The Firing Line Forums

Go Back   The Firing Line Forums > The Hide > The Art of the Rifle: General

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old November 3, 2012, 08:13 PM   #1
OttoJara
Senior Member
 
Join Date: November 14, 2008
Location: Palm Beach County, Florida
Posts: 459
Buyers Remorse ?

I just ordered a NEF Handi rifle in 45-70. After going to the store today to pick up a couple boxes of ammo, I'm not sure if I made the right choice. There is no doubt that I wanted the Handi Rifle, I'm just not sure about the 45-70. I was also thinking of 30-30, I like the iron sights. I can still cancel the order and get the 30-30. I don't need the 45-70, I've just always wanted one. Tell me it'll be OK and I'll love this new gun.
__________________
The early bird may get the worm, but, the second rat, gets the cheese.

"A fear of weapons, is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud
OttoJara is offline  
Old November 3, 2012, 08:28 PM   #2
TripHlx
Senior Member
 
Join Date: October 10, 2011
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 110
I'm a big fan of the handi-rifle, love mine to death. I don't currently own a 45-70 barrel, but everyone I know who has one says it's just about a perfect combo. I imagine if you handload and plan on ramping up the charges, the light weight might make it a little rough on the shoulder. Then again, certain people seem to like that. (Guilty as charged)
__________________
"If you carry a gun, people will call you paranoid. That's ridiculous. If I have a gun, what in the hell do I have to be paranoid for." - Clint Smith
TripHlx is offline  
Old November 3, 2012, 09:07 PM   #3
OttoJara
Senior Member
 
Join Date: November 14, 2008
Location: Palm Beach County, Florida
Posts: 459
I really can't see myself hand loading. I am not that organized or detailed. I amagine myself double loading rounds or half loading them. I told my son that I want ammo for CHRISTmas this year. I have a fascination with expensive ammo. 300 Win mag., 35 Remington, and now, 45-70. What the hell is wrong with me?
__________________
The early bird may get the worm, but, the second rat, gets the cheese.

"A fear of weapons, is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud
OttoJara is offline  
Old November 3, 2012, 10:03 PM   #4
jmortimer
Junior member
 
Join Date: January 24, 2010
Location: South West Riverside County California
Posts: 2,763
The .45-70 would be a good place to start reloading. Straight walled case. Use some Trail Boss. It is so bulky you can't double charge. Low recoil. Save yourself some $$$ and get your son started. A win-win. Regardless, you will be liking your rifle and then you can get the .30-30.
jmortimer is offline  
Old November 3, 2012, 11:34 PM   #5
OttoJara
Senior Member
 
Join Date: November 14, 2008
Location: Palm Beach County, Florida
Posts: 459
I was looking on Cheaper Than Dirt, and found a Lee's Loader. It said it was all I needed to get ready for 45-70. I thought I needed a press and a few other parts to reload.
__________________
The early bird may get the worm, but, the second rat, gets the cheese.

"A fear of weapons, is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud
OttoJara is offline  
Old November 3, 2012, 11:40 PM   #6
johnwilliamson062
Junior member
 
Join Date: May 16, 2008
Posts: 9,995
The lee loader is a one at a time manual loader set-up. I know a hunter or two who use them for 357 they shoot less than 50 rounds a year with and a few people use them to make test loads while at the range.

Everyone I know who uses one is happy with it.

I bought one at an estate auction a few years back but never used it.

I think you also need to buy more powder measures if you want to load a variety.

Handi rifles aren't too expensive. If you decide to buy a 30/30 down the road it won't break the bank.
johnwilliamson062 is offline  
Old November 3, 2012, 11:40 PM   #7
jmortimer
Junior member
 
Join Date: January 24, 2010
Location: South West Riverside County California
Posts: 2,763
That will work - good place to start - just use powder dipper and get a scale and you are good to go
jmortimer is offline  
Old November 4, 2012, 01:24 AM   #8
Kiwi Hunter
Member
 
Join Date: August 13, 2009
Posts: 76
The handi rifle is absolutely horrible in 45/70 (imho) unless you need the 45 for some reason I would be swapping it out straight away.

