Author Topic: Reflections, thoughts and questions on the Handi (Read 1269 times)

petemi · « **on:** December 14, 2012, 04:16:39 AM »

The first thought that comes to mind: Is the Handi an Old Farts rifle? It must be. I think most of us here are older. Perhaps more assured in our ability to make a one shot clean kill? In our youth, we may have beat around a midnight woods trying to find a wounded critter, and learned a single, well placed shot was the better way to go. Then there is the simplicity. It ain't a new fangled machine. It's simple and it works. I think that is what appeals to me most. Years ago now, after that first Handi .45-70, the bolt guns, semi-autos and to some extent, the lever guns have languished, hoping for a day in the sun. The lever guns are somewhat more tenuous about hanging on. Perhaps they too speak of days long gone and beckon to the latent cowboy in all of us.

I hate to even think of this, but I do, in my heart believe the single shots are doomed. They don't fit in with modern technology and our microchip, speed it up, get it done society. They are alien to electronic calls, laser sights, electronic ignition rifles, GPSs, trail cameras, etc., ect. All the things that are today supposed to make your hunt a "success". One of my most "successful" recent hunts was just sitting in the open watching a button buck for an hour and a half graze within 25 yards of me. I never fired a shot. Being more than content with a day in the field without making a kill may be another passing thing.

Just thoughts from another Old Fart.

Pete

Jim Flinchbaugh · « **Reply #1 on:** December 14, 2012, 04:34:37 AM »

Quote from: petemi on December 14, 2012, 04:16:39 AM

They don't fit in with modern technology and our microchip, speed it up, get it done society.

Pete

This older fart doesnt fit with the above either. The only modern convenience I like it the internet for the amount of info available.
But the times spent weeding out the gems from the c r a p may be slower that figuring stuff out on your own.
I like single shots and lever guns. Yeah, they may be quirky sometimes compared to new fandangled bolt guns, but so am I.
Jim
slowly working on my "hermit status" merit badge

PineyCreek22 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 14, 2012, 04:43:51 AM »

Interesting Petemi, much of what you speak is true. But long after the last penny is spent on wasted ammunition, the last pound of plastic is injected and molded and the last billet of aluminum is die cast there will be a proud gunsmith building single shots. Rifles that reflect the skill of his craft and the soul of his heart. And why do you ask? Because the beloved creations that we love, cherish and harvest - deserve it.

Regards, Piney Creek

bodie4 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 14, 2012, 04:47:37 AM »

Well Im almost 40 and I dont think im an old fart yet snd I really loce the handi single shots. I got into them when looking into a new shotgun deer setup. Found a great markdown on those dicks combos and I was off. Before I knew it I had visited every dicks in the state and had bought 4 combos. I learned on this site I MUST own some calibers so I sold off and traded barrels and stocks. Bought some barrels and full guns until the handi disease is now fully developed

. I still like the ARs and such but I dont know enough to modify them wheras Im leaning lots on this site for cutting barels..recrowning..fitting barrels..its just plain fun...Also on using a single shot in the field my pop taught me to shoot good enough( when I properly sight in a scope) ..and if I do miss that critter deserves to live its life

Sent from my LG-LS670 using Tapatalk

je265 · « **Reply #4 on:** December 14, 2012, 04:47:38 AM »

There seems to be a movement towards simpler things. Traditional archery has become real popular lately and many others are going back to traditional muzzleloading. The thing that is hurting the single shot guns is the price point on some of the entry level bolt guns. A gun shop was recently selling the ruger American for $299 and had the handi- rifles out for $269. The average hunter would lean towards the bolt gun but I think there will always be some that favor simpler things. As long as I can choose what works for me I really don't care what the other guy is interested in.

Btw I'm 38 and shot my first buck in 1992 with a tracker 1 slug gun and my first coyote in 1994 with a pardner 12 ga with a full choke. I have some more expensive guns but end up taking a nef/h&r hunting about 80% of the time. A big reason is I'm pretty hard on my gear and don't mind beating up these guns as I view them as tools to get the job done.

fish280 · « **Reply #5 on:** December 14, 2012, 05:37:46 AM »

i made my first gun purchase when i was 11. it was an h&r 16-gauge shotgun with full choke. what a dove killer it was.
i have liked the handi ethos ever since.
i now have only one handi, in .30-'06. my youngest son has two: .45-70 with plastic stock, and fat-barrel .308, the .308 was a gift from me. the .45-70 he bought from me 2-3 years ago when health issues kept me out of the woods. he used that .45-70 to kill his first antlered buck a couple of weeks ago. the .45-70 is what he usually takes when hunting the woods where he lives.
i am blessed to be able to hunt with him now.

