Author Topic: handi rifle vs. stevens vs others!! (Read 3025 times)

DanielWGriggs · « **Reply #30 on:** October 01, 2005, 11:59:11 AM »

b23ball23,

I like my handi's I have a 223 ultra and the .308 ultra youth model's. I don't feel that there is anything on this contenent that I could not hunt sucessfully with this combination. Might need a shotgun for birds... that said I would and will get a 280 barrell at the earlist time that I can afford to. The .280 is a nonmagnum high performance round capable of long range accuracy. This is a round that I recommend only if you reload due to the sometimes hard to find ammo. You are a young person and will make many decisions in your life this is one of the fun ones enjoy it. I do reload for all the rifles,pistols and shotguns that I own. I practice precision reloading techniques and produce some great ammo. If I had to rely on factory ammo I would probably use federal fusion for the .308 and WW 45gr white box for the .223. Both are nearly as accurate as I can produce. Enjoy...

Eddie in Delta · « **Reply #31 on:** October 01, 2005, 01:03:57 PM »

I know where you're coming from, since I worked during the summer a couple years ago and bought a used Savage. I would go with a good used gun, since you can get a good-looking bolt gun with nice wood for about what you'd pay for a new Handi or Stevens. But if you're dead set on a new gun, go with the Stevens. Follow-up shots are always nice to have.

Eddie

Mac11700 · « **Reply #32 on:** October 01, 2005, 06:03:28 PM »

Quote from: Eddie in Delta

I know where you're coming from, since I worked during the summer a couple years ago and bought a used Savage. I would go with a good used gun, since you can get a good-looking bolt gun with nice wood for about what you'd pay for a new Handi or Stevens. But if you're dead set on a new gun, go with the Stevens. Follow-up shots are always nice to have.

Eddie

Perhaps...but most folks who use single shots all the time rarely need them...we rely on the first shot ...everytime...

:-D

Mac

b23ball23 · « **Reply #33 on:** October 02, 2005, 04:19:19 AM »

That is one of the reasons i'm so happy its a single shot, it will force me to only take the animals I am confident I can hit!!!

One shot, One kill for everything...that is a quality I want to instill in me.
..........well I just talked to my dad about the whole barrel accesory program, I think he likes it.

When you guys switch out your handi barrels, do you change your optics too???
What scope do you reccomend for varmit AND deer hunting

I think i'm leaning towards the 7mm-08, is it powerful enough for deer out to 400yds?
But i'll figure it out once the time comes to send it in.

As for now, H&R Ultra .223 win with 24inch bull barrel...Yeah baby

BEN

mjbgalt · « **Reply #34 on:** October 02, 2005, 05:02:42 AM »

the 7-08 can indeed kill deer at 400 yards. the real question is, can YOU?

its nice to talk about these long range capabilities but the real deciding factor is the guy pulling the trigger.

i think once you get your gun and do some shooting at 100 and 200 yards you will quickly re-think whether its worth worrying about 400 yards, lol.

You will understand what i mean when you try it. i have been shooting since i could hold a gun and i wouldnt shoot beyond 300 yards at ANYTHING, including with my varmint rifle thats designed to do it.

just try it all out and see what your limitations are and stick to them and youll be fine.
-Matt

aulrich · « **Reply #35 on:** October 02, 2005, 08:11:36 AM »

a 7-08 could kill a deer at 400 yards, good thing we mostly don't need to (90% of deer are shot at 100 or less). As shooters we are always looking at our extream capabilities. It's good to think big, it's just there is alot of rounds that need to be fired before anyone is ready. Rule of thumb think of 1 round for every yard you want to shoot in field type conditions so that would be you need to get off 400 rounds of practice, Using field type rests and variarble ranges.

It is doable but walk first then run. :-) .

Mac11700 · « **Reply #36 on:** October 02, 2005, 08:26:32 AM »

Quote

I think i'm leaning towards the 7mm-08, is it powerful enough for deer out to 400yds?
But i'll figure it out once the time comes to send it in.

As for now, H&R Ultra .223 win with 24inch bull barrel...Yeah baby

Here's my $.02 FWIW...if your really planning on shooting deer out to 400 yards...I wouldn't go with the 7-08 in a Handi...I would go for the 280...folks here are getting around 3200 FPS with the 140 grain loads...and the extra 300 fps will make a pretty big difference in how much your going to have to hold over at 400 yards or where you have it sighted in at...and unless your planning on shooting a bunch at the bench instead of using it for a hunting rifle..you won't notice the difference in recoil when hunting.The 26" barrels..to me..balance better that the short 22" ones...and I like the extra velocity gained with out having to load it to the max to get it....and with the 280...once you start loading for it..you will see what I mean the first loads you make...

Now...if you not sold on the 7mm caliber...and just looking for a nice long range whitetail round...check the ballistics for the 25-06...it is a very good round...easy on the shoulder...and will do a fine job on whitetail-mule deer/antelope/caribou at 400 yards.

