handi 7mm mag

[Mac11700]

i'm going to dare ask:  how important is the look of a Handi'?

That's a fair question SS...and I'll say the looks of my Handi's are part of the appeal of them to me...While some may disagree..I feel their simplicity in their looks is what makes them endearing to many...For many of us...we reminisce about our first real "gun"   ...and for many they were indeed H&R's or similar makes on the same design...Do they have exhibition grade wood on them...nope...they don't...but when done properly even the laminates can be made to look exceptionally good...Just take a look at Fred M's...to see that...Also..they balance in the hands nicely for what they are...Granted...many could care less about that...but I really like the feel of them...Will they ever be as expensive as a #1 or #3...heavens I hope not...nor would I ever consider shooting a 458 Lott out of one either...my 2400fps 300 grain Nosler Partition 45-70 loads are plenty for me...

While many would never dare consider trading a nice rifle like a # 1 and getting a Handi in it's place...there are many who dislike the way the feel & shoot and kick as they come from the factory....Granted...the handi kicks as well for many people...which is why putting a Limbsaver recoil pad on the most heaviest of loads is always advised...same could hold true for the Ruger..

What is bothering me here is simple......Since when have the Handi's become considered so unreliable...that folks are told not to get one...especially when they are finally becoming available in a Magnum caliber from the factory...I say...let the guy trade his Ruger and get what he wants...no matter what it is...

Fred...that is a darn nice offer for you to make...

Mac

[PigBoy Crabshaw]

SPO, I'll buy a new handi 7mm and trade you straight up for your Ruger #1..What caliber is it so I can be sure it's an even trade> -g

[Jimbo47]

Let the bidding begin!

[safetysheriff]

Mac'

i agree that i like the looks of a Handi'; and that's to be appreciated.   but a good-looking rifle that generates much more recoil than the 'assignment' needs; and a good-looking rifle with Extremely Expensive ammo'(much of it is today, but some is ridiculously so) is not to my liking.    i'd rather buy an effective caliber with more reasonable pricing for components than what the magnums cost.   and i wouldn't part with an accurate Ruger #1 on a bet.   

but: i do agree that Handi's are not just a bargain-grade rifle.   they are more accurate in the .223's that i've owned than what some of us will admit.    i own one that is simply amazing.  i believe that some of the 'crying' going on about Handi's and Remingtons is not based in fact.    i hope i never have to eat these words; but a decent Handi', a decent Ruger, and a decent Remington are all that i'll ever need.    and i don't care what the 'assignment' will be from groundhogs to brown bear to Africa's Big Five:   the above brands will cover every hunting excursion that calls for a high-powered rifle.    the only caveat i'd have about taking a Handi' against north america's dangerous game would be my also carrying a .454 Casull (maybe i'd settle for Randy Garrett's ammo in a .44.....) in a good revolver.     

take care, Mac'

ss'   

[rex6666]

I wish that every time i wrote about any thing of mine i could tell people how much better it was than theirs. I have been on this forum for quite a while and some people have the best
of every thing, no matter what it is theirs is better, you can look back through their post.
If i lived some where that i could not buy the mans rifle, i would tell him i would pay anything he ask, knowing i had a way out, but i would sound good and be big time.
if i felt the handi was inferior to every thing mention i would go to another forum, and not just keep hanging here and talking down about the Handi. If you don't like them get rid of them, and
go on down the road.

[Mac11700]

SPO, I'll buy a new handi 7mm and trade you straight up for your Ruger #1..What caliber is it so I can be sure it's an even trade> -g

Boy...that's real sporting of ya 

Mac

[Mac11700]

Mac'

i agree that i like the looks of a Handi'; and that's to be appreciated.   but a good-looking rifle that generates much more recoil than the 'assignment' needs; and a good-looking rifle with Extremely Expensive ammo'(much of it is today, but some is ridiculously so) is not to my liking.    i'd rather buy an effective caliber with more reasonable pricing for components than what the magnums cost.   and i wouldn't part with an accurate Ruger #1 on a bet.   

but: i do agree that Handi's are not just a bargain-grade rifle.   they are more accurate in the .223's that i've owned than what some of us will admit.    i own one that is simply amazing.  i believe that some of the 'crying' going on about Handi's and Remingtons is not based in fact.    i hope i never have to eat these words; but a decent Handi', a decent Ruger, and a decent Remington are all that i'll ever need.    and i don't care what the 'assignment' will be from groundhogs to brown bear to Africa's Big Five:   the above brands will cover every hunting excursion that calls for a high-powered rifle.    the only caveat i'd have about taking a Handi' against north america's dangerous game would be my also carrying a .454 Casull (maybe i'd settle for Randy Garrett's ammo in a .44.....) in a good revolver.     

