I picked up my hornet today. I was very surprised by the fit and finish of my rifle. For 270 bucks I have no complaints. I did all the tests you guys suggested and the rifle locks up solid and has no play in the hinge or telltale gaps at the breech. The chamber is shallow enough for a good look and is concentric to the rifling.
The trigger is acceptable. I don't have a gauge but it sure is were I like it around 3, maybe 4, lbs for a working gun. It is every bit as good as any trigger I have on my Marlins and Winchesters and they shoot pretty good.
The synthetic stock, who am I kidding, the plastic stock really surprised me. It was quite firm as I expected a Tupperware flexing in the butt. Now I own my first black rifle!
With the apparent discontinued hornet status reported recently I'm happy to have one of the late versions. I also picked up 2 boxes of Winchester ammo, ouch. You can bet these empty brass will be reloaded real soon! I'm seriously considering the 55 Horn. SX bullet for a first try in a starting load range. One of the best features of the Handi is the quick twist in my book.
I would send pictures but it is bone stock and looks just like all the other plastic stocked iron sighted blued rifles.
A couple of concerns, researching a lower hammer mod is in order as I don't think I'd like the high scope rings if I scope it. I think I'll try a WGRS first. This little rifle is a dandy iron sighted rifle to my eye.
The factory sights will get tested this weekend. They are better than I expected. I should note the only Handi's I've handled before are wood or laminate stocked rifles without sights.
Does repeated break down harm the rifle in any way? I can't see how breaking it down for transport in my luggage can be harmful but thought I might ask.
