Author Topic: Are Handiholics brainwashed? (Read 3027 times)

cascadedad · « **on:** January 23, 2007, 11:09:23 AM »

Hello, I am Glen, I am a Handiholic.

A new one, but still a Handiholic.

I was surfing around the internet the other day and on another forum someone asked about a Handi Rifle. I don't even remember for sure what site it was, but I think I could probably track it back down. Anyway, the responses were all pretty much that Handi Rifles are pieces of (insert your own word for fecal matter here). One poster said that all the guys on Greybeard that love their Handi's are all brainwashed. Another agreed. Several posted their experience with horrible accuracy out of the box.

So, what do you all think? For ME it is a great gun. It is inexpensive to purchase, therefore many can be had (right Tim?). There is tons of information out there (here) about these guns. They are great for the tinkerer. Tweaking and tinkering possibilities are endless.

But, from what I have seen, it would not be a gun that I would recommend to quite a few people. Many just aren't tinkerers. I haven't started reloading yet, but that will be in my near future.

joshco84 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 23, 2007, 11:21:18 AM »

im not brainwashed, but i am cheap and heard that these guns are pretty accurate. so that is all i needed to here. havnt had a chance to shoot it yet, but will report back within a few days hopefully. but anyways i am in no way brainwashed, but think these are a fantastic little gun. and actually was pretty impressed with how nice the fit and finish was on my gun i just purchased ( i have heard not all are this way). So go tell those guys to stick and we like them for many reasons.

stimpylu32 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 23, 2007, 11:22:03 AM »

Brainwashed , NO WAY , i like these rifles and shotguns for what they are , simple , low cost , American Made guns that with a little effort on my part will shoot with ALL the high $$$ guns .

Do some dis-like them , yes , do they have their problems , yes , are they a good value for the $$$ spent , yes , most times .

stimpy

cascadedad · « **Reply #3 on:** January 23, 2007, 11:23:30 AM »

Hey Stimpy, I wonder if Mac will let you paint his new Weatherby.

stimpylu32 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 23, 2007, 11:24:44 AM »

There are somethings that even I will not do !!!

Jal5 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 23, 2007, 11:35:15 AM »

well said Stimpy. I purchased the Handi because I wanted a modest priced gun to start out with, having several shotguns and a muzzleloader, the Sidekick. I loved the Sidekick and it performed well right out of the box. So i decided to try the Handi for my first rifle. I remembered the single breakopen shotgun I had years ago and this rifle fit the same niche for me. It will take some more work at the range (whenever this weather gets a little better) but I am sure I can get it to perform for what I will need from it- coyotes, maybe hogs, and just for fun. And I didn't have to spend a bundle on it to do it.

Joe

tallyho · « **Reply #6 on:** January 23, 2007, 11:37:55 AM »

If we are, at least we have clean brains!

- which of course confirms we actually do have brains!

Anyway, in my opinion folks who put down other folks' choices with (fecal matter) type references may be unable to accept that others have differing viewpoints. Perhaps they are simply not able to find anything else to do with their time. Yes there are issues with Handis... and virtually any other thing that is manufactured, and yes there are people who think one thing is better, or worse, than another thing - that is why we humans have been blessed/cursed with free will and choice. Curiously enough we tend to exercise our free will and choices regularly... even at the risk of offending others who also exercise theirs.

BTW whatever you do, do not show those folks this - I don't want to attract a lot of (fecal matter) to it: http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/smf/index.php/topic,109555.0.html

cascadedad · « **Reply #7 on:** January 23, 2007, 11:41:12 AM »

quickdtoo · « **Reply #8 on:** January 23, 2007, 11:54:23 AM »

Just to bring everyone up to speed, the thread that cascadedad refers to is at Predatormasters.com, the poster is Okiedigger aka Brokenarrow, whom I'm sure some will remember, and his son Robinhood_90, who had problems with both of his Handis here, one of em, a .308 barrel, he ended up selling to Jeffrey8mm here.

There's no doubt that some Handis have problems, but having more than my share of them to work with, have yet to run across one that was as much trouble as BA had with his. If a Handi won't shoot with the few tricks that we know about, H&R will gladly make sure it will shoot to their standard for hunting accuracy which is plenty good for the tools they're intended to be, they aren't BR guns, but some with a little TLC can be made to shoot very, very well.

