Author Topic: 22 or 32" bc or handi? (Read 1272 times)

DC · « **on:** September 16, 2008, 03:33:18 AM »

Ok after all the ruckus I started in the "bitterness..." tread, you all have convinced me I need one.

Now, which one? I see both BC's..long barrel and a couple of Handi's on Gun Broker. which one do most of you shoot? Does anyone hunt with a BC? What is it like to tote around. Weight wise, it is just a little more than a Browning A Bolt. I like the fact that it has a peep sight mounted already as well.
I would love your thoughts! Before the day is out, one or the other will be mine!

Singleshotsam · « **Reply #1 on:** September 16, 2008, 03:49:19 AM »

While I don't own a 45/70......yet.....

If I was going to buy one today it would be the BC. I like the way the look feel and handle, plus the extra bbl length and wieght would assist in the recoil a bit...

Dustyvance · « **Reply #2 on:** September 16, 2008, 04:23:02 AM »

I have The BC and love it. Being in a wheelchair I had to opt for less recoil and this thing is great. If you are recoil sensitive I would strongly advise AGAINST the short version, while it is a great gun ,it just kicks 2 darn hard.

Swampman · « **Reply #3 on:** September 16, 2008, 04:40:59 AM »

I don't like the 32" barreled version. It's just too cumbersome & really heavy. It's just not Handi. Now if you're not going to hunt with it, it might be ok.

I love the 22" version. It's much cheaper and just as accurate.

Recoil is about the same. Not really an issue in the .45-70.

Troyboy · « **Reply #4 on:** September 16, 2008, 05:00:53 AM »

I have the 22" 45/70 with a bushnell 3-9x40 great hunting rig. Of course i only hunt paper.
BC is a target gun more so with the long barrel IMO. More combersome i would think.

Troy

Swampman · « **Reply #5 on:** September 16, 2008, 05:15:08 AM »

I'd like to try the 24" Ultra. It might be the best of both worlds.

petemi · « **Reply #6 on:** September 16, 2008, 05:29:12 AM »

I have the 22", and they come with a recoil pad. I hunt, and prefer the shorter, lighter, faster swinging, not so brush grabbing, rifle. I'm a skinny guy and I don't mind the recoil at all. If you think it kicks too much, get the synthetic stock and put some lead shot in the butt.

Smokin Joe · « **Reply #7 on:** September 16, 2008, 06:25:55 AM »

Get a B/C barrel and cut it down to 28"

Perfect!

LONGTOM · « **Reply #8 on:** September 16, 2008, 09:44:42 AM »

I have 2 BCs and 1 Handy.
I like the extra barrel lend for the added bullet speed but they are heavy and they don't lend themselves very well to a sling, to top heavy.
The curved but plate tends to dig into your shoulder if you are a big man.
Some shoot very good and some don't. WHO KNOWS WHY!
The Handy is much easier to carry and is faster to swing into play when you need to make a fast aimed shot.
The recoil pad helps a lot to.
Mine seems to shoot better than my BCs.

That was a lot of help wasn't it!
All in all I like the looks of the BCs but in reality the Handys are probably better for hunting at practical ranges.

LONGTOM

tykempster · « **Reply #9 on:** September 16, 2008, 04:26:23 PM »

I don't find either gun unwieldy, the BC really isn't that long with no action to speak of. But 32" gives a nice velocity boost, however I DON'T think the BC would have less recoil than any 45-70 with a recoil pad.

OSOK · « **Reply #10 on:** October 01, 2008, 01:49:07 PM »

I own a BC, and have shot a 22" handi. Both are fine guns. The 22" handi looks and feels like a 20 gauge...even the recoil. If you stick with factory ammo, recoil is not an issue with either. I went with the BC because it was the only way this over-worked, under-paid deputy sheriff was going to ever have a buffalo rifle. The only thing I would trade it for would be a Sharps...like that would happen. I have killed deer with it using the Remington 330 grain HP...every one was DRT. A hole the size of your thumb going in, size of your fist coming out, and very little bloodshot meat.

