NEF Handi-Rifle Info?

[wheelsdude]

Howdy all,  I am new to this forum. I have been reading some of the posts here. This seems to be the place for Handi-Rifle owners!
 
I'm leaning towards purchasing one of these bad boys!
 
From what I have read on other forums most people are satisfied with the quality and accuracy.
 
If you could help answer a few questions that would be great. After viewing the NEF main website info I was wondering.  
 
1. What is the difference between the Ultra Rifle & the Handi-Rifle (actions - barrels etc..?
I see the ultra is not chambered in as many calibers as the handi-rifle.
 
Also the .500 S&W looks like quite the caliber, the recoil would have me concerned. Any shooters out there that have? Is it a handful?
I want something to shoot for fun and Deer hunt here in Michigan. I was leaning towards the .308, 7mm-08, or the .270 win. I'm a handloader and have all the stuff for the .270 win. I don't want something that will pound on me when shooting for fun. I shoot my .357 mag often and have considered using that. I'll Try not to turn this into a short story so I better quite typing.
 
Thanks for any suggestions you can offer!
 

[R.W.Dale]

Expect the recoil from the 500 handi to be very stiff from the bench now offhanded it aint no thang.

[Datil]

Wheelsdude. Welcome to GBO forum, Pull to the puter and stay
around. My thoughts on rifle is 7-08. My 2 cents take care.
 Marv.

[.308]

Howdy all,   I was leaning towards the .308, 7mm-08, or the .270 win. I'm a handloader and have all the stuff for the .270 win. I don't want something that will pound on me when shooting for fun.  

  Any of the three you mentioned will do the job for you. Since you already have the stuff for the 270 then that's the one I would get first if it were my choice then add other barrels later. IMHO.  

[Duce]

Wheelsdude: Welcome aboard!
1. Handi's are the trucks, plain jane wood  ect., while the ultras, many times have laminated stocks, muzzle breaks, and better finish.

2. .500 S&W would be a thumper, while I've no direct experience with one, but anytime you move a slug that big that fast it'll boot you. Besides one of the beauties of these rifles is that they are light.
Remember your talking to a fellow who uses a 12 ga.Tracker II for deer and a Pardner 28" with screw in tubes for turkey. Either will rock your world, but these aren't plinkers, recoil and ammo cost {Win. Supreme 1 5/8 oz. 5's, Brenneke KO 1 oz. sabots} preclude that, you sight them in and hunt.

3.All the calibers you mentioned would be excellent choices, right now one of my favorites is a used Handi in .270 I bought at Jay's in Clare. Don't forget that you can taylor a Handi by buying additional barrels. What this allows is that you can have a deer rifle and buy a Hornet or .223 barrel for varmite. Then you have is a multiple use rifle, that you become very familiar with.

Good Luck:   <>< Duce:

[wheelsdude]

Thanks for the warm welcome all! I am still undecided about the caliber.
It sure makes sense to go for the .270 win seeing I'm all setup for that caliber and have 60+ rounds already loaded. Hard times came last year and had to sell my 700BDL.
 
That .500 S&W might be more than I can handle from always in the sitting position. I'm a T-6 Para. The nice thing about these rifles is the barrel program. Wow 2 or 3 Rifles in one. The barrel prices seem well priced as the rifles are too.
 
I'll keep you posted on how it all works out.  
 
Thanks Again......
 :grin:    :grin:

[Varminter]

go for a 270. or get a 25-06 and have it rebored later on to 270, 338-06 or the like.

by the way.....Welcome to the board! Pull up a chair kick up your feet and stay awhile.

[GrampaMike]

Howdy WheelsDude,
Welcome to the world of Handi’s and to our little piece of the internet.

Since you will be shooting from a chair (like always Bench Rest Shooting), recoil would be a handful from a 500 S&W Magnum.  I don’t have the recoil numbers for the 500 S&W yet, but it has to be more than any of the other Handi’s.

I can address the others and their recoil numbers that you mentioned.

308 Win (12)
7mm-08 Rem (10)
270 Win (12)
357 Mag (3)

44 Rem Mag (7)
30-30 Win (7)

Consider the 44 Rem Mag and 30-30 Win for Michigan deer hunting (ranges are usually short).  I went to high school in Michigan and hunted during my teen years, used a 30-30 Handi.  But the 44 Mag is a lot of fun (big holes).

All you need is another set of dies for whatever one you choose.

Mike

[poncaguy]

270 is hard to beat. I have a 45-70 that really hurt to shoot until I put the Choate Varmit stock  on it. Doesn't bother me now, even from the bench. Welcome to the forum.......you will enjoy and learn a lot.I sure have.