Author Topic: Low-cost rifle choices (Read 2423 times)

azmark · « **on:** July 31, 2007, 08:44:39 AM »

I'm saving for a predator rifle. I want to go with a .223. In shopping for a decent rifle that is on the inexpensive side, what I've narrowed my choices down to (so far) are the Stevens 200 and the Handi-Rifle. I've read good things about both. How do these compare as good predator rifles? Is accuracy comparable? Does having a magazine make much difference? I'm trying to figure out if the Stevens is worth the price difference.

Don Fischer · « **Reply #1 on:** July 31, 2007, 12:51:03 PM »

I've heard of handi-Rifles that shoot well. I've seen photo's of group's claimed to have been shot with them that are impressive. What I've never seen is a Handi-Rifle that shoots well! I'd get the Stevens.

trotterlg · « **Reply #2 on:** July 31, 2007, 12:57:50 PM »

Yes, a Handi Rifle (or the clone Rossi)is not even in the same league as a Stevens. I have a Savage and a Handi, so I have first hand experience with both. Run from the Handi if you can get a Stevens. Larry

manofthe45 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 31, 2007, 05:39:54 PM »

I bought the rossi at the local gander mountain for under 170 for a truck gun. Minute of fox and groundhogs out to 190 yds so far. Not one hole groups but huvvers right around a inch with the 55 grain NBT's I buy from the local gunshop. Actually thinking of putting a better scope on it. deserves better than the 6 power that has been on to many guns.

Snowshoe · « **Reply #4 on:** August 01, 2007, 03:52:25 PM »

I too am looking at a new coyote rifle, and am leaning towards the Stevens in .223. I had a handy rifle for a few years, and although they are not a bad rifle, the Stevens is much better in my opinion.

trotterlg · « **Reply #5 on:** August 01, 2007, 04:10:20 PM »

I don't think there is that much difference between the Handi and Stevens in price, Stevens seem to go for about $280, and a Handi about $240.

aulrich · « **Reply #6 on:** August 02, 2007, 08:52:37 AM »

In 223 I would go with the stevens I also have both, accuracy potential between the two is about the same though probably less tinkering with the stevens (though 2 of 3 handis I have owned required almost none the other took lots).

a handi has one major advantage and that is it comes in 204 ruger, which IMHO is a better coyote round.

oldandslow · « **Reply #7 on:** August 03, 2007, 12:16:52 PM »

I have heard of .223 Handi's that well. Mine didn't. I tried everything I could think of and about everything I read about on this forum. Finally traded it for for a Stevens 200 in .223. It shot very well right out of the box. I just need to do something about that ugly stock.

sachel.45 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 03, 2007, 07:44:35 PM »

i've got an h&r ultra varmint in .223 and it shoots 1/2" groups or better with federal bulk ammo. never liked the savage 110/stevens 200 had one (savage 110) in .270 years ago couldn't get rid of it fast enough. however get one that feels and handles best to you

trotterlg · « **Reply #9 on:** August 04, 2007, 05:14:47 AM »

The Handi's are fun, I currently have 4 of them, however I don't think you should ever buy one if it will be your first and only rifle and you can't afford to buy something different, they are just too unpredictable in the accuracy department. Every brand has their troubles, but I would say you have only about a 50% chance of getting one that shoots right out of the box, and ammo to experment with can easily cost you as much as the rifle did. Larry

jamaldog87 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 04, 2007, 06:37:54 AM »

what about the H&R Ultra Varmint Fluted? that thing looks like a super varmint gun.

coyote trapper1928 · « **Reply #11 on:** August 09, 2007, 06:14:54 PM »

There is the Savage Model 40 in 22 Hornet. Seems to be reasonably priced

trotterlg · « **Reply #12 on:** August 09, 2007, 06:54:09 PM »

jamaldog87: If you get one that shoots it would be great. They (the Handi's) are all built the same, they seem to have a tendancy for vertical stringing due to the break open design. I don't think it is a flaw, it is just the nature of the design. The are very fickel about where they are supported on the bench, you need to close them the same way each time. I have several, they are real fun to play with and are a great hobby rifle, just don't plan on getting one that will shoot any way close to a bolt rifle right out of the box. Larry

JimG · « **Reply #13 on:** August 11, 2007, 01:57:27 AM »

One word- Howa. Runs a bit more than a H-R or the like but it will last a lifetime and any I've seen are very accurate.

giturgun · « **Reply #14 on:** August 11, 2007, 02:59:20 AM »

Get the stevens. Have a savage that I like very well . Screw on barrels are easily had from many manufacturers. Have 3 for mine .222 22-250 25-06. All of these shoot well the 06 is factory the 220250 is a custom pac-nor 1-9 twist and the 222 is a rechambered partly from a factory doner.

It is hard to beat the rifles for accuracy and quality for the price. Do a search for Savage accuracy . Why did I say stevens because you are looking at the lower cost rifles.

What mine shoots

It is the custom barrel , but I have groups from the 25-06 that are just as good

Anyone that says they won't shoot just don't know or has never had one . I also have the Handi in 22 hornet and .223 , I shot a group with it yesterday 3 shot that measures.590 ince, At 215 yards I like the Handi ,but for the money the Stevens is the better buy

Inrut24/7 · « **Reply #15 on:** August 14, 2007, 02:21:32 AM »

Quote from: JimG on August 11, 2007, 01:57:27 AM

One word- Howa. Runs a bit more than a H-R or the like but it will last a lifetime and any I've seen are very accurate.