take care, Mac'

ss'   

Yup...I agree...but in this case...I would rather have a 7mm Mag in a Handi configuration than in the #1's...Ruger #1 rifles are known for heavy recoiling...especially in the heavier calibers...If the Handi can tolerate the Magnum rounds with the improvements...then so much the better..I think that sooner or later we will see some design improvements from Remington on the Handi...It's only natural that they would be able to offer them in their named cartridges...and a 26" 7mm SAUM would be very nice...no belts to worry about head spacing factory ammo on..

Mac

[rex6666]

I here you Mac
I like Rugers, have a couple of 77's from in the 70's but for the difference in price, i will take the Handi, it will do the same job, may not be as pretty wood, but pretty is as pretty does,
that makes the handi look fine to me. I think if Remington wants to, they can come with lots of caliburs we have not seen in the Handi.

[quickdtoo]

  and a good-looking rifle with Extremely Expensive ammo'(much of it is today, but some is ridiculously so) is not to my liking.   

Speaking of 7mm Ammo, checked it out at BiMart yesterday, $15.97 for Federal Power-shok soft points, same for the 300 Win Mag.

Tim

[rex6666]

I have noticed that Cabelas has 300mag on sale for i think around $11.00-12.00 and some 7mm
along with 243-308 but never ever no time do they have 280 on sale, makes me just want to go over set down and order a buffalo burger.

[30-06man]

I don't really need the 7mag I ordered but I wanted the better frame and I am wanting to try the new barrel. If all fails I can always get other calibers fitted for the frame. I do expect some improvements with Rem buying Marlin, NEF & H&R.

[nomosendero]

spo.
Quote.

I have a ruger no.1 and was thinking of parting with the ruger and picking up a handi 7mm mag.

If I was close by I buy your Ruger #1 in a heart beat.

What you are doing is like exchanging a Cadillac for a Volkswagen unless you need the money real bad.

Yep

Just in case someone thinks I am kicking the neighbors Dog:
I was agreeing with the "exchanging a Cadilllac for a Volkswagen comment" & that's the extent of it. And that is not a slam to the Handi, after all a VW or other decent economy cars have their purpose.
1. Would you want to compare the wood, many #1 Rugers have beautiful Walnut. I don't think so.
2. What about the blueing/finish, same story.
3. Will the new Handi be as strong as the Ruger, kinda doubt it, but the Handi will be strong enough for factory pressure loads I believe & that is fine by me.

Do I think that the Handi should have the same WALNUT & finish as the #1, no I don't as they are in a totally different price point,
hence the Cad vs VW comment stuck with me & it still does. And who cares, there is a market for both.

As far as needing the money is concerned, needing the money doesn't have to be the reason at all. Some may rather have that same investment of the #1 in the Handi plus a scope, nothing wrong with that or for that matter the difference could be used for all kinds of goodies & why not if that's what a guy wants to do.

As for me, I would not want a #1 or a Handi in mag, just not my preference. I owned a nice Ruger#1 in 7mag with the AH foreend & I sold it, that might tell you something. I would prefer a bolt gun in the mags, they give me what I want for that application.

And yes, I do like Handi Rifles & for me they have certain niches. That is not a slam either, as I feel the same about my AR, Marlin XLR, & my Bolt Guns. In the Handi,I esp. like the 223 & 45-70 & they are among the most consistant. And I also have a Sportster that is VERY accurate.

Spo, if you make such a trade or buy one I hope it performs & it probably will.
Good luck!!

[Mac11700]

spo.
Quote.

I have a ruger no.1 and was thinking of parting with the ruger and picking up a handi 7mm mag.

If I was close by I buy your Ruger #1 in a heart beat.

What you are doing is like exchanging a Cadillac for a Volkswagen unless you need the money real bad.

Yep

Just in case someone thinks I am kicking the neighbors Dog:
I was agreeing with the "exchanging a Cadilllac for a Volkswagen comment" & that's the extent of it. And that is not a slam to the Handi, after all a VW or other decent economy cars have their purpose.
1. Would you want to compare the wood, many #1 Rugers have beautiful Walnut. I don't think so.
2. What about the blueing/finish, same story.
3. Will the new Handi be as strong as the Ruger, kinda doubt it, but the Handi will be strong enough for factory pressure loads I believe & that is fine by me.

