Purchasing a new Handi!!

[navyone]

I recently got permission to purchase a new Handi and an accessory barrel or two. The problem I am having now is deciding what caliber(s) to get. I am leaning towards one each of a large caliber and a small caliber. I am looking for opinions on the .204, .22hornet, 222, 223, 45-70 and the 5oo Smith. Currently I am leaning towards the 500 and the 204, perhaps even a 357(max). The other option I have been toying with is purchasing the 45-70 buffalo classic. I really like the looks of this rifle, just not real sure what I would use it for, maybe someone can convince me this is what I really need. Thanks in advance for any help.

[yukondog]

Welcome navyone, do you hunt or reload? I only have two now a 357 reamed to max and a 45 lc reamed to 454 casull. Good luck and let us know what you get.

[Jimbo47]

What type of shooting do you do?

Hunting?
Bench shooting?
Plinking?
Reloading?

All of the above?

What you use if for will help make your decision.

That said I would suggest the Buffalo Classic, and the reason why is you already said you like the way it looks, and that is a good start because it will shoot just as good as it looks.

If you want to be considered a true Handiholic you have to at least own one 45-70 and it is as good a first handi as any and maybe more so.

First of all it is a rimmed cartridge which right there is pretty much a given as to it being an accurate shooter.   Rimmed case cartridges just shoot the best out of a Handi, and they are easy to reload and have plenty of options as to how you want your loads and what you want them for.

Either mild or wild and the 45-70 can do it all.

On the other end a .223 will work nicely also to feed the addiction!

[petemi]

Navyone, are you a Squid?  I spent 7 years in the Canoe Club.  Yes I agree, .45-70 and .223.  Both are easy to get ammo for or reload for and will do anything from chipmunks to brown bear.  If you're going to hunt with a .45-70, I'd get the standard 22 inch Handi.  It's a lot more portable than the long, heavier BC.  If you're just punching paper, the BC would be more fun.

Pete

[navyone]

Thanks, I do some of all of it, except for the reloading which, I hope to also get into soon. I am sure I have already read this on here, but just to confirm, Is the Buffalo Classic an sb2 receiver, also will the BC stock mate up to other barrels. I currently have firearms to cover the bulk of the shooting that I do, so I guess I am looking at finding 2 or 3 of the best chamberings offered. I just read that there might be some huntsman barrels available from the factory as well.

Yes, I was on a surface ship for five years.

[navyone]

Pete, I think if I did pick up the BC I would use it for target shooting only. Perhaps I could talk the better half into a 22" barrel as well.

[cwlongshot]

Well then!!! Best calibers huh. 45/70 makes that list as would the 357 and 30-30 win. To a lesser degree the hornet and 223 are very well received. In rimfires I have yet to read of a 17 HMR that was not a shooter.
About all calibers have some group of loyal followers.

Just FYI you would need to buy a 357 Mag then ream or have reamed to Maxi. It's a very good caliber but not one currently offered.

We All have our favorites  but the best you can hope for is to hear that all are good!!

CW

[petemi]

Squid, Ya got a plus one on what CW has to say.  The other option is the 7.62x39 if you can find one.  It's a great shooter too.  Welcome here, friend, and thank you for your service.

Oh yeah, the other thing is don't be as stupid as I was.  It took me 69 years to start reloading.  Do it NOW.

Pete

[45-70.gov]

45-70
223
of the ones you named

i shoot the  357 the most...and then just with 38s....real quiet,  almost suppressed

any rifle with out a scope  to me is JUST a novelty
that goes for  my BC also
if you serious about hitting....get one that is scope ready
i will get  a 30-30....if they ever make it  ''scope ready''

[petemi]

I own Handis in all the calibers mentioned, and I have to agree with .45-70.gov that the .357 Maxi is the one that is used most.  It is cut to 16.5 inches, on a BC Carbine stock and shoots .38s, mags and Maxis equally well.  It is one I would not be without.  It is very Handi.

Pete

[navyone]

Thanks for all the info so far everyone. I read the sticky on the 357 max reamer, then did some more reading on the 357 max, it sure does sound like something I need in my guncase. Currently the two choices I am looking at are the BC 45-70 and sent in to the factory for a 223 barrel, or the 500 smith sent in to be fitted with the 223 and probably the huntsman barrel.

[quickdtoo]

Welcome aboard navyone!!  What they all said on the 45-70 and not just because it's a big bore, it's one of the most popular H&R chamberings!!    I second Pete on the handloading, the 357Maxi sounds like a good reason to start since factory ammo isn't common, in fact I only know of one current source and that's not always available.

Tim

[navyone]

Thanks to all for the warm welcome.

Tim, that was part of the reason I was thinking of the 357 max...."Well golly gee honey, I can't find ammo for this darn thing anywhere. You know I hate to do it, but I am going to have to buy me some reloading equipment now just so I can shoot the dang thimg!"

[petemi]

Reeds or American Custom Ammunition might have Maxi ammo.  With what I've got in brass and ammo, I'm probably good for 400 rounds of once reloaded ammo.  It may sound funny, but I shoot a lot of .38's out of mine.  I've got a ton of .38 brass.  It's cheap to shoot and will take anything from a skunk to a coyote.  It's fun, quiet, economical and practical.  I'd guess I'm being redundant, but the .357 Maxi is one not to pass up.  The mags will take a deer and the maxi a bear, hog or whatever wanders this side of the oceans.

Pete

[Spanky]

Reed's just did a run of Maxi ammo. I bought some of the 200gr. hardcast ammo from them... great people to deal with.



Spanky

[manatee1947]

I love the 500, but if you do not reload take it off your list, now, before the addiction sets in.  The 357 to Maxi is extremely practical, and the BC is a real Sweetheart, you cannot go wrong there regardless.

[petemi]

Reed's just did a run of Maxi ammo. I bought some of the 200gr. hardcast ammo from them... great people to deal with.
Spanky

Reeds are great to deal with and you get quality ammo.

I love the 500, but if you do not reload take it off your list, now, before the addiction sets in.  The 357 to Maxi is extremely practical, and the BC is a real Sweetheart, you cannot go wrong there regardless.

If you're not reloading, the .500 or most any large caliber can put you in the Poor House.  Again, ya NEED to reload.  Think long and hard on the .357 Maxi.  There's only one word for it....SUPERB.

Pete