Author Topic: Reason You Choose the Handi-Rifle (Read 1294 times)

Chainsaw · « **on:** August 06, 2005, 10:42:35 AM »

For me it was originally that I was left handed and wanted and shorter length rifle with a 22" barrel. After my first purchase (30-06) I then added a .308 and then bought a 30-30. I then purchased a pre-bancruptcy H&R in 30-30. This rifle is my favorite as it weighs less than the handi's now do as the older ones had a slimmer profile barrel. I then changed the buttstock to the synthetic and it matches the black painted wood forend fairly well.

After handloading hunting rounds with Barnes X Bullets in 130 grain, this became my whitetail rifle of first choice and I sold 6 different rifles and now just have the 2 30-30 scoped H&R/NEF Handi's

I use a Franks Wrist Reloader (holds 4 30-30 cartridges)when hunting, that allows for a fairly fast follow up shot if needed, and also use a scoped Tracker 2 barrel when hunting in my one shotgun only area. My handis also have smooth bore shotgun barrels available as well.

Why did you buy your handis?

quickdtoo · « **Reply #1 on:** August 06, 2005, 10:45:43 AM »

As the mountain climber said.....because they are there!!! How else can one have an entire arsenal of good shooting firearms with a minimal investment!! Works for me!!!:wink:

Tim

Norseman112 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 06, 2005, 10:59:15 AM »

Well lets see...

1. I always wanted a single shot rifle to hunt with.

2. I liked the way the handi rifle felt in my hands and the way it looked.

3. When I found out you could add barrels....I thought thats just awesome!

4. Price was and still is very attractive :-)

In less than a year I have two handi rifles and hopefully for CHRISTmas I will have my 3rd.

Norse

howard NZ · « **Reply #3 on:** August 06, 2005, 11:25:11 AM »

Hi Norse,
have you made your post a screen saver or printed it and left it lying around? :-D :-D so Santa finds it.
My Handi .243 superlight gives me the shortest, lightest and cheapest rifle made. Shoots good hunting (1.5") 3 shot groups too, oh yes I have just got a 45-70 barrel :grin: , yet to shoot.
Howard.

Varminter · « **Reply #4 on:** August 06, 2005, 11:26:50 AM »

What made me choose? Hmmmm..........well...
My first handi was my 223 and it was just a compulsive buy b/c it was priced really well. Finally got it for $125. I wanted a single shot but could not afford a contender or a encore so the handi was the next logical thing. The first really gets you addicted. Then i bought my 270/243 combo out of the classifeds here. Yet again the price is what attracted me.

Overall price and durabilty. and the barrel program.

cheatermk3 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 06, 2005, 12:18:22 PM »

1-I just like 'em; dunno why.

2-The price can't be beat, especially used.

3-Partly because I'm left-handed.

4-There's just something about the way they work--you break it open , drop in a round, and shoot.

5-They ARE handy, especially the iron-sighted models. For snap-shooting in the brush these are #1 in my book.

6-My first firearm was a short-barreled 12GA that I had loads of fun shooting slugs at refrigerators & such with at the dump.

7-I've had lotsa different shotguns but the only ones I can hit any wingshots with are the H&R's. Go figger.

8-The look on guys' faces at the range when taking down my targets.

9-Possibly the best way to break-in new shooters; esp. in regards to teaching safe gun handling.

poncaguy · « **Reply #6 on:** August 06, 2005, 01:02:40 PM »

Like the way they feel when you shoulder them, short length, price, calibers available,why I have 9 and ordering a fluted 204 next week.........I know it's a disease.has to be.....I'm 64, should know better........

lostsniper308 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 06, 2005, 01:09:10 PM »

why?
1 it's less expensive than others
2 single shot to keep down trigger happiness
3 just as accurate as competitors
4 most if not need tinkering which is fun
5 smaller than most
6 slim and user friendly

lemme get back to ya

but there needs to be magnums and less rest touchy.

handirifle · « **Reply #8 on:** August 06, 2005, 01:11:55 PM »

Ditto what ya'all said :grin: :grin:

Big Blue · « **Reply #9 on:** August 06, 2005, 01:13:38 PM »