Woodbutcher · « **Reply #11 on:** October 01, 2008, 02:54:42 PM »

I think this one is going to be fun!
BC, I hunt with the 45/70 Handy. It's nice! I also hunt with a muzzleloader. ( 30 inch barrel) It's heavier, but I don't consider the extra length cumbersome at all.
A longer barrel certainly does hold steader offhand, and that's what I like. The muzzleloader scores better offhand at 100 yards, even with iron sights.
I've handled the Buff Hunter and it sure holds steadier than my Handy, and yeah, that is a chunk of iron out there! I like the extra length, but you have to carry more and pay more.
It would be good if you could at least handle both of them at the same time, to help confuse...uh ...make a better determination for yourself.
Woodbutcher

Scibaer · « **Reply #12 on:** October 01, 2008, 03:20:43 PM »

I hunt with my BC , and have no issues with its length or weight ..
glenn

quickdtoo · « **Reply #13 on:** October 01, 2008, 05:04:04 PM »

I've not hunted with any of my 45-70s yet, but I have hunted several years with a Lancaster flintlock with a 34" barrel, it handled great and felt very similar to the BC, ya just have to be mindful of the length.

Tim

petemi · « **Reply #14 on:** October 02, 2008, 02:08:20 AM »

I like the recoil pad and the pistol grip on the Handi. I haven't shot the BC, but I own and have shot a lot of tradional muzzleloaders with brass butt plates and a straight grip and they knock the crap out of me. I much prefer my Handi .45-70. It swings fast, isn't too heavy to carry over ridges, settles on target quickly, and is not punishing.

In the near future, I'm going to take the wood off it and replace it with synthetic so I can put some lead in the stock to reduce recoil because I like heavy loads.

LONGTOM · « **Reply #15 on:** October 02, 2008, 02:52:02 AM »

"In the near future, I'm going to take the wood off it and replace it with synthetic so I can put some lead in the stock to reduce recoil because I like heavy loads."

That kind of contradicts it's self doesn't it?
Taking off a wood stock and replacing it with a much lighter synthetic and then adding weight to make it heaver again.
Why not just add the weight to the wood if recoil is the only reason for the change.
Now if you prefer the synthetic over wood than that is another matter.
You could also change recoil pads.
That makes a big difference.

My thoughts, your call.

LONGTOM

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #16 on:** October 02, 2008, 03:31:41 AM »

petemi, I took the pad off of one and drilled some holes in the stock with a wood bit, (forget what size) then I took some iron pipe poured full of lead and put it in the holes, you can also put one in the stocks bolt hole, since then I purchased a mercury recoil reducer that fits in the hole, I works very well.

I've shot both handi and BC I much prefer the handi for hunting, That BC was haywoods and he had it reamed to .45-90, That thing was fun to shoot but not nearly as nice to carry around. I am going to cut down my .38-55 for the same reason, I don't use it for targets much so I will make it a little Handier.

That all being said I also hunt with a 32" 15/16s octogon barreled TC Renagade sidelock, Wanna talk heavy?

Boy its a shooter thou.

petemi · « **Reply #17 on:** October 02, 2008, 08:55:49 AM »

Tom and Bob, I put a plastic stock loaded with 36 oz. of #4 shot on my "06 and it turned it into a .22....well maybe a .44. The point is it works, improves balance, slings well, swings well, and settles on target. I like synthetic, because the pallet wood isn't anything to hold as sacred or beautiful, and I like a black rifle in the woods. My wife had a junk rifle with a beautiful walnut stock. I said, "Trash the rifle and frame the stock".

To me it is easier to weight a plastic stock than a wood one. The starting weight value of the two is not that significant; just a little more lead. But, I'm still trying to figure the accuracy aspects of wood vs plastic. Any ideas there??