Mac

b23ball23 · « **Reply #37 on:** October 02, 2005, 09:04:58 AM »

yeah, i was just thinking big!!, i really should have said 300yds , but for now i wont even think of trying to take anything from that distance....yes definantly start alking before i run.

Well the problem is that the 7mm08 only comes in a 22superlight barrel. the 25-06 on the other hand, comes in 26 inch.........as does the .280

well I really dont have to worry too much for now, because i need to get the .223 first!!!!

Thanks for the help guys

BEN

mitchell · « **Reply #38 on:** October 02, 2005, 05:08:27 PM »

Quote from: b23ball23

yeah, i was just thinking big!!, i really should have said 300yds , but for now i wont even think of trying to take anything from that distance....yes definantly start alking before i run.

Well the problem is that the 7mm08 only comes in a 22superlight barrel. the 25-06 on the other hand, comes in 26 inch.........as does the .280

well I really dont have to worry too much for now, because i need to get the .223 first!!!!

Thanks for the help guys

BEN

stop selling yourself short my handi in 7mm-08 didn't have any problem killing deer at 400 and you wont either. i know there some very knowledgeable guys here but it kills me when they say" yeah it can kill that far but can you" (sorry guys) . did you ever think you would make a 7 minute mile?? how about football camp?? how about those 20 mile bike ride??? you can't just walk into anything and do the best there is . you have to work yourself up to it if you shoot all the time at 400 yards trying to hit 3-4 inch targets you will be able to hit a 10 inch kill zone on a deer plain and simple. practise makes perfect.

mjbgalt · « **Reply #39 on:** October 02, 2005, 05:19:08 PM »

mitchell, i was simply saying he didnt even have the rifle yet.

if he had been shooting it for a year and asked the answer would have been different.

just important not to get ahead of yourself. i was trying to save him some money, not to buy a barrel yet if he wasnt even accustomed to the .223 yet.

-Matt

b23ball23 · « **Reply #40 on:** October 03, 2005, 04:52:59 AM »

didnt mean for a disagreement, i was thinking a little ahead of myself as always!!!!

The main problem here is what scope will be useable for varmits/ and deer

and another problem is that the 7mm-08 only comes in 22' superlight for the barrel accesory program (info on site)

The .280 and 25-06 both come in 26' inch

the .270 only comes in 22'

I like the 7mm-08, but is the 22' superlight not a good choice?

sorry for the commotion

BEN

aulrich · « **Reply #41 on:** October 03, 2005, 06:32:43 AM »

b23ball23 good eyes on the barrel accecory program, the last time i looked the was a normal wieght 22" 7-08 barrel (mental not double check what's available before you open your mouth :oops: ). And from what has been reported the superlights have a tendancy to be hard to get to shoot. Thoough notably there was a recent post of good results from an ultra light 243 (HowardfromNZ it think is the authors handle).

As for your scope issue what kind of varmints are you talking about?

bajabill · « **Reply #42 on:** October 03, 2005, 07:50:21 AM »

I looking at the just expired acc barrel sale program, and it is a 22" 7-08.

I would not get to worked up over the names HR/NEF assigns to the guns. They change every year. They are all made from the same set of barrels. Options are length, bull or standard, some with stainless, and lastly a few with flutes. I guess the compensated noisemakers are about history. The youth models use a shorter stock, the lightweight uses a composite stock and 20"barrel. You can buy those same 20" barrels for the most part. In some remote cases, barrels are only offered as complete guns, and not acc barrels, but those situations are always subject to change. If in doubt, call HR 978-630-8220 before ordering any barrels.

b23ball23 · « **Reply #43 on:** October 03, 2005, 12:45:55 PM »

for the scope:

varmits will be g-hogs in fields, foxes, and things of that size in both feilds and woods

Yeah, i'll definantly call before i buy the barrel, i'm just looking at what is posted on the site!!!

BEN

aulrich · « **Reply #44 on:** October 03, 2005, 03:00:07 PM »

I am gathering that you are thinking of one scope to be swapped between the barrels, major PIA (needing to sight in after every swap) but understanding the budget thing I know where your coming from. A one scope for both option power wold be someting like 4-12X, plenty of power for your larger varmints and not too much power to be a hinderance for big game. You might even do well with a 3-9x a little low powerd for varmints but you might be able to afford better glass.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #45 on:** October 03, 2005, 07:26:03 PM »

Quote

I am gathering that you are thinking of one scope to be swapped between the barrels, major PIA (needing to sight in after every swap) but understanding the budget thing I know where your coming from

It's not as bad as you think...if you buy the corect scope and rings to begin with,and have a good record of your zero's on your scope.

My suggestion...pick up a Leupold 4x12x40 and a set of Leupold QWR high rings...and your all set

Works like a champ between barrels...and rezeroing isn't bad at all with our single shots...just move the inner ring to your first zero point...and then rezero your next barrel,writting down exactly how much you moved it...when ready to change back..move back to where the inner ring notch is..and shoot a sighter shot...mine usually isn't off by over an inch...Warne has a set of good detatchable rings as well...