Do I think that the Handi should have the same WALNUT & finish as the #1, no I don't as they are in a totally different price point,
hence the Cad vs VW comment stuck with me & it still does. And who cares, there is a market for both.

As far as needing the money is concerned, needing the money doesn't have to be the reason at all. Some may rather have that same investment of the #1 in the Handi plus a scope, nothing wrong with that or for that matter the difference could be used for all kinds of goodies & why not if that's what a guy wants to do.

As for me, I would not want a #1 or a Handi in mag, just not my preference. I owned a nice Ruger#1 in 7mag with the AH foreend & I sold it, that might tell you something. I would prefer a bolt gun in the mags, they give me what I want for that application.

And yes, I do like Handi Rifles & for me they have certain niches. That is not a slam either, as I feel the same about my AR, Marlin XLR, & my Bolt Guns. In the Handi,I esp. like the 223 & 45-70 & they are among the most consistant. And I also have a Sportster that is VERY accurate.

Spo, if you make such a trade or buy one I hope it performs & it probably will.
Good luck!!

I'm with you Nomo...Heck...for what those #1's are going for around here...He can have a good bolt and a Handi rifle to boot...which wouldn't be too bad in my opinion...BTW...I didn't think you were slamming the Handi..not at all...and... have you seen some of the prices on the new VW's lately....WoW...have they gone up...It's a far cry from the $1800 I paid for a Beetle back in the day...

Mac

[30-06man]

have you seen some of the prices on the new VW's lately....WoW...have they gone up...It's a far cry from the $1800 I paid for a Beetle back in the day...

Mac

Have you drove one? The company I work for has one for the long jobs and I drove it up to the mountains the other day to do a big Asbestos clean up job and it drove better than any new car I have drove in a long time. Its worth the cash. It wasn't a beetle though it was one of their car things.

As far as the Ruger No1 I have always liked them but I prefer them in a 45-70. Talk about a nice rifle and top it off with a Bushnell 4200 and you have a sweet setup.

[Mac11700]

Yup...I've driven the new Beetles...the Passats...and the Jettas...They call them the poor mans BMW's...but...as expensive as they are...I don't think any poor man will be buying one

Mac

[spo]

Iam not kicking anybody's dog around either, beause I have both Handi's and Ruger#1's. To say that these two brands are on the same level of quality is
simply laughable and ill informed.

I also know how much pain in the --s my two Handi's were before I made them shoot not to mention the amount of money and work I spend on them. I could not even sell
the

I hear you and take nothing to heart, 1st off you are right I will just put a new scope on the no.1, second I have shot many deer with the 7mm mag and there really wasnt that much damage, I use 140 grain nosler, I just ordered a handi in 243 synthetic, for my 11 yr old daughter, I have that disease you catch here just wanting to buy handis

[spo]

thanks for the support from the guys who supported me, again it was just a thought, and since I have been here ( not long ) I now have an itch for handi's  , as far as shooting deer with a 7mm mag, its the same as my 06, I would never tell anyone what caliber to use, as long as it wasn't less then 243 jmo,  hence I will keep my ruger no.1, put a new scope on here and I just odered a 243 handi synthetic for my 11 yr old daughter, thanks for the comments,  stay safe all. Dennis

[Jimbo47]

Spo: you're a good sport!

I think a lot of us, have made mistakes and traded a better gun or whatever for something that would be considered by others as a total mistake.

I've not been here long, and I've seen guys trade nice guns that were tac drivers according to what they wrote previously about the guns, and yet they traded, or sold them parted out, and just for the fact that they wanted something different.

I've done it myself, and hate to admit it, and sometimes I kick myself when I think about some of the boneheaded deals I made, but what the heck!  (1000 rounds of 7.62 x 39 cheap ammo and nothing to shoot it in)

It was mine, and I worked, and paid for it, and it doesn't effect anyone one way or the other, and sometimes we just need to not worry about what others might say or think.

That said, I'll probably raise a few eyebrows if I stay around here long enough, and probably already have.

[Fred M]

spo.
You made the right decision to hang on the #1. I am glad. If you want to shoot deer with it at 100yrds no problem. If you can shoot for the head or neck, they stay put that way. The 140gr Noslers will not disappoint you.
Sorry for all the palaver that went on by my statement.

[hellacatcher]

Fred I didn't see anything wrong with what you said and agree with you.