Tencubed · « **Reply #18 on:** October 02, 2008, 01:07:32 PM »

Might want to consider what kind of hunting your going to be doing. Anymore I'm relegated to hunting from ambush as the days of walking over a mountain or three are past. I've yet to hunt deer or elk with the BC but have been tormenting the coyotes around the place some. If your going to be walking a lot of miles I'd go with the lightest rifle I could find that had the range you need. My little TC with a 16" 45-70 barrel is perfect for beating the brush and getting up close and personal. Recoil is fierce with the rifle weighing under five pounds but your not going to shoot that much. With the BC and a rest I can reach out quite a ways. Further than I originally expected to be able to and I have yet to work up some heavy bullet long range loads that shoot well in this rifle.

If you opt for the BC I would suggest carrying three fairly sturdy sticks about five feet long with a heavy O-ring around them to allow their use as a walking stick. Just spread the three legs out, adjust the ring for height and you have a really stable rest to shoot from. Works great if you are on a stand, which around here is just a hiding spot from which you can watch a good area, not a tree stand or big blind.

The three leg rest can be made quite easily by taking a oak dowel of the proper size and cutting to it's center along its length three times. Use a thin kerf blade so the pieces fit well after just a bit of time with a sander. A few groves cut around the stick at convenient heights allows quick moving of the O-ring for sitting, kneeling or standing shots. Very helpful "cheat" for those of us getting a bit older.

Mike

Scibaer · « **Reply #19 on:** October 02, 2008, 01:12:23 PM »

I should say that my BC is not 'really' a BC, the stock came from a 35Whelen, the receiver from a 7m-08, and the fore-end from a 20 gauge shotgun. I had NEF fit the barrel, which i got right after Marlin and before Remington got involved. There is no extra weight in the stock, for me it handles just fine, carries in the woods just as well and recoil ? what recoil ?

..
I watched a movie, Last of the Mohicans , and adopted they way they carried their long rifles as they walked ( in the film ).. sort of like carrying a football or a baby, it seems to work quite well ( again, for me ) allows me to keep the barrel end out of trouble .
glenn

petemi · « **Reply #20 on:** October 03, 2008, 03:17:32 AM »

Glenn, I've always carried my rifle/shotgun that way. On horseback, If I think I'll need them quickly, they rest across the saddle. If not, they're in the scabbard at my side. I walk with the gun cradled on my left arm pointing in that direction. If I'm with another person, I stay on his left so the muzzle points away. It comes up fast when you need it and is easy to carry.

rex6666 · « **Reply #21 on:** October 03, 2008, 05:08:23 AM »

i put my 22" 45/70 barrel on a synthetic stock i had cause it looks "nasty"
synthetic stock being hollow i found a 1/2" steel bar that some one had
installed before me, i poured about 20oz of shot in around that, it seems
to be a lot more balanced to me. Not enough recoil to even talk about,
short enough to sling up side down for quick access, but i have always cradled
a rifle in my left elbow. I am very happy with this set up.

Scibaer · « **Reply #22 on:** October 04, 2008, 01:02:00 PM »

Petemi,
i never payed any attention to how i carried , only if it was pointed safely when i was a kid, then in the military, well you know how that goes. now i carry all my long guns in this 'long rifle' style. i went squirrel hunting ( hog scouting actually ) this morning and experimented with carry options, got home and tried them with my 'BC'.. imagine me parading around my back yard with 3 rifles,

..

Tencubed · « **Reply #23 on:** October 04, 2008, 01:35:15 PM »

My Dad was a southpaw and taught me to carry a rifle with the muzzle down and over your forearm with the butt in your armpit more or less. This method and across the body were both acceptable depending on if you were walking in line or side by side. Muzzle awareness was the big issue. Since he was a lefty I was usually on his left when we were walking side by each with the rifles/shotguns pointing away from us. The BC is long and heavy enough to make the carry with the muzzle forward a bit awkward. Been experimenting with a sling but as mentioned it's not an easy rifle to carry that way. Since I usually have shooting sticks with we when packing the BC it gets a little awkward at times. If anyone comes up with a good way to sling carry this rifle I'd like to hear about it.

