I have been a gun crank since I was 10 years old. I've owned more odd calibers and guns than I can ever remember. For sheer fun of shooting, I've never shot any thing better than a 45-70. With trapdoor level loads, recoil is mild (comparatively speaking, anyway), and with the upgraded loads available you can get about as close to elephant gun status as you need to. With the 400gr. and heavier bullets, it will shoot thru about any animal you would ever encounter, and the lighter weights are fine for deer sized game. It is a lot more versatile round than most folks realize. You cant walk int Wally World and buy a lot of different types of ammo, but Midway, Cabela's, etc; are only too glad to help. The BC barrel looks way cool, but the 22 in. barrel is probably more practical. It comes with the sights installed, and you can get a scope rail if you want to go that route as well. That big hole in the end of the barrel also has a lot going for itself in the looks department. My BC seems to shoot everything pretty well, but Ive gotten the best accuracy from Federal 300gr. factory loads. At 50 yds. with the receiver sights, mine will do 3 shot 1 in. groups. I now have enough brass accumulated to start work on the reload thing. Just remember, there's no such thing as a bad Handi. All that counts is if you are happy with it.