My brothers one on that chambering would pop the action open with even moderately warm loads as well - not a nice feeling
Kiwi Hunter is offline  
Old November 4, 2012, 06:29 AM   #9
Goatwhiskers
Senior Member
 
Join Date: April 8, 2009
Location: Batchelor, La.
Posts: 579
In the Handi 99.999% of pop-opens happen because the latch and shelf are wet with lube. Keep them DRY and close with a snap, problem solved. GW
Goatwhiskers is offline  
Old November 4, 2012, 07:05 AM   #10
OttoJara
Senior Member
 
Join Date: November 14, 2008
Location: Palm Beach County, Florida
Posts: 459
I'm sure I'll be happy with the 45-70 Handi Rifle. I knew the price of the ammo before the purchase, it was just paying it when I had to. that being said, I can't wait till it comes.
__________________
The early bird may get the worm, but, the second rat, gets the cheese.

"A fear of weapons, is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud
OttoJara is offline  
Old November 4, 2012, 07:17 AM   #11
Kreyzhorse
Senior Member
 
Join Date: April 12, 2006
Location: NKY
Posts: 12,463
If you like a little recoil you will love the 45-70. Seriously, it is a fun round to shoot and hunt with. You won't regret it after you put a few down range.

I bought a Ruger No. 1 in 45-70 and it can't get enough of it. Hunting ammo by the way is cheaper for my 45-70 than for my 7mm Rem Mag.
__________________
"He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson
Kreyzhorse is offline  
Old November 4, 2012, 12:13 PM   #12
OttoJara
Senior Member
 
Join Date: November 14, 2008
Location: Palm Beach County, Florida
Posts: 459
I don't mind recoil, I've had a 300 Win Mag, and I have a 35rem. 336. I've always thought the 45-70 was just a badass round, and you never know when you will have a charging Cadillac.
__________________
The early bird may get the worm, but, the second rat, gets the cheese.

"A fear of weapons, is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud
OttoJara is offline  
Old November 4, 2012, 04:30 PM   #13
oneoldsap
Senior Member
 
Join Date: September 16, 2009
Location: I live in the foot of the Green Mountains of Vermont
Posts: 1,602
If I bought a Handi-Rifle , I'd have buyers remorse before I left the store , no matter what caliber !
oneoldsap is offline  
Old November 4, 2012, 08:40 PM   #14
jhenry
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 27, 2006
Location: Ozarks
Posts: 1,840
I have 2 Handi Rifles,, both in .243 for my boys. I have shot quite a few others though I like them. My friend has one in .500 SW Magnum. Loaded with heavy lead and a full charge it knocks my hat off the front of my head. I think a 45-70 with more sedate loads would be fine.
__________________
"A Liberal is someone who doesn't care what you do, as long as it's mandatory". - Charles Krauthammer
jhenry is offline  
Old November 4, 2012, 09:03 PM   #15
OttoJara
Senior Member
 
Join Date: November 14, 2008
Location: Palm Beach County, Florida
Posts: 459
Thanks JHenry, I think I'm going to love this gun once I get it in my hands. How old are your boys? I have two of my own 17 & 10, the 10yr old limes shooting. He has put claim on my S&W 15-22. He's getting very good with it. He wants to shoot a hog or a deer, so, I've been thinking of a 243 for him. The gun shop around the corner has a used Handi in 223. I was thinking of that for him.
__________________
The early bird may get the worm, but, the second rat, gets the cheese.

"A fear of weapons, is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud
OttoJara is offline  
Old November 5, 2012, 06:58 AM   #16
jhenry
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 27, 2006
Location: Ozarks
Posts: 1,840
11 and 13 now, they have had the guns 2 and 4 years. The 223 is also a good choice, but the .243 allows heavier projectiles. Recoil is manageable. Both have scopes.
__________________
"A Liberal is someone who doesn't care what you do, as long as it's mandatory". - Charles Krauthammer
jhenry is offline  
Old November 5, 2012, 10:11 AM   #17
jmortimer
Junior member
 
Join Date: January 24, 2010
Location: South West Riverside County California
Posts: 2,763
"If I bought a Handi-Rifle , I'd have buyers remorse before I left the store , no matter what caliber !"
Deep, insightful addition to this thread. When you are going to take up server space, why not put some thought into what you have to say. No one cares about your rude, thoughtless comment. Plenty of people like the H&Rs. The point here was a caliber discussion, not your opinion about H&R, which is not needed, or wanted.
jmortimer is offline  
Old November 5, 2012, 05:40 PM   #18
Bamashooter
Senior Member
 
Join Date: March 12, 2010
Posts: 1,860
I would put my handi-rifle against anything comperably priced. Mine is a .243 with a burris 3x9 scope. Its light, reliable, extremely accurate and for the price of the whole setup I couldnt be more happy.

