Author Topic: New to The Forum (Read 790 times)

dannyfro · « **on:** December 20, 2010, 01:40:20 PM »

Hello all, I'm new here just wanted to get my feet wet and make a post. I am having a dilemma I have some funds set aside for a new toy but have to many options to choose from at least as far as Handi's are concerned. What is your favorite Handi and why? I am thinking of something versatile that would be a good truck gun or camp gun but really I love shooting so something fun. My problem is i have categorize each into there own area haha but looking for one or maybe two that would fit the bill. Although i am afraid of the possibility of addiction as i have read many on this forum have succumbed to. Thanks for your input guys much appreciated.

Dan.

Shu · « **Reply #1 on:** December 20, 2010, 01:48:48 PM »

Welcome to the forums.

There is tons of great advice here and the FAQ section and Handi 101 sections should be looked at. There is a treasure of knowledge there.

What caliber, that is an open ended question. Are you a reloader? If not then factory ammo availabilty dictates your choices.

Me I like the 45-70 and 357. Several people here got more Handis than you could shake a stick at. Fortunately there is no intervention program.

dannyfro · « **Reply #2 on:** December 20, 2010, 02:45:06 PM »

Thanks for the warm welcome. And sorry I failed to mention I reload my own ammunition for most all my rifles except my 30-06 which has a three shot string touching with factory 150 or 165 grain core lokts.

spikehorn · « **Reply #3 on:** December 20, 2010, 04:43:32 PM »

45-70

mechanic · « **Reply #4 on:** December 20, 2010, 04:52:32 PM »

Welcome new friend! I like 'em all, but my favorite is the 357 max, and the 45-70, and the 280, and the 223...................................................""""""

Ben

dannyfro · « **Reply #5 on:** December 20, 2010, 09:31:20 PM »

I have definitely been tempted by the max did a lot of research on it in fact. Liked what i saw. Read up alot on the trusty old 45-70 and for its nostalgic feature alone it peaks my interest. The 30-30 peaked my interest as well. The idea of being able to used boat tails and spire pointed bullets intrigues me just to be able to push it to a new limit but with the idea of only being able to truly afford setting up one I am having a hard time deciding which direction to take. Thank you all so much for all your replies. It is much appreciated.

Dan

cwlongshot · « **Reply #6 on:** December 20, 2010, 11:44:00 PM »

WELCOME!!

Mine is also the MAXI!!

But my two Trotter specials also have a special place too. THANKS LARRY!!

But herein lies a strong following for the 357 mag, 30-30, 44 mag and 45-70 calibers!!

A bit rarer, a 7.62x39 shows up from time to time in the classifieds, but never lasts long and fetches a few more $$ too.

CW

blind ear · « **Reply #7 on:** December 20, 2010, 11:56:04 PM »

Just start with a SB2 frame. You can get anywhere from there. When you start tweeking and tuneing, just do one thing at a time or it can get confuseing. ear

bikerbeans · « **Reply #8 on:** December 21, 2010, 01:40:31 AM »

dannyfro,

If you have little kids that shoot get the 357 and max it. Then the little ones can shoot 38 spec. light loads but you can still take a deer with the rifle. IF the kids are big then go 45-70 for the grin factor.

You can load trailboss for the recoil shy but can load up a bit for anything walking around the U.S. Some folks here might suggest the 44Mag or 30-30 but it is only because they are off their medications, don't listen to them.

BB

petemi · « **Reply #9 on:** December 21, 2010, 03:42:32 AM »

Dannyfro. welcome. Please visit frequently and share your thoughts with us.

I have quite a few Handis. You'll see if you look at my signature line below. CW and dannyfro said it all....357 Maximum. It is so Handi, it is almost breathtaking. Three rifles in one. .38, .357 Mag and Maxi. Mine's a shorty at 16.5 inches on a SB2 frame and a BC Carbine stock and you could stick it down your pants leg and hold up a bank with it if ya wanted. (Good luck on that one). It's my go to truck gun, camp gun and pest exterminator. It'll take everything from squirrels to black bear.

My .45-70 is really an overall favorite above my bottlenecked Handis, but I think it is overkill for what you want.

Another thought is the .44 Mag. You can ream it to .445 Supermagnum and shoot .44 Specials, .44 Russian, .44 Mag and the .445s, but it is more expensive.

Anyhow, good luck with whatever you choose, and again, Welcome.

Pete

PHATINJUN · « **Reply #10 on:** December 21, 2010, 07:23:27 AM »

Welcome Danny don't be afraid you can cut back at any time hell I had like 30 H&R's at one time and have now cut way back to like 25 so it can be done

Kurt

Heck even Tim seems to be happy with his nearly 50 H&R's

spartacus1239 · « **Reply #11 on:** December 21, 2010, 07:37:27 AM »

I have the .357 mag / but REALLY want a .45 long colt also!

gomerdog · « **Reply #12 on:** December 21, 2010, 12:03:07 PM »

Unless you are hunting moose or elk or the big bears, the 30/30 will suit your needs; but even if you start there, you won't stop there.

Hit or Miss · « **Reply #13 on:** December 21, 2010, 03:21:38 PM »

Be very, very careful here! I wanted another Handi before I had even sighted in my first one! Welcome to the board!

dannyfro · « **Reply #14 on:** December 21, 2010, 03:22:29 PM »

Thank you all for your insight as I find your experiences helpful. So many possibilities and not enough money haha. Ah the story of my life haha. The Max definitely got my attention and also the 500 S&W has caught my eye as well. Just to many awesome rifles to choose from.

Dan

mechanic · « **Reply #15 on:** December 21, 2010, 04:02:40 PM »

Just sell off some unneccessary stuff like your living room furniture and car and you can probably buy a bunch...............

Or you could indenture your kids and wife....just sayin'

Ben

jeepmann1948 · « **Reply #16 on:** December 21, 2010, 04:11:43 PM »

Welcome to the most friendly forum on the net

As far as which one to buy, get the caliber that you personally like the best, shoot it get familiar with it , tinker with it,(read the FAQ's several times to optimize). Save your money and feed your addiction

Frank V · « **Reply #17 on:** December 22, 2010, 06:04:12 AM »

Welcome!!!
Frank

gcrank1 · « **Reply #18 on:** December 22, 2010, 08:10:01 AM »

Oh, you in deep here, boy! Its all over but the buyin'........
Figure which you want for a plaything, open sights or peep rear, or just a scope. Those with open sights are drilled/taped for a scope too if you want one later. Those without sights are more trouble to put sights on.
The sighting option will define your caliber choices better; from there pick a caliber that you fancy. As neat as the 30-30 is a downloaded .308 or 30-06 will be the same and offer more on the other end.
A .45Colt carbine is a hoot, but you can download a 45-70 to do the same and big, long cases seem just the thing in single shots. Same with the .444 vs the 44Mag. Should you ever find a .357 buy it, do not pass go.......
You should have a copy of their current catalog to drool over; you also have stock styles and materials with certain caliber limitations, though stocks swap on the rifles with no trouble.
All that said, I prefer (for a fun gun, easy to reload) a straight wall pistol cartridge that you can use carbide dies on ( and here I include the .444)
If you reload you already know why......if you dont, but might, just trust me on this.

petemi · « **Reply #19 on:** December 22, 2010, 08:25:06 AM »

You hit the nail on the head gcrank1, Straight wall cases and carbide dies, you can be done and shooting a bunch in a half hour. That's why I'm so facinated by the pistol calibers....I just love to load and shoot them. Inexpensive, easy and fun.....a lot more inexpensive than store ammo. It took this old guy 69 years to figure that out.....you younger guys, don't be so stupid.

Pete