Author Topic: #1/H&R Questions (Read 3124 times)

SammyIamToday · « **on:** September 21, 2006, 04:26:36 AM »

I've been lurking here for about a week absorbing information, but I think it's time to outright ask. I'm in the process of getting a new whitetail rifle. The caliber will be .25-06. I've narrowed down my choices to a H&R Ultra Hunter, Ruger #1 Standard, or a Ruger Mk 77. For some reason, I'm really leaning towards a single shot rifle.

Anyways, to get to the point, is the Ruger #1 really worth the 500ish dollars more? I've read that some lefties have trouble realoading #1's as well (I'm a lefty).

Any opinions or ideas that I'm missing would be great. Thanks.

Datil · « **Reply #1 on:** September 21, 2006, 03:29:09 PM »

SammyIamToday, Welcome to the forums Come often Stay longer, Enjoy.
I would say just MHO, get H&R Ultra spend rest
of your money on a good scope. You'll be surprize the number of people
are using H&R/Nef's Take care Marv.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #2 on:** September 21, 2006, 03:43:20 PM »

Welcome to GBO SammyIamToday!! As Marv said, that's very true, see the NEF/H&R Centefire forum!!

Tim

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/smf/index.php/topic,97911.0.html

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/smf/index.php/board,126.0.html

EdK · « **Reply #3 on:** September 22, 2006, 02:15:15 AM »

Quote from: SammyIamToday on September 21, 2006, 04:26:36 AM

I've read that some lefties have trouble realoading #1's as well (I'm a lefty).

Really? I can't imagine why that would be. Care to offer any details?

SammyIamToday · « **Reply #4 on:** September 22, 2006, 03:31:50 AM »

Quote from: EdK on September 22, 2006, 02:15:15 AM

Quote from: SammyIamToday on September 21, 2006, 04:26:36 AM
I've read that some lefties have trouble realoading #1's as well (I'm a lefty).

Really? I can't imagine why that would be. Care to offer any details?

I read a review where the reviewer said that the block was higher on the left side and thought that it would impede reloading quickly.

Thanks for all the info Marv and Tim. Trying to absorb as much info as possible.

horseman308 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 22, 2006, 04:34:40 AM »

yeah, the block is a touch higher, but it's really not that bad. It wouldn't be any worse (and probably) better than whatever problems you'd have working the bolt on a right-handed bolt action. I love my #1. Don't really know anything about H&R, but I hear they're good guns.

SammyIamToday · « **Reply #6 on:** September 22, 2006, 09:28:25 AM »

Quote from: horseman308 on September 22, 2006, 04:34:40 AM

yeah, the block is a touch higher, but it's really not that bad. It wouldn't be any worse (and probably) better than whatever problems you'd have working the bolt on a right-handed bolt action. I love my #1. Don't really know anything about H&R, but I hear they're good guns.

Good deal, thanks for the info. I definitely am not getting a right handed bolt action rifle. Done that before and never again.

varmintman · « **Reply #7 on:** November 18, 2006, 09:50:47 AM »

Hi, I hunt woodchucks and use a h&r ultravarmint in 223, and a ruger #1B in 6mm rem and they both are fine rifles, the only problem I have with the h&r is that it breaks open like a shotgun and when shooting with a bipod it can be cumbersum as to the ruger I can just flip the lever without to much movement.,varmintman

MSP Ret · « **Reply #8 on:** November 18, 2006, 11:52:13 AM »

Question - " is the Ruger #1 really worth the 500ish dollars more?"

Answer - NO!!!

Welcome aboard, come on over and visit at the H&R/NEF section, grab on tight and enjoy the ride, for you too could very well become a Handiholic!!!....<><....

Fred M · « **Reply #9 on:** November 18, 2006, 01:47:01 PM »

Question - " is the Ruger #1 really worth the 500ish dollars more?"

Yes it is. I have two of each and I know.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #10 on:** November 18, 2006, 01:52:07 PM »

I have to agree with Fred, I handled a #1 .375H&H yesterday at FMS, it had excellent wood, much nicer than most factory rifles, a very nice rifle indeed, but it's not worth the $750 they wanted for it to me, but I can easily see why someone else would spend that kinda money on it. After all, I already have a couple H&Rs that I've spent close to $600 for, what's another $150!!

Tim

Fred M · « **Reply #11 on:** November 18, 2006, 08:11:50 PM »

Tim.
As usually you are right, but you can lurk in the bushes and wait your chance for a used #1, you can get one for a lot less than $750 in the US. In Canada used #1 go for $650-700Can. In our country they are not as easy to get used.

Both my #1 and #3 I bought used and they are tack drivers. The accuracy of the two rifles are well worth the cost alone, they are 1/4" shooters, never mind the finish and an the quality of the parts.

On the other hand if you are not as demanding as I am, the Handi will do. But you should be prepaired to do a lot of tuning and fixing on your own or sending it in to the factory for fixing.

Here are a couple of pictures of my used Ruger #3 cal 375Win on which I modified the under leaver. Cost $675 Can. Ruger #3's are long discontinued. The rifle has #1 wood fore and aft.