Brian P. · « **Reply #6 on:** December 14, 2012, 07:25:56 AM »

I think it's more of a 'thrifty and practical' gun. I haven't known many youths to be 'thrifty and practical' especially with cars and guns

To the general public a Handi isn't cool. It's not used in the movies or Call of Duty games. I must say that since the first-person-shooter games the general youth population is much more knowledgeable about various models; at least in terms of there existence and general application, than they were in the 1980's and early 90's.
My friends kind of chuckled when I got my Handi but shooting it and seeing the results in the context of the price paid has won some of their appreciation for it.

rdlange · « **Reply #7 on:** December 14, 2012, 07:29:23 AM »

Just had coffee with a federal agent, mid 30s, uses the latest and greatest hardware in his job. His favorite 'off hours' shooter is an old Win single shot 16ga he's had for years. Said it was a great walk around the ranch gun. His wife has a Pardner 20ga in preference to a Rem 870. Of course she carries a Beretta 380 w/pink grips. So... old pharts? Not.

YRUpunting? · « **Reply #8 on:** December 14, 2012, 07:35:26 AM »

Pete I'm in my mid 40's and I have to disagree with you. If anything the single shot market is growing not declining. CVA is tying to get in the market as well as some foreign brand (I forget the name) I see showing up in the gun shops. Technology overtakes most items over time but the simple tools that work and anyone can use stick around.

What has surprised me about the ACC Blackout is the interest from outside the Handi fanatics. When I saw the first link on here about it I thought who is going to want that? I didn't see how it would appeal to the subsonic crowd or the AR15'ers. But both groups have a lot of interest in it. It fills a niche for both groups.

The primitive hunting seasons in the southern states and the slow move from shotgun slug only in the midwest states will also keep the singles around. I don't think single shots will gain in market share, but I don't see them declining significantly either. Whether H&R is in the mix or not I don't know. Single shots are a niche in the gun market. Niche companies often don't do well as part of a conglomerate. H&R is showing signs of big company bad ideas.

jkpq45 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 14, 2012, 10:13:12 AM »

My 28th birthday will be next Friday (end of the world day, right?)

I love the Handi platform because of its strength and price point. I'm into experimenting with handloading and wildcatting; the Handi is the perfect platform for round development as there's hardly any action parts for me to screw up as in, say, an AR- type or bolt-action-type build.

Plus, I got into the game for ~$200. Left some money to be used for tooling, reloading stuff and range time. Try doing that with a Ruger No. 1

tacklebury · « **Reply #10 on:** December 14, 2012, 12:12:53 PM »

I'm 42 and see no end of single shots for me. I started with one and I'll probably end with one. I love having an 8 caliber switch barrel too. I can actually carry one heavy case and one heavy bag of ammo and carry all to the range for a work out!

yukondog · « **Reply #11 on:** December 14, 2012, 12:48:30 PM »

I'm not a old fart yet, only 55, the wife says more like a curmudgeon in training. I think as long as there are old fart's we'll always have the easy simple deigns, at least when I get put into the ground I'll still have my max with me and the others I'll give to the kids.

cbshtr · « **Reply #12 on:** December 14, 2012, 02:23:15 PM »

At 55 I have about 30 to 35 guns. Need to count again to know for sure. My first firearm was a H&R 12 gauge. The last 2 guns I bought were Handis. I have 5 receivers and 8 barrels which is more than any other gun. Marlin leverguns come in second with 5. As the world turns to technology for its success I like the challenge of using the underdog and with a little hard work making it to be just as successful but without the bells and whistles. Granted, I like all my guns and have only let go of only 2 in 40 years. But the Handis and Marlins have been getting all my attention lately.

twoshooter · « **Reply #13 on:** December 14, 2012, 03:20:41 PM »