My first impression of the Handi rifles was that they are the ugliest and cheapest looking rifles I ever saw. Then I started discussing them with others on the old Marlin Talk Forum, which led to the H+R/NEF Forum and more talk, and then I bought my first. It looked a lot better once I got my hands on it. I played with that and discussed other choices and bought a second, two weeks later a third. In one month I bought three rifles and I was hooked from then on. Number six is on order as I sit here. BTW, Without a doubt my favorite is the BC, it's just a hoot to shoot!
Don

Mac11700 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 06, 2005, 02:11:46 PM »

My first was a Topper 30-30 in 1980...it was butt ugly... all of it including the barrel and receiver was painted various shades of blue-green-tans-and oranges...like I said...it was butt ugly...the...and I was in the market for a cheap rifle...being a newly wed .. and was looking at the used T/C's and Rugers when I saw it...The price was around $45-$50 out the door I believe...and I could afford that so much easier than the $250-$400 of the others...I got it home.showed the wife...and called my Father to tell him of my find.....I thought my father was going to choke with laughter...saying I bought a useless ugly painted fence post...but something told me I bought a good rifle...I didn't know it was the start of the sickness....because...even back then...these little Handi's were calling me...The bore was bright and shiny and looked like the chamber was polished as well...the trigger pull left a-lot to be desired...but...it was a 30-30 and it locked up good and tight I also had high hopes of crossing the Mississippi and hunting here where I call home now...Missouri...It took me a few weeks of carefull stripping and sanding...but I was rewarded with a very nice walnut stock with lots and lots of burling in it... for the life of me... I honestly cannot figure out why anyone would have painted that pretty of wood...2 coats of cherry mahogany stain...and 21 coats of hand rubbed and polished tung oil...and...polished reblued the barrel. and a Morgan adjustable recoil pad.. To say it was beautiful would be a understatement...it truely was a "ugly duckling...that turned into a beautiful swan.....I started handloading for it...and was rewarded with consistant 1/2" groups with many much smaller than that and 5/8" to 3/4" groups for factory ammo and it was one of the first times I ever made my dad eat crow

...He who thought anything other than a Weatherby or Model 70 was pure junk...

He was impressed...but still thought real guns come with a bolt on it.. I hunted with it for coyotes since Illinois was a shot gun only state at that time and had moderate success with it..and hunted with a few co-workers who's passions were coyote's.It made such a impression on a couple of them...that they got into a bidding war with each other and each would try to outdo the other till I finnaly sold it to one of them...and made over 6x's what I paid for it...and it is still being used to hunt with today by his family...since he passed on several years ago...

Since that time...I have always liked how they feel and how they shoot...and the value of them...price wise...they are a bargin...and you can dress them up...or dress them down...and they still will work just fine...

There are other single shots that cost Thousands more...that don't shoot any better than the bulk of these rifles will do...sure...some have all the fancy engraving and checkering done by some master engraver and stockmaker.. they also have falling block actions... expertly fitted to some of the finest woods available..and they carry a fancy name...and...yes...some of them are true works of art that I can fully appreciate.....but if they were mine...they would still stay locked up in a safe were they wouldn't get nicked and scratched up...not like my Handi's...these guns are shooters...and are meant to be hunted with...some do have fancy wood...and have been reblued and custom chamberings...but they will still be hunted with...that's were they belong...in the field...just as they have been for such a long time...

I sorry :oops: I kinda got carried away...but...that's why I like them...

Mac

myarmor · « **Reply #11 on:** August 06, 2005, 02:16:42 PM »

1- First looking at a way to try new calibers for a lot cheaper than a new Ruger, Remington, Savage, CZ, etc...

2- Thinking I would have an out of the box, simple ,MOA shooter......then the frusteration of finding out that these rifles have a catch, you have to learn how to shoot them. After buying a 223 Ultra for cheap fun, then seeing the potiential these rifles have, and learning that shooting them well is difficult-the learning cure wasn't going to beat me. Call me stubborn.

3-Keep buying them because they are inexpensive, very accurate, and simple/rugged.

Zeke Menuar · « **Reply #12 on:** August 06, 2005, 02:32:29 PM »

I saw a BC at Sportsmans Warehouse. Picked it up, thought it was cool, bought it.

ZM

WashPa · « **Reply #13 on:** August 06, 2005, 03:56:52 PM »

Got my son a .223 for Christmas. Thought it was pretty neat so I bought a .22 Hornet for myself. Just sent it back a few days ago for a .30-30 barrel.