Tim

dw06 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 23, 2007, 11:54:42 AM »

Brainwashed?Why because the handi rifle & shotguns do exactly what they were made to do,and they do it well for a lot lower cost?They are rugged,reliable,good shooing,simple,handy err handi,great handling,nice looking,and they plain work.And made in U.S.A. Guess you can tell I like em!If thats brainwashed,count me in!

hunterwinco · « **Reply #10 on:** January 23, 2007, 12:04:08 PM »

I bet You were on Predator Masters! I read the same thread! I have to laugh because they kept talking about all the post purchase tweaking that a handi requires. If you read any of the ruger or tc forums, they all have the same issues with #1's and Encores! We are not brainwashed handi loving zombies. I personally became a handiholic about 10 years ago when I bought a 20 guage NEF for a truck gun. Cost me $85.00 and felt as good as my fox sterlingworth! I just plain like the way a handi feels and points. I have shot my buddies 2506 encore quite a bit and I just don't like the feel of the rifle. When people see my handis at the range they always say, "oh, it like an Encore" to which I usually respond, yeah,..."just like an Encore, just twice as accurate and 1/2 the cost"!

pascalp · « **Reply #11 on:** January 23, 2007, 12:11:08 PM »

If so, I've been brainwashed twice !

I'm not american, so I don't support my local economy. That could be a good argue, but not for me.
I'm not really cheap, I could spent k$ in a high quality rig. Those cheap rifles became expensive, taxes and shipment 2x the price.
Tinkering, a scope and a new stock isn't a great job. My rifles were nice and good out of the box, but I prefer a pistol grip and my eyes need scope.

Maybe I just like them for what they are, nothing more nothing less.

Somewhere, a singleshot user is already special.

I just got an old dream, a Browning 1885 45-70 and my Handi sb2 is still in my safe, both are in my heart. I hope that the classical will shot as well as the tactical.

cascadedad · « **Reply #12 on:** January 23, 2007, 12:16:51 PM »

Quote from: quickdtoo on January 23, 2007, 11:54:23 AM

Just to bring everyone up to speed, the thread that cascadedad refers to is at Predatormasters.com, the poster is Okiedigger aka Brokenarrow, whom I'm sure some will remember, and his son Robinhood_90, who had problems with both of his Handis here, one of em, a .308 barrel, he ended up selling to Jeffrey8mm here.

There's no doubt that some Handis have problems, but having more than my share of them to work with, have yet to run across one that was as much trouble as BA had with his. If a Handi won't shoot with the few tricks that we know about, H&R will gladly make sure it will shoot to their standard for hunting accuracy which is plenty good for the tools they're intended to be, they aren't BR guns, but some with a little TLC can be made to shoot very, very well.

Tim

Thanks for the background info Tim. I do lurk at PM but am not registered there, so you are probably right on. And as usual you say most of what needs to be said in a few words. Well done and thanks.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #13 on:** January 23, 2007, 12:35:01 PM »

Thanks Glen, I've defended the Handi there more times than I should admit, my handle is wrongtarget, it just gets a little old, the same old Handi-bashers, most are bolt lovers, some are TC lovers, but if you've read any of the TC vs NEF threads there, you'll see a contingent of ex-TC owners there too, that are just as adamant about not owning them, being disillusioned by problems they had with TCs. Lately I just offer help to Handi owners when they ask.

Tim

cascadedad · « **Reply #14 on:** January 23, 2007, 12:48:56 PM »

And you do it well.

Between you and Mac, you have me ready to start the RTV bed job. I have all the materials, I just need the wife, kids and dogs to leave me alone for a few hours.

I guarantee I will find time before this weekend.

tallyho · « **Reply #15 on:** January 23, 2007, 12:54:13 PM »

Quote from: quickdtoo on January 23, 2007, 12:35:01 PM

I've defended the Handi there more times than I should admit, my handle is wrongtarget, it just gets a little old, the same old Handi-bashers, most are bolt lovers, some are TC lovers, but if you've read any of the TC vs NEF threads there, you'll see a contingent of ex-TC owners there too, that are just as adamant about not owning them, being disillusioned by problems they had with TCs. Lately I just offer help to Handi owners when they ask.

Tim

Tim, It is not hard to see how it can be tiring 'defending' the Handi. Truth is it doesn't really need defending, especially not to those who've set their minds against it anyway. Your real strength is consistently demonstrated on this forum, and is clearly stated in the last sentence above...

Quote

I just offer help to Handi owners when they ask

And good on ya for that!!

