Author Topic: H&R/NEF vs. Rossi (Read 5748 times)

phatspeed7x · « **on:** January 17, 2006, 04:47:47 PM »

I have been a fan of the single shot for a while now. they are really easy to use, very accurate, and simple to maintaine. I currently own a couple of NEFs both in handi rifle, and pardner shotgun. I'm thinking of getting a Rossi single shot. They look very similer to the H&R/NEF. How do they compair? I noticed that they are a little less money than the NEF. Is one better than the other? Any feedback, comments, suggestions would be great.

dodd3 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 18, 2006, 02:49:49 AM »

i think the nef has the edge just my opinion.

bernie

MSP Ret · « **Reply #2 on:** February 04, 2006, 01:28:34 PM »

I agree, also the edge that H&R/NEF has is quite a large one!!!....<><.... :grin:

poncaguy · « **Reply #3 on:** February 04, 2006, 01:45:19 PM »

I have 13 Handi's and one bull barrel Rossi 223. The Rossi is just as accurate, if not more so , than my Fluted Varmit 223 Handi......

Cement Man · « **Reply #4 on:** February 05, 2006, 08:19:26 AM »

I've never even seen a Rossi in person, so I can't add any real facts. Thoughts that come to mind - the NEF rifles have a lot of versatility because of the variety of barrels, stocks, forends that can be gotten for them, and their support and service is somewhat of a known commodity - as well as the the tips and info you can get on this website. I have several NEF/HR frames - lost count of the barrels, and I like them very much. On the other hand, if you really like the Rossi and the price is right - you'll never truly know till you own one and shoot it! Good shootin'.

mangulator · « **Reply #5 on:** February 16, 2006, 10:32:51 AM »

My money is with NEF...

silhouette13 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 19, 2006, 06:02:16 AM »

i have a rossi matched set 17hmr,270 win 50 front stuffer

the package is great for the money.the17 is a certifiable tack driver the 270 is a pleasure to carry all the live long day in the thick new hampshire white tail woods i have not shot the muzzle loader yet ( have had it over a year)

a couple things to keep in mind ,the way rossi gets by the rimfire /center fire one pin thing is they build up(or machine down) the barrel so the bore of the rf is below where it would be on the center fire,ythe only issue i have found with this set up is you cant use a high mount fore your scope i use weaver lows on all barrels nad have had no clearense issues.

the hammer angle is less spur like than on a nef which requires a higher ring.no issue on a sportster ,which i have and use in silhouette ,cause the bore is centered.

the extra safety is somewhat silly, the wood isnt as nicely fit or finished as nef or tc

the best thing about my 270 is that it shoots 1.5 or so @ 100 and if it gets scratched going over a stone wall i dont mind too much.

go for it the rossi is a consistant preformer ,not as good as my contender rifle but it cost less than a third with 3 barrels.

lastly the intergrated sling that is advertised in matched sets is nothing more than a sholder strap you would find on a gym bag. and the barrel bag doesnt work once you mount scopes.

regards and good shooting

dave

straydog · « **Reply #7 on:** April 19, 2009, 09:40:39 AM »

get the H&R ( SB2)
2 year warranty and built much better than Rossi

Dustyvance · « **Reply #8 on:** April 19, 2009, 10:51:22 AM »

+1 for the Handi, better built and won't hurt when u pull the trigger quite as well. I only have one right now, but as soon as my budget allows I am gonna get either another barrel or whole new gun . Haven't yet decided.

straydog · « **Reply #9 on:** April 19, 2009, 11:58:47 AM »

That deal H&R/NEF has with their gun prices and their barrel
options if they dont corner this whole market on guns I dont know why.

I have alot of guns but they are BY FAR the best bang for the buck there is!

I shoot the HOT 45-70 stuff through mine,it is flawless,plus have 4 extra barrels
plus the 12ga 24" full choke.For example that barrel was $42. Are you kinding
me, where can you find a fitted rugged new barrel for $42 ??
Their the best.

buffermop · « **Reply #10 on:** April 19, 2009, 12:13:20 PM »

Got an 06 Rossi. A good shooter until the barrel heats up. Flyers galore after that.