I just passed the 60 mark, so I don't know if I am officially an OF, but I usually feel like it. There are 5 stages of hunters I am told- first, you just want to shoot at stuff. Then, you want to shoot as MANY of something as you can. Then you want to shoot the biggest and best whatever it is. Then you want to shoot it with a particular weapon, or a particular method. Finally , you are just glad to still be here, that you can still hunt, you kill what you can use- but no more, and you cherish all the memories of all the hunts past, and all the animals that are now a forever part of you.
There is no need for big magazines and cyclical rates of fire for #5. My first gun, will also be my last............

kc5gxc · « **Reply #14 on:** December 14, 2012, 03:29:54 PM »

Here in MS the Handi is very popular for the primitive deer season. Seems like most hunters look to get the 35 Whelen or 45-70. I prefer the 45-70 and have a 45 Colt classic carbine coming. Am sure it will be a good one to have also. The Handi gets the job done.
Pete

Spanky · « **Reply #15 on:** December 14, 2012, 06:17:39 PM »

I complain about Handi's all the time but when I go into the woods I'm always carrying a Handi.

Doesn't make much sense but it works for me.

Spanky

OldSchoolRanger · « **Reply #16 on:** December 14, 2012, 06:56:34 PM »

Quote from: petemi on December 14, 2012, 04:16:39 AM

The first thought that comes to mind: Is the Handi an Old Farts rifle? It must be. I think most of us here are older. Perhaps more assured in our ability to make a one shot clean kill? In our youth, we may have beat around a midnight woods trying to find a wounded critter, and learned a single, well placed shot was the better way to go. Then there is the simplicity. It ain't a new fangled machine. It's simple and it works. I think that is what appeals to me most. Years ago now, after that first Handi .45-70, the bolt guns, semi-autos and to some extent, the lever guns have languished, hoping for a day in the sun. The lever guns are somewhat more tenuous about hanging on. Perhaps they too speak of days long gone and beckon to the latent cowboy in all of us.

I hate to even think of this, but I do, in my heart believe the single shots are doomed. They don't fit in with modern technology and our microchip, speed it up, get it done society. They are alien to electronic calls, laser sights, electronic ignition rifles, GPSs, trail cameras, etc., ect. All the things that are today supposed to make your hunt a "success". One of my most "successful" recent hunts was just sitting in the open watching a button buck for an hour and a half graze within 25 yards of me. I never fired a shot. Being more than content with a day in the field without making a kill may be another passing thing.

Just thoughts from another Old Fart.

Pete

Doomed? Not gonna happen, as long as Handi's shoot better when you don't clean ("What Handi's don't need to be cleaned after each range session?) them, there will be people clamoring to buy them. I want one too!"

Besides, the Handi is an All-American All Star everything gun.
The Handi, the experts (one shot, one kill) gun.
The Handi, the lazy (don't have to clean it) shooters gun.
The Handi, the tinkerers (you want to cut the barrel down?) gun.
The Handi, the custom rifle chambering (Just ask Pro-Fino Industries) gun.
The Handi, the fun (comes in 22short, 22Long, 22LR, 17H2, and 17HMR) gun.
The Handi, the interchangeable caliber (How many calibers do you want?) gun.
The Handi, the switch barrel drilling (What gauge/caliber, do you want that in?) gun.
The Handi, the custom rifle (what type of stock do you want with that?) builders gun.

BTW who's an OF?

geezerbiker · « **Reply #17 on:** December 15, 2012, 01:39:55 AM »

I've always liked single shot rifles but it wasn't until I was more geezerly that I could afford to expand my collection to have a couple Handi rifles. Now I'm at the point where I'm teaching grandsons the ins and outs of shooting and hunting and I will most certainly start them out with Handi rifles.

Oregon has some special hunts for 12 year olds and that's when I plan to take the twins out for their first hunt. Many start their boys out younger but I think this is as good of a starting point as any.

Tony

guzzijohn · « **Reply #18 on:** December 15, 2012, 02:14:43 AM »

There are many good reasons for owning a handi but out of the box reliability isn't one of them. Several bolt actions are now at about the same price and I would bet more reliable out of the box let alone accuracy.
GuzziJohn

Dinny · « **Reply #19 on:** December 15, 2012, 05:04:48 AM »

When gun control radicals get their way, we'll probably keep our single-shots. Can't say that for the ARs.