Cheers
Kerry

burntmuch · « **Reply #16 on:** January 23, 2007, 01:04:21 PM »

Its hard to complain about a $200 gun that feels & shoots great. I have 3 barrels & one reciever. Still under $500 Thats hard to beat.. 1nch groups with all of them. not counting the new 4570 yet. Still tinkering & tweaking

McLernon · « **Reply #17 on:** January 23, 2007, 02:22:03 PM »

Let's be realistic. Handi's have two strikes against them right from the get-go. 1. A two piece stock that can't be free-floated fully, 2. 'break-open' design. What I am saying is that if you set out to design a really accurate rifle neither of these features would be included. Both add to the potential lack of stiffness and repeatability from shot to shot. You would have to choose a front locking bolt gun design.

However, like the Lee Enfield(which has a 2 piece stock and is rear-locking) , Handi's can be made to shoot very accurately and almost to bench standards by some minor modifications. I think a number of things attracted me to them. The first is the simplicity of the break-open design, their feel, fit-and-finish and yes price. The after market stocks and stuff also add to their attraction. I own two Handi's: a 223 that averages 0.83MOA that I have 'worked on' and a 204 that shoots 1-1/4MOA and has no work done on it at all and I am using my reloads. I have no doubt that the 204 is going to out shoot the 223 when the same mods are done to it.

I can see how some one who is just starting out or even a veteran shooter that doesn't want to tinker could be disappointed with a Handi's accuracy out-of-the-box. And maybe we shouldn't think of these rifles as a beginner's rifles , I don't know. But I sure have enjoyed working with them and I have learned new things about shooting that I would not have otherwise learned.

I am in the process of planning my third Handi.( And the fourth has already entered my mind)

And no I am not brain washed by this forum. I have learned allot by tuning in and discussing problems and progress.

My $.02 worth

Mc

Lowedog · « **Reply #18 on:** January 23, 2007, 02:46:00 PM »

I'm new to Graybeard outdoors and have never heard of a Handi Rifle. Who makes it?

-Lowedog

McLernon · « **Reply #19 on:** January 23, 2007, 03:00:36 PM »

New England Firearms / H&R (Harrington and Richardson) in Ma. Owned by Marlin.

Mc

tallyho · « **Reply #20 on:** January 23, 2007, 03:20:11 PM »

Quote from: Lowedog on January 23, 2007, 02:46:00 PM

I'm new to Graybeard outdoors and have never heard of a Handi Rifle. Who makes it?

-Lowedog

Lowedog,
Have a look a the FAQ at the top of this NEF/H&R forum. You will find links to their website, with pics and descriptions of these guns. Not to mention plenty of info on how care and feeding of a Handi.

And welcome to Graybeard's - a great place to hang out!

Cheers
Kerry

Marcos · « **Reply #21 on:** January 23, 2007, 03:24:52 PM »

Might just as well get my 3 cents in here too! In a few weeks I'll be sending my T/C hornet carbine down the road at a local gun show. Got some accessories with it, should get a good enough price to buy two Handis and change left over! Don't get me wrong, the T/C is a quality firearm but danged if I could get it to shoot to my expectations. Plus, it never did feel right. Handis DO feel right to me and I really enjoy them! That's what it's all about, ain't it

?

Countryboy · « **Reply #22 on:** January 23, 2007, 03:27:25 PM »

I'm a CHEAP/GOOD gun nut. Handis are king in my book.

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #23 on:** January 23, 2007, 06:38:52 PM »

I wased my brain once.......It came apart in the dryer

Now I don't worry about it anymore, Handies are easy to figgure out.

bigchuckie · « **Reply #24 on:** January 23, 2007, 07:49:53 PM »

Quote from: Badnews Bob on January 23, 2007, 06:38:52 PM

I wased my brain once.......It came apart in the dryer Now I don't worry about it anymore, Handies are easy to figgure out.

Atleast you found yours. I dried mine and lost it I think it ended up where all of the lost socks go

Mac11700 · « **Reply #25 on:** January 23, 2007, 08:52:44 PM »