[safetysheriff]

spo'

i think you made a prudent decision to keep the #1; and i think you made a generous decision to buy your daughter a Handi'.    the next thing i'd recommend is similar to what i wrote Mac' earlier.   i'd make my next purchase a 'repeater' like a revolver in a powerful caliber from .41 magnum on up to maybe .454 Casull if going into seriously dangerous country after grizzly, brown bear, wild hogs, etc.etc.  the 7mm mag' needs no introduction anywhere in north america.   it's just a 'caboose' kicking caliber.   a powerhouse repeater of light weight would supplement it well for 'slow-dancing' intimacy with a predator.   

just my opinion, but i think you've decided very well.

take care,

ss'   

[mitchell]

well sometimes you just want something new. i know i've traded a lot of nice rifle for handis (more then one handis on a few times) a ruger #1 is a nice looking rifle but i've not really played with them enough to comment on it but i will say that no matter how good a rifle is sometimes you just need something new, i've even had a few handis that i sold or traded just to have something differant (like my 308 that i miss so much , who bought that form me BTW?) most of the time it don't take that long different i regret it .

[McLernon]

If NEF just increased the strength of the magnum actions by heat treatment and did nothing to stiffen-up the action I think the magnums are in for some trouble.

Mc

[quickdtoo]

They improved the strength by using a different heat treated alloy as I've said several times before, the first time was when I corrected my statement on November 15th. I suspect they may have also increased the size the latch pin too as it it wouldn't take much to change that to ¼", it wouldn't hurt to do that on all of the SB2 frames since that may be where the flex in the action likely occurs from previous discussions.

Tim

Their testing was done on current production frames with no issues, hopefully we'll be able to get barrels fitted to our late model frames. I suspect they'll be long throated tho.

Tim

That part isn't correct, the magnum frames are a tougher alloy and different heat treat, so the mag barrels can't be fitted to current frames.

Sorry for the mis info.

Tim

[McLernon]

Tim, I understood that the mags were heat treated to increase strength, but that will not change the overall stiffness/ flexibility of the action. My concern, which I raised in an old thread, is that the action would deflect too much under the high mag loads. I wouldn't at all be surprised if they made the mod that you mentioned in this thread and in a previous thread regarding the latch itself. Increasing the diameter of the pin alone would increase the stiffness for sure but NEF would be wise to design the latch so that the pin is not in bending but is simple double shear(your suggestion in previous thread).

And while there at it, as you say, do the same to the SB2.


Mc

[quickdtoo]

There could be internal changes as well as the different alloy being used, but that's all the info I've been able to glean so far, anything beyond that is just conjecture on our part, we'll do well to just wait and see what we get, just as in the Remington purchase of Marlin/H&R debate. 

Tim

[Fred M]

When I look at some of my European catalogs there are  no single shot rifles made in magnum calibers that I can find that is in break open types like the Handi. Hyme makes a custom falling block on a #1 Ruger action.

Most of them besides having a heavy hinge pin plus double barrel-hooks that lock into the bottom of  the action and a Greener cross bolt on top. These
rifles are all very expensive and have hand fitted lockups.

Only one of the strongest Kiplauf single shot rifles with the Jaeger action offer magnums.  These actions are used by Merkel and Blaser. The  Standard is well
over $5000 USD

So when I say I am skeptical about the H&R magnums I am not just spinning yarn.

[Mac11700]

When I look at some of my European catalogs there are  no single shot rifles made in magnum calibers that I can find that is in break open types like the Handi. Hyme makes a custom falling block on a #1 Ruger action.

Most of them besides having a heavy hinge pin plus double barrel-hooks that lock into the bottom of  the action and a Greener cross bolt on top. These
rifles are all very expensive and have hand fitted lockups.

Only one of the strongest Kiplauf single shot rifles with the Jaeger action offer magnums.  These actions are used by Merkel and Blaser. The  Standard is well
over $5000 USD

So when I say I am skeptical about the H&R magnums I am not just spinning yarn.

Being skeptical isn't a bad thing Fred..but..let's see if they even make it to production before alluding because they don't cost $5000 they won't be strong enough to handle the loads..I know they have been working on this idea for a long time...and they have had enough time to make sure it works properly... I would wager you if & when they do produce them..they will  do as well as the rest of their rifles..

Mac

[spo]

Well with the bad news there wont be any magnum rifles    there goes this idea

[knight0334]

I donno about that..

Their site still shows them.

http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Rifles/handimag.aspx