Stan in SC · « **Reply #11 on:** April 23, 2009, 03:39:12 PM »

People who do not own a Rossi should have the good sense to not render an uneducated opinion.

Stan in SC

straydog · « **Reply #12 on:** April 25, 2009, 03:43:46 AM »

Stan,
I "HAD" a Rossi! Model--S12-306RS
It was the biggest piece of crap I ever had.Trigger pull sucked.
The gun could not handle even mildly hot handloads at all.
Its action completely loosened up/locking mechinism became defective etc.
Have you had any of the new H&R SB2 rifles? They can take as hot of a
load as your shoulder can stand.Their barrels dont throw flyers all over
the place like the Rossi does.I sold/almost gave it away/was a piece of junk.
Its good some of you guys buy the rossi guns so for the rest of us shooters/ handloaders can get our hands on the H&R(made in America guns)that stand up to the kind of use that a GOOD firearm should stand up to.Do what you will.
But hey,thats only my opinion! (AND MANY OTHERS I KNOW) Thank god they dont try
to make one in 45-70,someone might really get hurt!!!

maglvr44 · « **Reply #13 on:** April 25, 2009, 11:44:54 AM »

Quote from: phatspeed7x on January 17, 2006, 04:47:47 PM

I have been a fan of the single shot for a while now. they are really easy to use, very accurate, and simple to maintaine. I currently own a couple of NEFs both in handi rifle, and pardner shotgun. I'm thinking of getting a Rossi single shot. They look very similer to the H&R/NEF. How do they compair? I noticed that they are a little less money than the NEF. Is one better than the other? Any feedback, comments, suggestions would be great.

The Rossi's are just as good as the old H&R's were back when the company had some form of quality control.

poncaguy · « **Reply #14 on:** April 25, 2009, 12:19:47 PM »

As I have said, I have a BB Rossi 223, like it just fine, very accurate. I also own over a dozen Handi's.............

Spanky · « **Reply #15 on:** April 25, 2009, 03:01:17 PM »

I own both H&R and Rossi.
I haven't had any problems with either brand... they all shoot good enough for me

The hammers on the Rossi's are lower... makes it easier to mount a scope with low rings.

Spanky

jlwilliams · « **Reply #16 on:** April 25, 2009, 04:37:56 PM »

I have a few Handis, and have been looking at some Rossi offerings. Not so much because of attributes like hammer height or the like. I'm seeing some nice package deals on a rifle with two or three barrels. I know I can send in my Handis and get accessory barrels. I have done so in the past. The package deals give me the oportunity to just buy it and be done. NEF has some packages too, the beauty here is that both companies offer packages and they are different combinations. More options. I'm not going to order a set, sight unseen. I'm going to put a few places on my travel plans in the upcoming weeks with the idea that I know these places have a good chance of having some in stock. I've been looking at the various package deals online, now I'll see what's available near me.

I reccomend you do the same. See what's available and handle it. Does it look and feel like a gun you want? If the right deal on a rifle in the caliber you want comes to you, grab it. Maybe that will be a Rossi, Maybe it will be NEF. The Rossi is a little less money but the NEF isn't exactly Perazzi money either. When you find the right combination of caliber, stock material, sights and so on; if it feels right in your hands and against your shoulder you won't care twenty bucks either way.

I know some fans who love one and berate the other see things differently than I do. OK. I'm just looking at both makes of single shot rifle in a similar light.

straydog · « **Reply #17 on:** April 26, 2009, 03:19:45 AM »

Maglvr44,
Maybe I just had a bad Rossi, I dont know??
Myself I think the newer H&Rs have far superior quality
over the older stuff,at least for the ones I have.
The last H&R I bought was a 2007 Black synthetic stock
22" rifle sighted SB2-457 in 45-70
I have a Ruger#1 in that caliber and this gun shoots as good
and it is fantasticly made.It groups around 7/8 inch @ 100yards
and is tight as a whistle.I have put about 500rds through it and some
being really hot.405gr@2150 and it shoots them as good as my Ruger.
Now I will say the Taurus handguns which are part of Rossi are great.
I have quite a few including the SS 454 Raging Bull that I love so maybe
my 06 Rossi was just a random bad one someone made on a friday?

