Author Topic: 45/70-Scratched the itch(again).  (Read 959 times)

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Offline Stan in SC

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45/70-Scratched the itch(again).
« on: February 19, 2007, 08:07:46 AM »
My entry into Handi's was a 30-30 which I later sent to the factory to have a 45/70 barrel installed.
After getting used to shooting this thumper I was really hooked on the 45/70.MSPRet. helped to fan that flame.Later a .243 ultra lite followed and then a Buffalo Classic.There was a period of time when I hunted a few times with the 45/70 Handi but I didn't shoot it too much.I was busy shooting the BC.Finally I like a dummy I sold the 30-30 and 45/70 which I later regretted.
I found I wanted a shorter barrel 45/70 and looked at Marlin levers and several others.Almost bought the Marlin 1895 Cowboy.For some reason I didn't.
I tried to order a handi 45/70 last week from my distributor for the gun shop where I work part time but they were out of stock.It seems that all of the 45/70's have been going to Mississippi.The itch got kinda pronounced.
Today I rode over to a gun shop that I hadn't been to in awhile.They had moved into a new larger building and I wanted to see it.When I walked in I saw a friend who worked there and some Handi's in the rack.Several 500's and two 45/70's sitting beside a Buffalo Classic.The itch really got bad at this point.
On comparing the two 45/70s he had I saw that one was an older model with the ejector.The other was a newer model with the extractor.In addition to having slightly different rear sights the extractor model closed sooo silky smooth.My buddy who worked there said I could get a small courtesy discount since I have sent them a few customers who wanted something my shop didn't have.I was really itching BAD by now.Funny ,as soon as the money cleared my wallet I was cured.
I walked out with a nice new cardboard Handi box.
Seriously I do notice that the extractor action is very quiet in opening and closing and very smooth.
When I got home I broke it down to clear out factory grease and check the latch shelf for contact.
It showed almost complete contact marks on the shelf.The "ping" of the ejector is of course absent making it seem all the more smooth.It also has a recoil pad.
I checked the serial number and it indicates 2007 manufacture.This one is a keeper.Calamine lotion doesn't work nearly as well as a new Handi for itches.

Stan
The more I listen,the more I hear....and vice versa.

45/70..it's almost a religion.

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: 45/70-Scratched the itch(again).
« Reply #1 on: February 19, 2007, 08:23:39 AM »
Congrats Stan, and thanks for the 45-70 Handi report and details of curing the itch!! ;)

Tim
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline Dillohide

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Re: 45/70-Scratched the itch(again).
« Reply #2 on: February 19, 2007, 08:24:57 AM »
You're lucky to walk in a store and find a 45/70 much less two plus a BC. I waited two full months and then some for mine. It's also the newer extractor model and really like it but do kinda miss the ejector "click" although don't miss chasing down brass. You're right they do seem smoother.

Offline Stan in SC

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Re: 45/70-Scratched the itch(again).
« Reply #3 on: February 20, 2007, 04:27:35 PM »
Incidentally if anyone is interested in a Handi in 45/70 or a Buffalo Classic I'd be happy to furnish the name,address and phone number of the shop.I know these are sometimes hard to find.

Stan
The more I listen,the more I hear....and vice versa.

45/70..it's almost a religion.

Offline Dustyvance

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Re: 45/70-Scratched the itch(again).
« Reply #4 on: March 03, 2007, 03:42:47 PM »
Hi,

   Yes, there is a huge demand for the 45-70 handi and the buffalo classic in Mississippi, I live there and I will tell you why this is. Ms has made it legal to use both the handi and the BC for primitive weapons season ( deer) . I am the very proud owner of one of the BC's and its the most fun you can have for the money. I am in a wheelchair and have no problems shooting this rifle even with max loads ( factory), Anyway, just wanted to clear that up for yall.