Otto if I were you I would get it, shoot it, and then decide if its a keeper or not. If its the handi-rifle that's got you nervous I wouldnt worry too much about it. They have been building 45-70 Govt. single shot rifles for awhile now.
Bamashooter is offline  
Old November 5, 2012, 06:31 PM   #19
OttoJara
Senior Member
 
Join Date: November 14, 2008
Location: Palm Beach County, Florida
Posts: 459
It's not the H&R, it was the caliber. I have a NEF 12 ga. That I take turkey hunting instead of my Wingmaster or A5. The Browning is a light 12 I got when my dad passed. Can't get rid of it and really don't want to shoot it. She's a safe queen now. I intend on getting more H&Rs in the near future. I like simple and reliable.
__________________
The early bird may get the worm, but, the second rat, gets the cheese.

"A fear of weapons, is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud
OttoJara is offline  
Old November 6, 2012, 12:10 AM   #20
OttoJara
Senior Member
 
Join Date: November 14, 2008
Location: Palm Beach County, Florida
Posts: 459
Anyone have pics of their Handi rifles?
__________________
The early bird may get the worm, but, the second rat, gets the cheese.

"A fear of weapons, is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud
OttoJara is offline  
Old November 24, 2012, 02:22 PM   #21
OttoJara
Senior Member
 
Join Date: November 14, 2008
Location: Palm Beach County, Florida
Posts: 459
Well, I got my Handi Rifle and as you guys said, I love it. I haven't shot it yet, hopefully next weekend. I have gone out and bought 120 rounds for it, that should last me a while. I'll get a pick up ASAP I don't go on my computer at home much, only on my phone like now. Has anyone figured out how to upload pics from their phone on here yet?
__________________
The early bird may get the worm, but, the second rat, gets the cheese.

"A fear of weapons, is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud
OttoJara is offline  
Old November 25, 2012, 05:15 PM   #22
TripHlx
Senior Member
 
Join Date: October 10, 2011
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 110
I'm sure you'll have a blast with it once you get it out to the range. I strongly suggest you take up reloading, partly to mitigate costs, but also because the 45-70 can be an incredibly fun round when you start loading custom loads for it. I like ball rounds, tons of fun.
__________________
"If you carry a gun, people will call you paranoid. That's ridiculous. If I have a gun, what in the hell do I have to be paranoid for." - Clint Smith
TripHlx is offline  
Old December 1, 2012, 07:15 PM   #23
WIN1886
Senior Member
 
Join Date: March 25, 2012
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 604
The 45-70 caliber is one of my favorites ! Reloading your own ammo for it is fun and easy.....mild loads is all that's needed to put venison in the freezer !
WIN1886 is offline  
Old December 6, 2012, 06:05 AM   #24
lefteyedom
Senior Member
 
Join Date: September 7, 2010
Location: Virginia
Posts: 333
My next handi-rifle will be a 45/70 with the barrel cut down to 16 1/2" and a thick recoil pad.

I currently have a NEF single shot 12 gauge with a 19" barrel. Shooting slugs out of that thing separates the Men from the boys. (Some say the foolish from the wise)
__________________
Superman, you are a mean drunk
lefteyedom is offline  
Old December 7, 2012, 05:35 PM   #25
NoSecondBest
Senior Member
 
Join Date: December 7, 2009
Location: Western New York
Posts: 2,736
You can buy very light recoiling 45-70 ammo at a number of places. It's for cowboy action shooting and it pushes a 405 grain bullet at I believe around 1200 fps. It's a real wosie load and very accurate. Even though it's very light recoiling it will still shoot completely through an average size deer. FYI: I bought my first 45-70 two years ago and have had four since then. I just ordered a Pedersoli lever gun in this caliber. I got rid of all my small bore centerfire rifles and can't get enough of these big boys. Reloading I'm getting 1moa accuracy at 100 yds.
NoSecondBest is offline  
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:39 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
This site and contents, including all posts, Copyright © 1998-2021 S.W.A.T. Magazine
Copyright Complaints: Please direct DMCA Takedown Notices to the registered agent: thefiringline.com
Page generated in 0.07143 seconds with 10 queries