Disappointed ! 2 month wait Downunder for a new .357 mag Handi rifle ?

[Jacko]

I called into a local gun dealer AGAIN to check on the progress of the new shipment and to order a .357 mag Synthetic Handi rifle that I thought would be in this shipment . The new distributor told the gun dealer there was non available and it will be at least a 2 month wait for another shipment to land . There was other calibres available but I had decided on the .357 mag as it is cheap to feed compared to the .44 mag and 45 colt , even when reloading .

I have been getting quite enthused about getting one of these little rifles but I won't wait 2 months minimum for one . I ended up lay buying my second choice - a 357 mag Rossi Puma with an octagonal 24" barrel , cost me $775 - $200 more than the Handi would have so no reloading gear for 3 or 4 pays .

I bought the permit to aquire at the local police station and went back to the gunshop where they helped me fill it out and faxed it to the weapons licencing branch - could be anywhere from 14 to 28 days for approval and processing , then I got 8 weeks to pay for the rifle before the permit expires and I have to start the ball rolling again . I already own a centrefire rifle so approval may be quick as 14 days , If I did not own a centrefire and needed to be licenced for a new catorgory firearm it would take much longer .

I am going hunting next weekend and would love it by then but that will not happen , can tell you now the permit has zero chance of expiring , will walk out with the rifle same day I receive the permit .

I have been haunting this forum a lot this last few weeks and thank everyone for all advice .

I will save up again and chase up the Handi rifle at a latter date - I like the simplicity of this type of rifle and the ethos of one shot one kill , suppose I could single load the Rossi ?

regards Jacko

[shaner]

well  at that rate leave your order in for the 357 and hopefully it will get in  later on  for ya , has to me a pain dealiin with the red tape you folks have to  deal with to own a rifle , the puma  are good rifles i have a rossi oct barreled 45colt,  they shoot great in fact, hang in there  youll get a 357 handi, how do they handle reloading  componets over there ?  are they heavily watched also?

[dpe.ahoy]

The Pumas are good rifles too.  I have 3, 357,44mag and 454.  I'm with Shaner, leave the order in for the Handi and the wait won't be as long as if you drop the order for now.  Sounds like a real PAIN to get a new gun there.  Hope we aren't in for the same here.  DP