 45/70 is one of the best caliber rifles that Handi makes.  While you may see some of us B & M about certain barrels you will hardly see anyone that doesn’t like the 45/70.  I sold off a couple of Handi barrels lately because I had replaced them with a ‘repeater’ in the same caliber or in one case I just got tired of trying to find something it would shoot accurately.  I kept the 45/70 Handi even though I also just bought a Marlin 1895.  I just like the look and feel of it.  I also get a kick out of having people at the range ask,”What kind of cannon are you shooting”?  There are three levels that the 45/70 can be loaded at.  Handi says the rifle is OK for the first two although some will shoot them at the third level.  While the rifle may hold together at that level, being rather light, it probably kills on both ends.  I took the butt plate off mine and filled the bolthole with eight .75 caliber musket balls.  This added weight plus a shoulder recoil pad makes it pleasant to shoot at the second or Marlin level bullets.  I reload mine with either Remington 300G HPs or 405G  SPs over loads of Re #7 or 2400.  Get one I think you will like it.
RJ

[Tackleberry]

Have fun with it..I have a BC in 45-70, and can't wait to take it hunting....my SB2 frame is a lot of fun too....I have .50 caliber black powder barrel for it now, a .22 Hornet,  .30-30 (hope to convert that to a .30-40 Krag someday) and a 7mm-08 barrel also, which shoots like a dream. My Sb2 and barrels comprise about $800.00 worth of equipment, but what a blast....I hope to add a .410/45LC and maybe a 50SW to the mix eventually, an maybe a 20 gage slug barrel also. It really is the best value around, and though I love my other rifles, I'm really partial to the ability to swap out those calibers. I just ordered a Timber camo stock set for it through Gunstocks Inc.  That will give it some looks to go with it's great utility and accuracy. Dave

[Mac11700]

Basically, what can I expect for $200?  Is it a case of you get what you pay for or is it a great deal for the money?

I think you will find the whole Handi experience a love hate relationship....You will find many things about these cool little rifles to love...and at the same time find out some things that will just make you madder than hell...Usually....for your $200 spent for a 45-70...you will get a rifle that will preform as good if not better than any lever gun in this caliber...however...if loaded up to the levels most lever guns can handle..you will have to take the standard precautions of adding weight to the stock..adding a better recoil pad..adding a nice soft cheek piece ( my personal recommendation )...and then dealing with becoming addictive to them....It's a way of life here..as you will see if you hang out here any length of time...Now...for the other side of the coin...Once you do start down the path of a Handi-holic...you will find yourself not wanting   many of the calibers offered..but actually needing them...Not for any particular rhyme or reason...but just because..it makes sense to have it...even if you have to spend as much to get it as you would for another center fire rifle...It will be then... you realize what some of us have..and you'll be faced with a real dilemma...

Mac

[mookster79]

I started out with my little .223 just for a varmint gun.  I can say when it comes time for a new big bore purchase it wil be a handi.  I a have a couple of other rifles .280, 30-30, .308, 30-06 for shoooting other things so I really have no choice but to make my next one a handi. ( That sounds logical to me anyway, any one disagree?)

[Mac11700]

so I really have no choice but to make my next one a handi. ( That sounds logical to me anyway, any one disagree?)

Only on the statement that you have no-choice...We all have choices...even if it is buying another type or maker...You may not want any other type or make...but that is your choice....

Mac