You Took the words right out of my mouth, If you find a gun shop with good prices you can find black synthetic howas and vanguards for around 300 bucks, and if you want a 204 they are chambered in it now. I love my handis and all shoot good, but for a coyote/fox gun its nice to just work the bolt for a follow up shot. Theres nothing wrong with the stevens either besides looks, and that can be altered pretty easy.

olredhead · « **Reply #16 on:** August 14, 2007, 08:26:54 AM »

Buy the Stevens," IF" it feels right to you, put a "good" piece of glass on it. Sand off the sharp edges of the stock and polish the bore with Flitz then hit the range. You will be amazed at what you've got in your hands for less than 500 bucks.

JimG · « **Reply #17 on:** August 14, 2007, 12:15:13 PM »

I liked my first Howa so much I've bought another. A .204 heavy barrel. People don't understand the level of quality they are getting with Howa. Short of spending a lot of money, Howa really is the best "cheap" rifle going. Nothing wrong with NEF's/H-R's, I personally strongly dislike Stevens/Savage products so as far as I'm concerned the Steven 200 is junk. I've owned one Stevens in .243 and I've owned one Savage so I can say that. For those who have luck with them, well that's great, I just don't. Rems "cheap" rifle, the 710 is not as bad as many think it is but it is not for someone who will fire many, many rounds, just not durable enough. Howa's in my locale run $439 for standard barrel/Hogue stocks, $479 for bull barreled/Hogue stocks, and $489 for standard SS barrel/Hogue stocks.

Davemuzz · « **Reply #18 on:** August 14, 2007, 05:12:26 PM »

I shoot "varmits" (groundhogs, crows, coyotes) with a Thompson Center Contender .223. Of course, it's a single shot so you know what I think about a magazine for varmit rifles. Now, I have a Leupold 2-12X VX II scope on this gun. I firmly believe you can't shoot what you can't see. I kill groundhogs out to 400 yards. Here in SW PA., that's about the longest shot your going to get before you run into a hill. I also will use my ProHunter .243 with a Nosler 80 grain bullet. It has a Leupold Rifleman 3-9X scope on it. Less costly than the VX II, less power, nice glass....but when you look thru both scopes all day, there is no doubt why the VX II cost more.

I hunt fox (which is done at night) with a Handi Rifle 22 mag. I have a Bushnell 3-9X with a lighted reticle scope. Since the longest shot that I expect to take (and have taken) with this set up is 100 yards, the scope on this gun is fine for that distance.

Now, that was more of a yap about the glass than the guns. I also have a Stevens 200 in .308. It's a tack driver and it has a Nikon Buckmaster scope on it. Again, you can't shoot what you can't see.

The Stevens 200 you can get for about $260 and the Handi for about $130. I don't think one is going to be more accurate than the other. (But I've been wrong before). Then, I don't think you can go wrong with spending the X-tra bucks on the Stevens.

Dave

trotterlg · « **Reply #19 on:** August 15, 2007, 01:02:58 PM »

Davemuzz: Show me a new CF Handi for $130 and I will buy two. You may find one for $230.00. Larry

Davemuzz · « **Reply #20 on:** August 15, 2007, 06:17:46 PM »

Larry,

Oopps......Yeah...I was thinking centerfire, and quoting rimfire.

Dave

azmark · « **Reply #21 on:** August 18, 2007, 04:30:35 AM »

The cheapest I can get a handi around here is at Wal-mart for about $230. The local gun shop wants $350 for the Stevens. I'm beginning to think I should get a Mosin-Nagant M44 at the same shop for $129. Yeah, I know the price is too high, but I'll try to haggle. If I can find one with a good-looking bore I should be able to shoot well enough for coyotes. If I can call them in closer than 100 yards, I should be okay. I know a couple of guys with SKSs and they report accuracy that should be fine for yotes, and the ammo is cheap enough that I can get in plenty of practice. My only other option right now is to use my 12-gauge which needs the trigger fixed. I'm even thinking about trading my 22-45 in on getting a Blackhawk .357.

trotterlg · « **Reply #22 on:** August 18, 2007, 09:32:47 AM »

The M44 should be had for under a Hundred bucks, they will kick the snot out of you. Stevens go for about $280 in most places I have seen. Wal Mart should be getting some Savage package rifles in for hunting season, they will sell for about $350.00 with a scope, rings, and accutrigger. I have a 91-59 (M44 without the folding bayonet), it never occured to me to take it Coyote hunting, I load 180gr round nose SP bullets in mine and use it for Bear.

Snowshoe · « **Reply #23 on:** August 19, 2007, 07:55:07 AM »

The 180g bullet will most likely just pass strait through without expanding at all. And end up making no more mess of the hide than an explosive .223 bullet. I have shot coyotes with a .30-30 and an 8mm mauser, and found they made 2 nice neat little holes in the hide. My .22-250 on the other hand blew huge holes when the bullet hit a bone.

trotterlg · « **Reply #24 on:** August 19, 2007, 09:30:15 AM »

Today I see that Big 5 sporting goods (a chain store) has M44's for $89.00. Larry

Hazard · « **Reply #25 on:** September 10, 2007, 09:17:18 AM »

my .223 handi will shoot 1 inch groups at 200 yrds from a bipod in a prone shooting position using black hills 55gr soft points, was easily shooting wd40 cans a 300 yrds from same position and same loads., i was actually impressed, its nothing to brag about but i was impressed, good enough to kill something. i wouldnt be afraid of a handi rifle but do what you wish its ur money

thanks
adam

Sourdough · « **Reply #26 on:** November 13, 2007, 09:52:49 PM »

I'll take the Handi anyday. Rugged, reliable, and just as accurate as anything I have ever shot right out of the box. The only drawback I have had is for multiple shots. after three shots it needs to sit and cool, otherwise they will start to string vertically. But for hunting I never shoot more than one or two shots at a time anyway.

In fact my .223 Handi Ultra wears a Night Force 6X15X50 scope, and my 30-06 Handi wears a Shepard scope, they shoot well enough to deserve it.