?

GeorgiaDave · « **Reply #18 on:** May 09, 2009, 05:37:16 PM »

Hello,

First of all, I do not own a Rossi. I do however have a private rifle range and have seen several up close and personal as well as having shot a few. I have a bunch of NEF and H&R rifles and in my biased opinion, the Rossi guns simply do not compare to the NEFH&R guns. The single biggest factor for my choosing them is the fact that they are Made In USA. I was made in USA, and do my best to keep my money here. As far as functional factors go, I would say they are both effective firearms, but I feel so much better hunting in the USA with a gun which was made here. A few AMERICAN DOLLARS may be saved by buying foriegn but doing so would bother me. I am by no means rich, but I do have the few extra bucks to have an AMERICAN tool in my safe. Every one of my Handis shoot well, are extremely predictable, as well as repeatable and still remain affordable. I will continue to purchase the American made products.

Dave

straydog · « **Reply #19 on:** May 10, 2009, 05:19:08 AM »

GeorgiaDave,
I love the america made stuff too.(I am america made myself)
ya, I really dont want to cut down anyone elses guns but I honestly
feel those H&R/NEF Handi guns are the best darn guns for the buck and
every bit as good as the expensive guys.I have a Ruger#1 and also a
TC Contender both in 45-70 and I am telling you that H&R SB2 45-70
Handi is JUST AS GOOD.It goups as good, is super reliable even with hot
loads.How they can give you those extra barrels also so reasonable is beyond
belief.I talked to the H&R gun shop guys and they told me dont baby their guns.
They will back them and feel their guns will hold up to anything the others can.

How can you ask for more.I love those guns.My handi is the black synthetic
SB2-457(45-70) and honest to God its the best carry gun I have ever had.
I will buy many more of their products. Take care friend!

kevinsmith5 · « **Reply #20 on:** May 10, 2009, 04:07:02 PM »

I have several H&R's and one Rossi that I bought to teach my neives to shoot with. (The Rossi was on sale for $109 for a 22 and 20 ga barrel combo.) Compared to my H&R's the Rossi is a red rider BB gun. IT shoots okay, but that is it. The trigger pull is unfortunately kinda rough and the stock has an amazingly cheap feel. If the centerfire frames are made the same way (which I assume they are, the same combo can come with a 243 barrel) I don't think I could hit the broadside of a barn at 100 yards with one. THe pull is REAL bad. I may have to find out how to adjust (I kow how on the H&R's but haven't needed to).

jdickey · « **Reply #21 on:** May 24, 2009, 05:58:12 AM »

Based upon a "retailer's standpoint", the Rossi does outsell the H & R, mainly because of the Rossi price point,at least at our store! We have not had any complaints with the Handi's other than their weight is more than the Rossi's. On the other hand, the Rossi combo with the .243/SIMMONS scope and synthetic stocks, has had some problems - misfires, and pop-open breech! However, with the .223 combo, there does not seem to be any problem. We are now carrying a 3 barrel combo from Rossi; but, since it is a new product for us, have not had any comments about it.

We have not had any complaints or returns with the Handi's! Customers seem to be very satisfied.

kevinsmith5 · « **Reply #22 on:** May 24, 2009, 05:43:41 PM »

Lighter weight is not always a good thing, I've seen a 45-70 Rossi Advertized with synthetic stocks. If there as light as the stocks on this 22 it must kick like an angry mule, even with 300 gr loads....

mrloring · « **Reply #23 on:** May 24, 2009, 06:07:46 PM »

I own a couple NEF's and have shot several more and have a NEF Sportster 17M2 on layaway. I have never owned a Rossi rifle but have shot my nephew's Rossi combo 22/20/243.

Does it work and shot straight enough for a twelve year old? Yes

Would I buy one? Probably not but I have been very tempted to pick up a 22/20 combo when they go on sale for $119.

Why? It feels cheap. The hinge pin feels too loose. The safety is kind of stupid. The forearm bolt is also the front sling swivel which make changing barrels a pain.

yooper77 · « **Reply #24 on:** May 24, 2009, 09:04:53 PM »

I have owned them both H&R/NEF & Rossi.