Jeff

Wlscott · « **Reply #14 on:** August 06, 2005, 04:15:37 PM »

I got my first one (.223 Ultra Varmint) based on price, and price alone. I wanted a new gun, and it was "in the price range".

The second one was bought because the first one was such a pleasant surprise (very accurate).

Now I still buy them for pretty much the same reasons. Plus they are good rifles to start the kids on.

hellacatcher · « **Reply #15 on:** August 06, 2005, 04:54:05 PM »

I started out hunting with a break barrel 410 still have it then went to my daddy's break barrel 12 gage I gave it ti my nephew a few years ago dads only grandson, What I am saying is the break barrel is what I grew up with. It is like going back home.

Plus all the other reasons that have been given.

GrampaMike · « **Reply #16 on:** August 06, 2005, 05:13:10 PM »

Reason I choose the handi-rifle

Easy decision hard to explain

My first memory is being 14 and out alone deer hunting in central Michigan. The snow on the pine needle ground is new and fresh and soft enough still to not to make noise when walking. But I wasnt alone, I had my Dads gift to me, a 30-30 H&R with a round in the chamber and 2 more in my pocket, and I wasnt afraid of anything. Its a partner you can depend on.

Handi-rifles are like Home Apple Pie Pickup Truck the Girl Next-Door, maybe not the prettiest, but has all the right parts in all the right places and feels just right, and all American.

poncaguy · « **Reply #17 on:** August 06, 2005, 05:25:16 PM »

My first was a 410, the barrel reiease was on top, behind the hammer. Dad got it for me when I was 12 (1953) in Enid Oklahoma. Just gave it to my 20 year old daughter. I sure shot a lot of rabbits and doves with that shotgun. Could out shoot my friends with their 12's and 16's.

tommy_tsunami · « **Reply #18 on:** August 06, 2005, 05:33:49 PM »

:lol:
Well, for one reason it was my first gun. It was the Topper 20 gauge. I shot lots of squirrels, pheasants, woodcock, cottontails and other small stuff.

My first deer was taken with a NEF 20 gauge single shot with the rifled barrel/adjustable sights.

I then bought a .270 handi-rifle and a 12 gauge Ultra slug gun (too much recoil and I hated it!). The .270 was SWEET and it shot right where I aimed it.

Now I have a .45/70 Whitetails Unlimited version on its way and I own a .243 Ultra Varmint, which is a tack driver.

I like them because they are dependable, nice looking, AFFORDABLE (you can get a whole gun for the cost of - or less than the cost of - a Thompson Center barrel!). I've shot TC Encores, and the accuracy is the same, although I'm sure some would argue. Read this article comparing a $250 H&R .25-06 to a $9000 Dakota single shot! -
http://www.gun-tests.com/performance/feb97money.html

Another thing I like is that people try to make us NEF/H&R lovers seem like dopes for buying such a "cheap" gun with only one shot. Just take a glance at Jim Zumbo's elk hunting book. It says, "a single shot rifle has no place in the elk hunting woods". I'll tell the dead elk from my "cheap" .243 that I'm sorry I had it in the woods! :wink:

There ya go!

Norseman112 · « **Reply #19 on:** August 06, 2005, 06:02:08 PM »

Hi Howard,

Well I don't have my post as a screen saver, but I did print it out and hung it on the fridge tonite. Thanks for the idea!... She will smile and say John why do you need another handi? I will say hon I don't have the .17 cal

Norse

quickdtoo · « **Reply #20 on:** August 06, 2005, 06:07:41 PM »

Quote from: Norseman112

Hi Howard,

... I will say hon I don't have the .17 cal

Norse

And you NEED both of em!!! :wink:

Tim

jmckinley · « **Reply #21 on:** August 06, 2005, 06:36:32 PM »

Reading the other posts made me think back about 4 or 5 years ago when I picked up a 25-06 Handi and thought what a neat looking rifle. Had not hunted big game or shot in years and now several years in the future I just purchased my second Handi this afternoon. You guessed I finally have my 25-06. They seem to be built like a bank vault and I just like the way they handle and look. I was born and raised in Ohio and we hunter deer with slugs and never shot rifle much until I spent 20+ years in the military. It planted a seed that shooting was fun and it could be enjoyed despite my failing knees, hips , and most of my joints (sports of all types) and the Handi just fits my way of thinking. One shot is all we really ever get in the field and I hunted with a Bow for many moons and the single shot rifle just made sense to me. Plus I can afford to build a very accurate and reliable battery with these little rifles. At 55 I don't know how many seasons in the field I have left, but I know they will be spent enjoying my God's creation and using these fun rifles for the rest of my days. God Bless,
Jess :grin:

Norseman112 · « **Reply #22 on:** August 06, 2005, 06:39:50 PM »

:-D You are so right Tim....I am just going to do that :-D

John

DanielWGriggs · « **Reply #23 on:** August 07, 2005, 02:11:35 AM »

I bought my first a 58cal Muzzel loader in 1976 because I couldn't afford the replica Hawken. Still have it and shoot it 70 gr of 2fg and a .577 RB with pillow ticking for deer.

Had My eye on a .223 for years and even at the low prices I couldn't afford one (raising babies and grand babies) until the wife bought me one for my birthday a .223 ultra Out shot my mini14 and Dave's AR15 with Win 45gr white box I traded my mini for a .308 RMEF youth rifle and have the better end of the deal. I will ask santa for another in rimfire 17m2 or mabe the Ultra in 22mag and add barrels.
I burn up too much ammo with auto rifles and don't concentrate on making the one shot count.

So I guess I would have to say economics and accuracy. I still shoot a lot of ammo just not as fast. Have fun and shoot straight. My granddaughter likes the loud 22 that grampa shoots she shot it and hit the bullseye and you should have seen that little 7year old light up she was glowing with pride. She had been shooting my 880Sq and doing well but when she shot that 100yd target and hit right where she was aiming she and I were very happy. I see at least 3 more in the future for the 3 grand kids to come shooting with grandpa.... :wink:

oneshotonekill · « **Reply #24 on:** August 07, 2005, 04:06:19 AM »

My first handi rifle was purchased for me to pack into a hunting area as a back up gun. I was really getting into handgun hunting and would be setting up camp several miles from the nearest road. I was planning on hunting with a 44 mag revolver and thought a light compact rifle would be the ideal back up. The light part is questionable because the handi I bought (243 synthetic) weighs as much as my stainless savage 7mm but breaking it down and putting it in the pack made a great pack gun. Accuracy with that 243 was not very good and soon I was sending it back to H&R for a new barrel catch. After the repairs I ordered additional barrels to try a few new calibers in the handi and was rewarded with a trio of barrels (223, 450, 44) that shot great. After that I was hooked..... I now own 6 actions and 23 barrels....I guess I have an addiction.....

Ditchdigger · « **Reply #25 on:** August 07, 2005, 07:15:22 AM »

My first one was a 223 Ultra,and I bought it for a truck gun. They are exactly what they say they are,Handi. And I like to be driven nuts trying to get them to shoot as good as my other guns. :-D :-D
Digger

218Bee · « **Reply #26 on:** August 07, 2005, 08:47:51 AM »

1) A fellow who had a .223 kicked my butt at my clubs Sportsmans Day. Bull after bull, I couldn't best him. Second only counts in.......

2) Afford ability. I have plenty of other places for my money to go (unfortunately). Maybe some day I can have a battery of "safequeens" but, for now, I must be able to afford my hunting tools. I can add caliber I want for just over $100, not a bad deal!

Rick

gstanfield · « **Reply #27 on:** August 07, 2005, 09:45:02 AM »

My first encounter with a handi was my little brother's first rifle, a 223 bull barrel my foloks bought him cause they couldn't afford anything else at the time. I kinda fell in love with it, then saw one in 22hornet, a caliber I've always wanted, so I bought it, the I shot it.. A LOT which lead to me liking it even more. I then bought a 45-70 BC, which fed the fire even more. My latest was a 500S&W, which I bought because.....umm.....well....I can't really decide just why I bought it, but I did and I love handi rifles and intend to continue to purchase more and more of them as I can afford, they sure are fun and quick handling rifles in thick woods, as well as just at home on the prarie dog fields.

George

poncaguy · « **Reply #28 on:** August 07, 2005, 10:18:19 AM »

How does recoil compare with the 45-70 and 500 S&W? Really rather have the 460 S&W (are you lisening H&R?)

stimpylu32 · « **Reply #29 on:** August 07, 2005, 01:01:28 PM »

As to why i bought the first one I haven't got a clue and to be real honest 3 handi's plus 4 brls.and 2 sportsters plus 2 brls. latter i still don't clue :shock: but i do love them