Author Topic: I like Handi-Rifles  (Read 758 times)

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Offline abolt-fan

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I like Handi-Rifles
« on: September 17, 2011, 10:17:16 PM »
I've had a lot more expensive rifles over the years, still do, but found myself contemplating my Handi-Rifle today.  I was sitting on a bear stand this evening with my 45-70 and occupied myself by making a mental list of why I really like these rifles.  My reasons in no particular order are:  short, dare I say Handi, carry well, accurate, spare barrels in a broad range of calibers, price, safety and convenience of use.  I really like the safety and simplicity of the single shot break action when getting in and out of blinds and treestands.  I have three frames with different color laminate stocks and rifle barrels from .22 Hornet to 45-70, a 12 ga. turkey barrel and a 20 ga. ultra slug barrel.  I also bought my daughter one with .223, .308 and 20 ga. ultra barrels.  If the truth was told I could get by without any other rifles.  Anyway, that's what I came up with.  Share your thoughts on them if you wish. 

Offline xhare

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Re: I like Handi-Rifles
« Reply #1 on: September 18, 2011, 04:45:50 AM »
Ditto on all of the above.  I would add this forum and all of the resources within to the list of advantages of the Handi rifle.
 

Offline bikerbeans

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Re: I like Handi-Rifles
« Reply #2 on: September 18, 2011, 06:08:39 AM »
a-bolt,
 
Good points, are you maybe considering changing your screen name? ;)

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Offline abolt-fan

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Re: I like Handi-Rifles
« Reply #3 on: September 18, 2011, 08:07:34 AM »
BB,
Got a good laugh from your query.  The short answer is no.  I've had that screen name for a long time and still like them as much as I ever have.  Speaking from experience I think a lot of people are rifle snobs.  I also believe that if more people would try rifles like the Handi that they would find the same virtues I have.  I absolutely believe they are the best rifle to put in the hands of a young hunter.

Offline Sourdough

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Re: I like Handi-Rifles
« Reply #4 on: September 18, 2011, 10:45:18 AM »
I'm sort of a gun collector, I have over 80 long guns in the vaults.  Every thing from Weatherby's to Thompson Centers.  I sometimes carry a Ruger, or a Savage, but my go to gun is the Handi.  Even when I carry the other makes, a Handi is always present on the 4-wheeler or in the boat.  Last night as we drifted down the river, my Handi 45-70 was by my feet.  Anytime I am out on the snow machine during the winter, I have a Handi or two with me.  Always the 30-06, and either a 25-06 or a .223.  If we suspect a winter bear is out I take the 45-70.
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: I like Handi-Rifles
« Reply #5 on: September 18, 2011, 11:32:20 AM »
I have a "few" firearms too...
 
My affair with H&R/NEF rifles started long ago. But originally I considered them "Rain Rifles". Meaning my expensive Bolts and Single shots could stay back at camp in there padded cases, warm and dry when I was hunting rough conditions...
That was then... Today its my primary hunting firearm! I still have the safes with the expensive SS and Bolt rifles too....
 
They work, they work well and they dont break the bank. What more could you ask!
 
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Offline flinthead

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Re: I like Handi-Rifles
« Reply #6 on: September 18, 2011, 01:08:49 PM »
Have always been smitten with the single shot rifle... the Handi is the best of all factors. Cheap, accurate, and just plain cool to hunt with. Right now I'm in love with the pistol rounds,,, but I see a 45-70 in my future.
" A single shot rifle and a one eyed dog"

Offline carbineman

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Re: I like Handi-Rifles
« Reply #7 on: September 18, 2011, 01:23:30 PM »
Being a lefty like me makes the handi-topper platform easy to deal with. The hammer extension for a lefty also is easier to work with when dealing with the barrel release lever.

Offline dave29

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Re: I like Handi-Rifles
« Reply #8 on: September 18, 2011, 03:18:06 PM »
I have a "few" firearms too...
 
My affair with H&R/NEF rifles started long ago. But originally I considered them "Rain Rifles". Meaning my expensive Bolts and Single shots could stay back at camp in there padded cases, warm and dry when I was hunting rough conditions...
That was then... Today its my primary hunting firearm! I still have the safes with the expensive SS and Bolt rifles too....
 
They work, they work well and they dont break the bank. What more could you ask!
 
CW


That is exactly how I started out hunting with a Handi. I now take a Handi out almost every time I deer hunt(occasionally it's an Encore). I love single shots for big game hunting.

Offline je265

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Re: I like Handi-Rifles
« Reply #9 on: September 18, 2011, 04:38:49 PM »
I've found myself doing more coyote hunting lately because of the ease of access to land, the long season, and it's a more active style of hunting for my 11 yr old when he tags along than deer hunting. I recently found a gently used newer mini-14 I thought would be the ticket for called in coyotes to be able to close the deal on a rare double. Long story short the Ruger is at the factory unable to shoot any better than 3" groups at 50 yards with 3 types of premium ammo.
 
On the other hand I have a handi-rifle in .223 that I paid 1/3 the price for that will shoot
1 1/2" groups at 100 yds all day long with some 1" groups mixed in if I do my part. I hope the ruger comes back and shoots as good as I've read the newer ones shoot but in reality the Handi-rifle does 99% of what I need in a predator rifle. If a double comes in and one gets away I really don't care because there will be another one for next time.
 
I'm not writing this to say bad things about my mini-14 or ruger because thus far their customer service has been excellent but it's my reason I like handi-rifles. They just seem to work and have never let me down.

Offline Graycg

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Re: I like Handi-Rifles
« Reply #10 on: September 18, 2011, 05:37:33 PM »
my 45-70 synthetic stock is my go to gun in any poor weather situation, sometimes good weather too!  My 30-30 is a great plinker with cast bullets, but it's big brother always beats it out when going into the woods...  guess the 140 year old round beats out the 116 year old round every time...  also, no real need for a pistol round barrel as all I usually do is load a 300, 350 or 400 grain cast bullet over 14-5 grains of Unique or 21-23 grains of 2400, but you need to check your manuals.  Cheap, easy on the shoulder and damn accurate, will shoot through anything you can reasonably shoot at that will bleed.... 
 
have fun,
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