Well.....by some folks standards I guess we could be called brainwashed...but no different than any other type shooter...Who isn't looking for bench rest accuracy with any rifle they own...Can all Handi's deliver such groups...nope...and neither can a-lot of the shooters of Handi's produce this consistency with the Handi...or any other type of rifle...So-What...I remember well many guys coming on here...B&M'ing about their rifles...and when we told them to send them back.....Did they...? Most of the time...but not all of the time...I think folks troll here and see what a-lot of us can accomplish with the right shooting technique...and excellent hand loading technique...and think they can with out any effort at all emulate what we have accomplished......Every now and then...they can...but for the most part...they can't...and then they are really ticked off...and start B & M'ing about them...Granted...some new posters have gone the extra mile and for reasons no-one can figure out...can't get them to shoot for a durn...Those are the truly unfortunate folks...who get a sour taste in their mouths over getting a lemon...A few of them...have the fortitude to purchase more of them or continue to try to find at least 1 load that will shoot..others don't...and those folks generally fall into the Handi bashing routine every chance they get... just as Broken Arrow has...He feels if he can't get one to shoot...they are all junk...and we here have mistreated him because of it...That is dead wrong...his attitude and his mouth is what got him in trouble here...nothing more...we all know that there are bad ones leaving the factory...Jeffery8mm got his barrel from him...and before Katrina hit...was doing pretty good with it from the start...much better than BA ever claimed with the same exact loads and factory ammo...Granted...it wasn't a tack driver...but more than adequate for general hunting purposes and about 2/3 smaller groups...BA's 308 standard barrel and a couple others is the main reason I try to talk folks out of buying them...same for the standard and lite weight 243 barrels...though more have had good luck with the standard 243 than the lite weights...My main gripe is with Marlin...and their decision process...and even though I have started going back to bolt guns...but I still think enough of them to get them for my Boys first rifles...and will keep one or two custom ones around to shoot with them...and to hunt with...and when they get conditioned enough to use them..they'll have them to use as well...

So...are we brainwashed...I really don't think so...Why then would some of us spend as much as we do...either building extreamly large collections of them..or customizing them like we do...maybe because we want to...and we can...and we like talking about doing so with so many like minded people...who are some of the best people I am happy to know...

Mac

cascadedad · « **Reply #26 on:** January 23, 2007, 09:51:27 PM »

OK, maybe this wasn't such a good thread to start.

Actually, I wasn't trying to stir up trouble with it. I had no idea that some of the others over on PM had a history here.

But, I just might be brainwashed. After all, it is 12:30 a.m. and I have to get up and go to work in the morning. Any idea what I have been doing? This look familiar Mac?

OK, here is my 223 HB. I have posted this picture before, but it is worth another look.

Here is the success that I have had so far. I have had it out 3 times now I think. The weather has been terrible all three times. The first time out I had 2 1/2" groups or so. Second time I had added an o-ring and it was slightly better. Before the third time out I read quite a bit more here. Learned there should not be any oil on the latch............oops, had to clean that off. Also Filtzed the bore. Also did the weather stripping pressure bed to it. Then I headed out to shoot. Temp was around 20 deg, could not find anyone else to go with me.

These were my first two groups after about 3 fouling shots into the bank.

The bottom group was with HSM 52 gr HPBT. The top group was with Remington UMC 45 gr JHP. OK, I quit. The best I can measure, that top group was about 3/8". OK, so I didn't quit. The few more groups I got were all about 1 1/4". Pretty good improvement over the last time out.

So, why the RTV bed job. I don't know, I just wanted to give it a try.

Why am I still awake? It must be those voices.

Oh, and I used Eezox as a release agent. Sure hope it works.

Dave Weiss · « **Reply #27 on:** January 24, 2007, 12:15:16 AM »

Brainwashed? No. These affordable guns are everything that they're advertised to be. You can take 'em out of the box, clean 'em up a little, grab your favorite factory ammo (pick a caliber) and kill game all day long within a 100yds. You can clean 'em up real good, handload some special rounds and increase your effective range, you can dress 'em up or leave 'em plain... Best $200 I ever spent...

>>>===> Dave

buckslugger · « **Reply #28 on:** January 24, 2007, 12:54:46 AM »

I BEIIEVE THAT MOST OF US GUN GUYS ARE OBBSESSED WITH THE HOBBY ,TO A POINT ANYWAY WE ARE ALL A LITTLE OBSSESIVE COMPULSIVE (HAD TO THROW THAT IN IN CASE ANY WIVES ARE READING ,HEHE), THIS IS A VERY AFFORDABLE WAY TO HAVE ALOT OF GOOD TO GREAT SHOOTING TOOLS FOR LITTLE INVESTMENT,LIKE EVERYONE HAS SAID THE HANDIS DO WHAT THERE SUPPOSE TO ,SHOOT

ROY

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #29 on:** January 24, 2007, 05:39:45 AM »

I am brain washed with fire arms, I like to shoot, And I'll shoot just about anything, I own around 7 or 8 old mausers, couple of SKSs, lever gun, bolt guns, single shots,pistols, smale bore and big bore, couple of scatter guns and muzzle loaders. Yep I'm brain washed. And handies are just plain ole fun.