My two most used Handi's- a 357 and a Hornet, both started life on a rifle receiver, the Hornet was OK ( 1 1/8" @ 75 yards) and the 357 was questionable 2" at aout 50 yards. The more I shot the 357, the better it got. Then I went to a local auction and picked up a 20 ga shotgun in excellent shape, case colored frame, made in '95, for $80. The 357 barrel fit perfectly and the groups went down to 1 1/4 at my 75 yard range. I bought another shotgun, case colored reciever , in 410- price $85. Swapped the 410 barrel for a 28ga, and the Hornet fit also with no work. Groups went to under 3/4 at 75 yards. I now have two combos that shoot just fine for under $200 each. More important - I USE them. I have a Whelan in Rem 700 made back in the day, excellent shooter, quality rifle. Last time I shot it was at targets about 4 years ago. Before that it was in the late '90s. I bought it when I still thought I might get to hunt Elk some day, now it is scheduled to go to a grandson, along with a 25/06 Savage antelope rifle which I also will never use. I don't mind using a cast bullet, a primer, and 3 to 10 gr of powder to blow up a can or put a hole in paper- occasionally, but I just cannot force myself to burn up cartridges at 50 cents or more apiece. Too many years of living close to my chest. The Handi's fit right into that personality- functional, effective, inexpensive. It is kind of like looking at fishing shows and seeing someone tell me about "quality" saving money when they are on a $150K boat and using a $700 Stella reel, and then someone else in a 40K Ranger with a $200 baitcaster, then I look at my 14 foot Jon boat and my Walmart ugly stik rig. I caught my limit, they tasted great. What more can I say?
