First let me say if you are a SUB-MOA or bust kinda guy, then this post probably isn't for you. However, if you are a regular shooter or hunter that likes an accurate gun that will put meat in the freezer, then read on.
Today I picked up my Ultra Hunter .308 that I ordered on Tuesday. I was slightly irritated as there was a gash in the factory scope base, and an inch line on the barrel that had been scratched through the bluing and you could see the steel. However, it wasn't an X-Bolt Medallion or Model 70 Super Grade so I put it behind me.
I followed the advice of the guys on this forum and gave the barrel a few passes with JB Bore paste on a brush, followed by some Kroil, followed by a dry patch, followed by a little Rem-Oil. I also cleaned the shelf, latch, and related areas. I then tightened down the scope mounts as they weren't tight at all from the factory. Next up I mounted the scope, leveled it, and boresighted. Scope is a Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm with Accu-Range reticle.
Since no one bothered to respond to my post in regards to what factory ammunition works best in their Handi 308...I decided to buy some 165gr or 168gr loads as they're middle of the road in weight. Every store I went to only had 150gr, 180gr, or ballistic tips in 165gr. I was looking for a standard softpoint. I was in a hurry to get to the range so I just settled with Core-Lokt 150gr's and some hope.
I then went to the range and followed GBO advice- shutting the action with authority and putting the gun on sandbags just in front of the trigger guard at the hinge area. Not knowing what to expect from a break-action rifle (my first) and reading horror stories of them flying open when shot, I yanked the trigger and held on. My shot was the lonely one on the low right. The recoil wasn't bad at all, pleasant actually compared to past 30-06's, 7mm Rem Mags, and 300WSM's I've owned. This was my first time sighting in with sandbags as I always use a Caldwell Lead Slead, so it took some work on my parth other than pressing a trigger set at 3.5lbs like I'm used to. So then it was time for number 2...BAM!...dead center where I was aiming. Then I let number 3 fly...it was about an inch below number 2. "Not bad..." I thought...so then I let the barrel cool and took my fourth and final shot, and it was right next to number 2. I was a happy camper, because this is just fine for minute-of-deer accuracy, great actually FOR ME (key words). I wasn't expecting my Handi to do this well, so an experienced rifle shooter could easily do WAY better than this. Keep in mind, I am not a competition shooter or even close...just a guy with a $272.oo rifle, sandbags, and a 6 3/4 pound trigger. No shimming, no floating, no O-rings...just plain out of the box and cleaned. Target was set at 50 yards as I hunt thick woods, and the furthest I would get a shot on my land is 70 yards tops. That being said, I am happy and confident with my Handi!! It exceeded my expectations, and that was just firing four shots quickly before the sun went down! Best part of it was, I obviously did a good job boresighting it as I never even touched the turrets!
Hopefully this helps potential buyers of Handi Rifles, as I just decided on one on Monday!