MSP Ret · « **Reply #12 on:** November 19, 2006, 06:30:25 AM »

Then the correct answer would be, to some it is and to some is not, it depends more on the person than the gun....<><....

Fred M · « **Reply #13 on:** November 19, 2006, 07:24:56 AM »

Consider the fact that my two Rugers #1 and #3 are over 30 years old, and demanded a price of nearly 3 times the origional purchase price. The 25-06 has a 1/2" of throat wear and still shoots 1/4 " groups.

The amount of shooting I do with the 25-06, the rifle will still be accurate long after I will quit shooting it and sell for more money than I paid for.

While I tried to sell the nearly new H&R Ultras at a loss, I never even got a call or an offer. I don't know how anybody can say the Rugers #1 are not worth the money with this kind of quality and performance.

I am not stopping anybody from buying a Handi, but please don't try to tell me they are as good as a Ruger$1.

There are very few Handi owners out there that have tried as hard as I have to make a Handi shoot straight. I have introduced many inovative ideas to better the performance of the Handi. Alas I can not overcome the poor materials, workmanship and quality controls.

For very little extra money H&R could make the Handi a real jewel, one that stands up.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 21, 2006, 04:38:48 AM »

Just had to chime in here. the H&R rifles are great little rifles for the money, the key phrase is for the money.. I've worked on guns for years and have done several H&R's in just the few they've been available. Most of the problems were simple. Usually caused by a lack of finish. Chambers too rough for the simple ejector to function etc. In that time I've never worked on a No1. They usually come from the factory just fine. They are likely the strongest action around and usually acceptably accuratem, other than a few years when the barrels were just not there and throats were a bit long.. The Ruger is a better finished rifle with a lot more potential to retain it's calue. The H&Rs are cheaper. A No.1 is quite likely to retain it's value into the future, the H&R's are not so likely.. If you ruin the barrel or shoot it out a new barrel has to be fitted by H&R. Any decent smith can rebarrel a No.1. I can buy any rifle I want.. I have a lot of rifles and enjoy them all but the SS's most of all. I've No.1's in 220 Swift, 6mm Rem, 300 WinMag,and 25-06. I've also got a B78 in 300H&H Mag and a 45-70 Sharps.

marlinman93 · « **Reply #15 on:** November 21, 2006, 02:00:23 PM »

My only complaint about the Ruger #1 is (and always will be) the forearm hanger. I just don't care for the way the forearm is supported (or bettr Not supported) by the hanger.
The Ruger #1 is an outstanding rifle, and it would always be my choice over any other modern production singleshot rifle.

Fred M · « **Reply #16 on:** November 22, 2006, 07:55:18 AM »

Marlinman.
Post tension the hanger and you wont have any more trouble with the fore arm.
See my write up in my web page on the Ruiger #1.

MickinColo · « **Reply #17 on:** November 22, 2006, 03:52:52 PM »

A lefty has no more problem with a No 1 than a right-handed person. I’ve been using No 1s since the late 70s. I’ve owned 7 of them, 5 at this time.

I don’t know much about the H&R other than handling one. I wasn’t impressed but that doesn’t mean anything, it may be a much better shooter than a No 1, I wouldn’t know.

By the way,,, I'm left-handed.

Tom W. · « **Reply #18 on:** November 24, 2006, 06:47:22 AM »

I have to agree with Fred. I have two of each, and the extra $$$ spent on the Ruger is well worth it.

I won't sell the NEF's down the river, but they aren't in the same class as the No.1's.

The Encores ain't bad, either!

Wussuppitydaddy · « **Reply #19 on:** November 27, 2006, 04:29:09 AM »

I have had both. The Ruger #1 was a .45-70 with a 3x Weaver widefield scope. I used it on deer with a 300 gr sierra hollowpoint chugging along at 2200 fps. When broadsided they were devastating. I would never try a quartering shot as I had concerns about the softness of this particular bullet. My average 3-shot groups about 1 1/2 " I also used it for practice on jackrabbits with very interesting results. The furnishihngs and fit were excellent with the exception that the wood at the receiver had slight flow. I never had a problem with loading or unloading. If your are getting a .25-06 the comment about feeding reloads is applicable. I speak from hearsay, but because your finger is the loading action, a bottleneck cartridge that is not full length resized will have a potential for being a stubborn loader. I am a lefty and never noticed the slight difference in height.
I also have a NEF. It is a little .17 hmr and is the only rifle I have owned that shoot 1" 100 yard 5 shot groups from the box. While the fit and finish is course, it costs lots less than other firearms. The NEF is lighter even though it has a bull barrel, but the shotgun eject makes varmint hunting a little difficult because of the loading (as previously mentioned).
The questions to ask yourself, do you want an heirloom or tool? Do you want a beautiful firearm, or a practical gamegetter? Do you want to wait to save up the money?

Swampman · « **Reply #20 on:** December 08, 2006, 12:03:59 AM »

Personally I find the H&R products to be the best value on the market. If you want all your money back out of a Handi Rifle, part it out on eBay and toss the reciever in the river. I don't like the #1 at all but I'd like to have a #3 in .30-40 Krag.