I never kept them for very long, luckly got all my money back, never would I buy one again.

My single shot is the T/C Encore, very accurate, and you get what you pay.

yooper77

Swampman · « **Reply #25 on:** May 25, 2009, 01:38:20 AM »

I wouldn't buy a Rossi. The Encore is very heavy, & way too expensive.

straydog · « **Reply #26 on:** May 25, 2009, 03:22:16 AM »

Yooper77,

What kind of H&R did you have?Was it the SB2
I think the newer H&Rs are AS GOOD as the TCs
I have a TC Encore #3993 45-70 and also a Ruger#1 45-70
Yes,they are both nice guns.BUT maybe its just mine,but I also
have a 2007 synthetic stocked SB2-457 H&R 45-70 and that gun
IS just as good and MUCH more user friendly.It is bullet proof.
Actually the only 45-70 I have had problems with is my TC.
When shooting Conley 400gr@2150fps loads the action blows open
after firing.My Ruger/H&R no problems.I called the Gun Techs @TC
and they said that round was too strong for the TC.So I wanted verification
and contacted both H&R and Ruger.They both said If you can stand the recoil
the guns can stand the load.So,I dont know what H&R you have had but mine
is just so much more pleasant to carry for actual hunting(I put a Burris Short Mag 4X on it and its the best woods gun I have ever had.It groups within
1MOA and its as tight as the day I have bought it.I have put more rounds through the H&R than the other two combined.I guess to each their own!

yooper77 · « **Reply #27 on:** May 25, 2009, 07:11:08 PM »

I had the NEF SB2 frame in 243 Winchester with hardwood stock. Felt very awkward and didn’t shoot well at all, so I gave up on it and will never go back.

I also had a Rossi matched pair in 22LR/410. The 22LR shot very well, but the 410 shells are too expensive, so I sold it. I replaced it with a Savage single shot youth bolt action in 22LR. Down the road I will buy a Mossberg 500 youth in 20 gauge.

I can say I tried both the H&R/NEF & Rossi and they aren’t for my taste.

My Encore is just less than 8 lbs with 24" tapered barrels, Leupold Dual Dovetailed steel base, Leupold Dual Dovetailed steel medium rings and sling. The 223 Remington wears a Weaver 2-10x38mm scope and the 243 Winchester wears a Weaver 3-9x40 scope. Both easily shoot SUB MOA groups with my hand loads.

My Encore was made in 1997, standard blue frame with a smooth crisp trigger pull and standard black synthetic stock and for end, nothing modified from the factory. I have had over 11 factory T/C barrels with zero problems. Overall length is 38 ¾” and LOP is 15”.

The Conley Precision Cartridge for the 45/70 Government (Ruger #1) are not safe for any other firearm, read their link.

yooper77

http://cpcartridge.com/cart2/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_88&zenid=bde8bf5578db26dad681b1dca2979812

WARNING: These loads are safe in modern Ruger #1 Rifles ONLY....Due to the high pressures generated by these cartridges DO NOT use in any other type of firearm as severe damage to the firearm and shooter could result. These loads are proven safe in the Ruger #1 only. Since Conley Precision Cartridge has no control over what type firearm is actually used we make no warrantees or assume no liability either written or implied as to the use of these cartridges.

kevinsmith5 · « **Reply #28 on:** May 26, 2009, 12:10:39 AM »

I have loaded into those velocity ranges with those weight bullets and had no pressure signs on my BC. There were signs on my shoulder however, but I believe they would be the same with a Ruger...

straydog · « **Reply #29 on:** May 26, 2009, 01:17:50 AM »

Ya, I actually talked to them about that.They put that warning on there for legal reasons in case some yahoo tried shooting them in various 45-70 guns that could not handle that pressure.So they just only recomended the Ruger #1 to be on the safe side.The SB2 Frame not only handles that 45-70 load @ 43000psi but it handles and is chambered for the S&W .460 and .500 which have pressures that range to 65000 psi,far beyond any 45-70 load I know of.I say, use what works for you and I wont fault any one for that. Good Luck with the shooting!!! See ya