handi rifle vs buffalo classic

[Emmas_Grace]

With modern smokeless loads is there any real performance advantage of the longer barrell in the buffalo classic?
 
I am interested in an open/iron sights with the ability to shoot longer ranges mostly for fun and hunting (if I can ensure that I become proficient) with almost exclusively modern smokeless rounds.

[Lonegun1894]

I have the BC, and believe the longer sight radius is an advantage if using open/iron sights.  I also have a .44 mag Handi-Rifle with a scope.  If using irons, i prefer the lenght, balance and longer sight radius of the BC, but I think I would have to take the Handi if hunting from a blind or other enclosed space where the extra lenght would be a handicap.  I know the two I mentioned are different calibers, so not comparing them based on that even though I load both to similar velocities so both should be good on my local deer and hogs to similar ranges.  I do think however that the shortness lenght of the barrels could be either a help or a hindrance depending on your hunting style.  If it is just range use, I would vote for the BC, and the same for any hunting unless the short lenght of the Handi is an advantage to you.

[bikerbeans]

 IMO the longer barrel will help you get a bit more velocity out of slower burning powders.  A program like "Quick Load" might better answer your question. 
 
When you say you want to shoot longer ranges are you looking for a longer PBZ or you just want to shoot 500+ yards?  The increase in velocity and PBZ with 10" more barrel is trival with a 45-70 govt rifle.  If you want to shoot very long range then a 22" Handi rifle can meet or exceed the velocity of the old BP 45-70s that folks can shoot out past 600 yards with decent accuracy.   
 
BB

[quickdtoo]

What BB said, I've tested two powders and 350gr jacketed in 22" and 32" barrels, there's potential for 100-150fps more velocity with the longer BC barrel.

Tim

[Emmas_Grace]

Thanks....this is helpful.....


Forgive my ignorance but what does PBZ stand for?  The distances y'all have talked about are more than adequate for what I am interested in....not interested in 1000 yard shots or anything and will be hard pressed to find the ability to practice over 300-400 yds. 


Also, I seem to remember seeing a post Tim where you had a 45-70 handi that had a full length front stock that looked really nice......how did you do that/where did you get the stock material from?

[Swampman]

The Handi will give you more recoil (velocity) than you can stand and it's not heavy and cumbersome like the BC.

[bikerbeans]

Thanks....this is helpful.....


Forgive my ignorance but what does PBZ stand for?  The distances y'all have talked about are more than adequate for what I am interested in....not interested in 1000 yard shots or anything and will be hard pressed to find the ability to practice over 300-400 yds. 


Also, I seem to remember seeing a post Tim where you had a 45-70 handi that had a full length front stock that looked really nice......how did you do that/where did you get the stock material from?

PBZ = point blank zero.  Google the phrase you should be able to find an explantion with diagrams that will make it clear what it means.  Basically it is the maximum range that you can shoot at a target without holdover and be within a specified size target, say for deer you would hit inside a 6 or 8 inch circle.
 
The full length shock is a Mannlicker, and I think either Boyds or Gunstock Inc makes them.  Both companies have websites.
 
BB

[tacklebury]

I looked really hard at both and jumped for the Buffalo Classic.    I am thrilled with mine and with the standard sights and my loads, I can put 5 in a 10" circle with kentucky windage to 300 yards.  I intend to put a long range sight on it some day, but other projects have interfered.  I do like my .45 Colt for hunting short range though and it's a lot nicer to carry all day hunting.  hehe  The classic is pretty heavy by comparison and catches on sticks and stuff more.  My Carbine is my go-to deer hunter now for sub 150 yard hunting.    At some point, I intend to add a short .45-70 barrel to my switch barrel setup also. 

[Buckwheat Jack]

I have the Handi because it cost a lot less. If I ever run into someone who wants to swap me the longer barrel, I will. I love longer rifles. I have three milsurps withe full length barrels and a muzzle loader with a 34" .58 barrel. Carry it cradled in elbow, noo problem.

[ratdog]

at 100 yards really can't see any difference. but the short barreled handy just balances nice i still like both.

[gcrank1]

Lets not be forgetting the stainless Ultra Hunter 45-70 with the 24" barrel, the best of both worlds, IMHO. I really like mine, the balance is great for me, though I wasnt fond of the thumbhole stock (looks, not function, mind you), so mine wears the conventional MC H&R lam. and RC pad sporting stock, and swapping for the BC wood gives it completely different character, if you wish. It does not come with open sights, but it is easy enough to D/T for a front ramp base or even dovetail it, and use the basic peep in the rear (unless you just gotta have a mid-barrel mounted open sight, then D/T or dovetail it too).

[kevinsmith5]

I have a 22" barreled BC (rebarreled) and a 32" BC both iron sights. The 22" is handy for brush but I would not trust it at more than 200 yards. I've rung the gong with the 32" at 1000 yards several times. The extra sight radius and increased velocity of the long barrel are pretty important, even in smokeless loads. As for the weight and "cumbersome" nature of the long barrel, the biggest issue I had was the balance. 19 ounces of lead in the stock hole helped that a lot (and didn't hurt with the recoil either). I find either easy to care in hand or sling. But I'm 6'2" and rather sturdy, so YMMV.

[mechanic]

I've got them both, and just like my grandsons, both are my favorites....
 
Ben

[45-70.gov]

i like  my 16 inch handi the best.......son to get a red-dot


the other is a 24 inch varmnt  not a handi.....like it too  with 1-4 scope


my  32 inch  classic  is.....well  a classic...just plain kool...one of the few irons sights i do good with

[LaOtto222]

"The differences are as follows
1. Longer barrel = longer sight radius with iron sights = more accuracy (makes no difference if using a scope)
2. Weight
3. Longer barrel = slightly higher velocity
4. BC's are cool and obviously the 22" version is, well handi

If money is no object, you want to use iron sights and you want to shoot higher velocity rounds (extra weight) the BC is for you. If you are going to scope it, now barrel length makes no difference or recoil is no big deal to you (if you shoot heavy loads) or you are going to carry it around a lot (hunting) then the 22" version is for you.

I am sure I left some thing out, but that is the basics

Good Luck and Good Shooting