Mac

PEPAW · « **Reply #46 on:** October 04, 2005, 02:45:29 AM »

Sounds like your mind is made up, but here are a couple things to consider.
If you a shooter and love your time on the range, get the Handi and you will have a fun project. If you are a hunter and would rather spend your free time in the field than reloading or testing loads, get the Stevens. Better yet, get one of each! Scoping the things is what costs the most, but with additional barrels, you will have to buy an extra scope anyway.
Follow up shots are not important unless you need one. Sooner or later, all hunters will. I am also a bowhunter, so I understand about making the first shot count!
Savages are known mostly for their accuracy. Others scoff at their looks, but not their accuracy. If you don't like the Stevens' plastic stock, it can always be replaced in the future with the same stocks made for Savage.
As far as long range shooting, you can do it with practice if the gun can. If the gun can't, you are whistling in the wind.

pepaw

aulrich · « **Reply #47 on:** October 04, 2005, 04:33:13 AM »

Mac

I am not sure I understand are you adjusting the bases? And is tha a leopold base system ?

Mac11700 · « **Reply #48 on:** October 04, 2005, 04:59:45 AM »

Quote from: aulrich

Mac

I am not sure I understand are you adjusting the bases? And is tha a leopold base system ?

Nope...the standard NEF Weaver rails I have on my Handi's are for the most part...exact duplicates of one another...I can and have used 1 scope and 1 set of Leupold QRW rings for various barrels.I prefere the standard NEF scope rail as compared to the Ultra rail for doing this.I've only had 2 bases out of the ones I've owned that the slots were cut different,and those were the Ultra scope rails.I got hooked on the QWR rings when I first got my Marlin 1895GS,and have been using them since then.They are exteamly consistant when you take them off and put them back on.This is not to say I do this in lieu of having a scope on each barrel,because it is better to have one for one,but it can be done,provided you have a good scope and a good set of rings.

Mac

b23ball23 · « **Reply #49 on:** October 04, 2005, 05:34:47 AM »

i understand what you guys are talking about, I'll have to look at my buget.

Since it might be a while before i get the deeer hunting barrel, then i might be able to save for an extra set of glass too

And this would enable me to have a deer hunting scope and a varmit specialty scope

Peepaw- I think that if I force my self to take only shots that will not need a follow up, It will make me a better hunter in the long run.

And truly, if a have a round ready, then the handi follow up shot might not be too slow after all.

Of coarse if when i get the .223 and hate its guts, Probably not gunna happen, its not like I dropped a million dollars on it in the first place

Thanks

BEn

Mac11700 · « **Reply #50 on:** October 04, 2005, 07:51:25 AM »

Quote

Of coarse if when i get the .223 and hate its guts, Probably not gunna happen, its not like I dropped a million dollars on it in the first place

Somehow...I don't think this is going to happen

Mac

PEPAW · « **Reply #51 on:** October 05, 2005, 02:06:29 AM »

"stop selling yourself short my handi in 7mm-08 didn't have any problem killing deer at 400 and you wont either. "

What does your handi 7'08 group at 100? I have a new .270 that I would like to get dialed in for longer distances.

pepaw

kombi1976 · « **Reply #52 on:** October 09, 2005, 02:22:46 AM »

It's been said by others but I vote for a H&R Ultra in 25-06.
Here's The Gun Source's price:

http://www.thegunsource.com/shopping_viewproduct.aspx?idproduct=4140

BTW, there's an article somewhere on the web where a H&R 25-06 equalled and arguably bettered a Dakota rifle in the same cal in out of the box accuracy that was about 20 times the price. :shock:
Makes you think...... :wink:

Mac11700 · « **Reply #53 on:** October 10, 2005, 08:02:40 AM »

I think you mean this article...

http://www.gun-tests.com/performance/feb97money.html

Mac

kombi1976 · « **Reply #54 on:** October 10, 2005, 07:52:06 PM »

Quote from: Mac11700

I think you mean this article...

http://www.gun-tests.com/performance/feb97money.html

Mac

Absolutely.
Hard to argue with, at least in terms of performance.

aulrich · « **Reply #55 on:** October 11, 2005, 05:57:21 AM »

That was the article that pushed me over the edge into buying a handi in the firstplace. The price for performance is really hard to beat especially if you have the barrel accessory program available to you (sadly I do not )

kombi1976 · « **Reply #56 on:** October 11, 2005, 09:13:54 PM »

My next new rifle would be a H&R Handi in 280 Rem but I've been silly enough to get caught up in restoring some really old rifles.
And since I live in Oz I too wouldn't have access to the barrel exchange program.
I wish there were ways of getting around it like ordering a rifle with more than one barrel from the factory.
That way we wouldn't have hassles with customs.
Then I'd order one with barrels in 280 Rem, 30-30, 45-70(30" Buffalo Classic barrel), 22 Hornet, rifled 12g and a 500S&W!!!! :twisted:
If I had to knock it down to 2 then the 280 Rem and the 500S&W would be my choice.
What you can't do with them can't be done. :mrgreen:

Poll

Which one would you choose for deer/ varmit/ taget

Author Topic: handi rifle vs. stevens vs others!! (Read 3025 times)