Fred M · « **Reply #21 on:** December 08, 2006, 07:34:10 AM »

Quote from: Swampman on December 08, 2006, 12:03:59 AM

Personally I find the H&R products to be the best value on the market. If you want all your money back out of a Handi Rifle, part it out on eBay and toss the reciever in the river. I don't like the #1 at all but I'd like to have a #3 in .30-40 Krag.

I never saw anyone so confused and so rightous. You just told everyone that you don't have the faintest idea about the #1 and the #3. Why not just keep your comments to yourself instead of making a laughing stock of yourself.

Swampman · « **Reply #22 on:** December 08, 2006, 11:04:20 AM »

Are you a moderator? You seemed to have confused me for someone else.

Datil · « **Reply #23 on:** December 08, 2006, 01:01:32 PM »

Fred I think you should Look at your last post here, Swampman has just as much right
to post his opinion as you are any one else. Marv.

Fred M · « **Reply #24 on:** December 08, 2006, 04:46:35 PM »

Marv.
Your point is well taken. I simply object to verbalism. Alas, Don't holler into the woods if you cant stand the echo.

This is supposed to be a site to enlighten the readers with facts and features.
It seams whenever a thread moves on in nice manner a troll chimes in to spoil it with nothing of substance to contribute.

Perhaps I got it all wrong like I have been told so many times. So it looks to me I maybe completely wasting my time. Or maybe I am simply too tired and cranky.
Take your pick.

Datil · « **Reply #25 on:** December 08, 2006, 05:32:14 PM »

Best take a asprin and go to bed. Marv.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #26 on:** December 12, 2006, 04:01:52 PM »

This may sound like a bit of a ramble...my pain meds are kicking in

I am a fan of both rifles...for many reasons...Each have had their places in my gunsafe over the years...I had to choose a couple months ago on my birthday...A #1 Tropical in 375H&H...or a Marlin XLR in 45-70...As much as I liked the #1...I went with the XLR...Why??? Simple...I have my Handi's for my single shot needs...Now...If I hadn't never owned a Handi...or a Marlin lever gun...or a #1...and I had to choose between the 3...The #1 would have come home with me...but I do own several Handi's...and have owned plenty of Marlin levers...and have owned a bunch of #1's.....I've found you can get outstanding individual rifles from all threee...and you can get some real dogs too...More often than not...correcting a bad Marlin..or Handi..isn't such a big deal...time or moneywise...But..in a Ruger...that's a whole different situation...Check with a gunsmith on the cost to work on a #1.....I have..and the Rugers I have owned have been more problematic than any of the Hand'si..or the Marlin I have ever owned...and turn around time is 10x better from NEF & Marlin than Ruger...

Do I think the Ruger is worth more $$$ than a Handi...Certainly...Do I think it's a "better" gun...in some ways absolutly...in others...NOPE...I'm sure other folks can and do feel differently...but...as MSP put it...

Quote

Then the correct answer would be, to some it is and to some is not, it depends more on the person than the gun....<><....

...and the luck each has had with each..or what trips you trigger

Mac

jmckinley · « **Reply #27 on:** December 13, 2006, 03:42:28 AM »

Genlemen I just read the replys and find it amusing at best. What one man finds beautiful another sees as ugly. The point is beauty is in the eye of you know. Both rifles are great tools in the field. One is finished to a higher standard the other is a working man's rifle. I like both I am looking for a big bore and found a No. 1 in 375H&H and have put it on layaway. My Handi 25-06 I wouldn't trade for any gun it shoots that well. Frankly the answer is both yes and no. If the pleasure of a highly polished rifle is what rings your bell then the No. 1 is worth every penny. On the other hand if a rifle is a tool to get the job done the Handi will do it as well or better than most so then the extra $ may not be worth it. It's your nickle so pick what feels best to you and your're comfortable with and enjoy. So the banter between members is amusing but is it needed....na its not. Like the man said it's Ford vs Chevy get what floats your boat. Jess

Ranger J · « **Reply #28 on:** December 13, 2006, 07:15:44 AM »

What I need and what I want are often two different things. I have a Handi in .223, .308 and 45/70. These three barrels shoot well enough to handle my realistic hunting needs. Did I need the Marlin 1895 45/70 or the Stevens 200 .308 I bought this year? Probably not, but getting them made me happy and as I had saved the money out of the allowance my wife gives me, I wasn’t hurting the family budget. Would I want a #1 in a caliber I don’t have (or for that matter one that I did have)? You betja! Do I need one? Not at this moment with a daughter in college. But some day, some day, just to feel the finish on the wood, to be able to take it to the range and see others wishing they had one. Do I need one? Well anyhow, some day I want one, just call it a flaw in my character.

RJ

drdougrx · « **Reply #29 on:** December 17, 2006, 03:19:08 AM »

C'mon you guys......Sammy, just handle both and buy which ever fits you better. Used #1's sell somewhere in the middle $500's. It's personal preference...both shoot well and look great......