Mike

Scibaer · « **Reply #24 on:** October 04, 2008, 03:08:37 PM »

Ten,
try this.. hold the rifle by the small part of the stock where it mates to the reciever, cradling it like a football with the barrel over your arm facing rearward and the stock facing forward and down a bit. it works better then it sounds
glenn

LONGTOM · « **Reply #25 on:** October 04, 2008, 06:26:11 PM »

The way Scibaer said has always worked for me with all long guns including the BC.
I learned this hold from the many years of carring my BROWING A5s.
Just feels natural.

As far as a sling on the BC, standard style just doesn't work with them unless you use one of the wide straps that is made of the stretchy rubber.
I think they are UNCLE MIKES or BUTLER CREEK not sure which.
The best way is the old military style of the butt up and the barrel down or upside down method.
Mine carries very well that way, although don't try the military fast retrieve where you reach back and down grabbing the barrel at about the end of the forarm with your palm coming to rest on the top of the barrel, kind of twirling it and spinning it at the same time in mid air and catching it with both hands for a quick snap to the shoulder.
It will work but most of the time the barrel will hit your leg or get caught on the tall grass or a stick.
It helps if you are taller which I am not!
Takes practice!

LONGTOM

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #26 on:** October 05, 2008, 02:53:41 AM »

Has anyone looked into getting a barrel band kind of sling mount like they use on safari rifles? That would let you put the front sling mount where you want it, On my freaky long muzzle loaders I use a leather lace on type works well for me but thats mostly for jsut traming when I get in the woods I cradle them like others have posted.

Tencubed · « **Reply #27 on:** October 05, 2008, 01:02:37 PM »

Quote from: Scibaer on October 04, 2008, 03:08:37 PM

Ten,
try this.. hold the rifle by the small part of the stock where it mates to the reciever, cradling it like a football with the barrel over your arm facing rearward and the stock facing forward and down a bit. it works better then it sounds
glenn

Got the rifle out and marched around the yard for awhile, no neighbors and the family is gone for the day so no snickers, but don't like not being able to watch what the muzzle is pointed at. Works well, which surprised me, as far as being easy to carry but I need to be able to watch that muzzle. Thanks for the idea tho.

Mike

Tencubed · « **Reply #28 on:** October 05, 2008, 01:06:32 PM »

Quote from: LONGTOM on October 04, 2008, 06:26:11 PM

As far as a sling on the BC, standard style just doesn't work with them unless you use one of the wide straps that is made of the stretchy rubber.
I think they are UNCLE MIKES or BUTLER CREEK not sure which.
The best way is the old military style of the butt up and the barrel down or upside down method.
LONGTOM

I'm too short and clumsy to pack it with the muzzle down. I'd be easy to track by the rut I left behind me.

Mike

dinger · « **Reply #29 on:** October 05, 2008, 03:33:58 PM »

I like a muzzle down carry . For lefties this means right shoulder carry with the fore-end to the front so as you walk your right hand naturally falls on the fore-end. When you want your rifle you can grasp the fore-end with your right hand and bring the rifle/fore-end forward and up as you rotate the rifle into shooting position and direct the butt of the rifle into your shoulder. Your trigger hand should naturally grasp the wrist of the stock as it rises to engage your shoulder. This should position your shooting hand to engage the hammer and trigger of you rifle as needed. With a muzzle down carry it is a good practice to tape the muzzle with electricians tape to keep out debris in case of a stumble or fall in the woods. If i think game is nearby i carry at port arms, muzzle at eye level and always in my field of view(ala Jeff Cooper?). Hope i'm not too of topic here, just my two cents. dinger.