Offline MSP Ret

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Re: 45/70-Scratched the itch(again).
« Reply #5 on: March 03, 2007, 04:22:39 PM »
Congratulations Stan, it sounds like you really scratched that itch good!!!! I don't really know if I should feel bad or feel good for starting the 45-70 itch in you in the first place but these itches sure feel great when they are scratched don't they? In case anyone out there has a Buff Classic barrel and wants a 22" ejector fitted 45-70 barrel in great shape, like new actually, I have one I would like to trade for a Buff Classic barrel. I do not really need 2 of the same length 45-70 barrels, or do I? As has often been said on this site, everyone needs a 45-70 Handi, at least one....<><.... ;D
"Giving up your gun to someone else on demand is called surrender. It means that you have given up your ability to protect yourself to a power that is greater than you." - David Yeagley

Offline DalesCarpentry

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Re: 45/70-Scratched the itch(again).
« Reply #6 on: March 03, 2007, 05:13:02 PM »
I was just wondering are the BC receivers and the SB2 receivers the same? If they wern't how could you inerchange a barrel from one to another? I went to Gander Mt today to pay on my 22-250 Ultra Varmint and I made a point to look at the serial number so I would know what year it was made. It was marked HW so that makes it a 2006. I was wondering why it is marked H and my other Handi is marked N?
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: 45/70-Scratched the itch(again).
« Reply #7 on: March 03, 2007, 05:59:14 PM »
That answer is in the FAQs, N= NEF, H= H&R. The BC frame is an SB2 frame that is case colored, same for the 38-55 Target.

Tim
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline DalesCarpentry

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Re: 45/70-Scratched the itch(again).
« Reply #8 on: March 03, 2007, 06:45:24 PM »
Tim i have read over the FAQs, many times. I still don't know why I have a SB2 reciever marked H and one marked N also I do not know what case collered is. Please explain. Thanks.
The quality of a mans life is in direct proportion to his commitment to excellence.

A bad day at the range is better than a good day at work!!

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: 45/70-Scratched the itch(again).
« Reply #9 on: March 03, 2007, 06:55:36 PM »
Tim i have read over the FAQs, many times. I still don't know why I have a SB2 reciever marked H and one marked N also I do not know what case collered is. Please explain. Thanks.

From the FAQs..
http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/smf/index.php/topic,26264.msg503417.html#msg503417

From Google...
http://www.turnbullrestoration.com/restorations.htm
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline MSP Ret

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Re: 45/70-Scratched the itch(again).
« Reply #10 on: March 04, 2007, 03:27:19 AM »
Dale to put it simply the first letter now indicates if it is a H&R (H) or a New England Firearms/NEF (N), They are however identical except for markings, why they do this is beyond me but many of thier decisions leave me scratching my head. The second letter now indicates year of production of the reciever (w=2006), the recievers for centerife Handi Rifles are SB2's and are the same as recievers for Buff Classics, which are also SB2's with the exception of having a case hardening "color" applied instead of a blue finish. I have read that that feature is cosmetic on these guns so it really makes no difference in the reciever....<><.... ;D
"Giving up your gun to someone else on demand is called surrender. It means that you have given up your ability to protect yourself to a power that is greater than you." - David Yeagley

Offline DalesCarpentry

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Re: 45/70-Scratched the itch(again).
« Reply #11 on: March 04, 2007, 03:40:11 AM »
So I should be able to have the factory fit my SB2 receiver with a BC 45-70 barrel then.You could build your own BC out of a SB2 frame then.
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Offline MSP Ret

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Re: 45/70-Scratched the itch(again).
« Reply #12 on: March 04, 2007, 04:26:13 AM »
Thats right, thats why it is possible for me to trade one of my 45-70 Handi Rifle barrels for a Buff Classic barrel, the frames are the same dimensions and each of the barrels fit....<><.... :)
"Giving up your gun to someone else on demand is called surrender. It means that you have given up your ability to protect yourself to a power that is greater than you." - David Yeagley

Offline Q

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Re: 45/70-Scratched the itch(again).
« Reply #13 on: March 09, 2007, 08:51:24 PM »
Is there a sight that has info on what interchanges can be done with the NEF, HR and others? I just purchased a NEF 45-70 and I love it. I would like to know if there is a folding stock for it. I checked and as long as it is over 26" in length folded it's leagal. I ask this because the brush I need to get through is a *^&%$.  Q
Q