Thanks, Dinny

Mad Dog · « **Reply #20 on:** December 15, 2012, 05:51:16 AM »

Petemi, guess I'm an old fart, too. Last 2 yrs., 100% of my hunting has been with singleshots. From elephant and cape buff, down to squirrels, that's what I hunt with, now. Got 2 leveractions that I'm thinking about selling, and buying a couple more single shooters. Not all of them are handi rifles, I have a mix. Rugers, CVAs, and H&R. I'm currently having the most fun with my little H&R Sportster, chasing squirrels.

Mad Dog

petemi · « **Reply #21 on:** December 15, 2012, 07:51:24 AM »

A week or so ago, I took a modest 4 point with the .50 Huntsman. I was out of venison. A .451 XTP, two Triple Seven 50 gr. pellets and a Knight sabot. A simple 40 yard quartering shot. I took my time. Figured the angle that I wanted the bullet to pass through the vitals and fired. The deer dropped like a Ram or a Chicken. Legs jerked a moment and I reloaded. Everything north of the diaphragm was jelly. In my younger days, with a repeater, I probably would have snapped up on its shoulder and fired. Yes, I would have killed it with one or both lungs gone, but it would have run and I'd have to find it. Call it old age, experience or whatever. The single shot Handy has made me a better hunter and marksman.

Until my old eyes wouldn't work with open sights, my squirrel rifle of choice was my .32 caliber Cherokee. I knocked off scores of bushytails with a .32 cal. patched round ball. I wouldn't scope the Traditional and I could no longer use it, so I parted with it. All but a couple of our Traditional MLs have gone that way.

Pete

rdlange · « **Reply #22 on:** December 15, 2012, 08:03:32 AM »

OldSchool, I think you got it right. Is why I started. Nothing factory ever suits me, and Handi was inexpensive way to 'redo' something to fit me. I'm a short, left handed, cheap, tinkerer. I really got going with a muzzle loader decades ago, so single shot is no big deal.

Be well all.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #23 on:** December 15, 2012, 09:41:39 AM »

'An OF's rifle?'. Yes Pete, and those who consider themselves too young in chronological age are really old souls.
'Doomed?', probably, but for the niche hangers on. Look how muzzleloaders continued long after the advent of reliable cartridge arms. At least with those you could 'build your own', not so with these, and as market share dwindles, profits decline and the anti-gun culture has its way with us..........Someone will build single shot cartridge rifles, but at a price, and as we become more regulated like Europe has been for years, where are you going to go use it?
Meanwhile, smoke 'em if ya got 'em, boys!

evan1395 · « **Reply #24 on:** December 15, 2012, 12:05:46 PM »

Quote from: petemi on December 14, 2012, 04:16:39 AM

The first thought that comes to mind: Is the Handi an Old Farts rifle? It must be. I think most of us here are older. Perhaps more assured in our ability to make a one shot clean kill? In our youth, we may have beat around a midnight woods trying to find a wounded critter, and learned a single, well placed shot was the better way to go. Then there is the simplicity. It ain't a new fangled machine. It's simple and it works. I think that is what appeals to me most. Years ago now, after that first Handi .45-70, the bolt guns, semi-autos and to some extent, the lever guns have languished, hoping for a day in the sun. The lever guns are somewhat more tenuous about hanging on. Perhaps they too speak of days long gone and beckon to the latent cowboy in all of us.

I hate to even think of this, but I do, in my heart believe the single shots are doomed. They don't fit in with modern technology and our microchip, speed it up, get it done society. They are alien to electronic calls, laser sights, electronic ignition rifles, GPSs, trail cameras, etc., ect. All the things that are today supposed to make your hunt a "success". One of my most "successful" recent hunts was just sitting in the open watching a button buck for an hour and a half graze within 25 yards of me. I never fired a shot. Being more than content with a day in the field without making a kill may be another passing thing.

Just thoughts from another Old Fart.

Pete

I'm only 21, and love my Handi. Hell, I love single shots. For sure not gun. All my buddies love the look/feel/overall performance of this little rifle.

BBF · « **Reply #25 on:** December 15, 2012, 12:41:01 PM »

My first CF Single was a Ruger# 1 and I've had several of them. All of them got some sort of custom work done to them. I have none left and they are way to expensive for me to consider another one.

I've had Handi's in .243 and 25-06, both are gone. Then came two in 45-70 Govt.
One went recently and the last one got blooded this year on a Doe.

This one I'll keep.

I see some bad stuff to the AR and similar type firearm owners coming because of the CT incident.

Having a single shot or better yet a ML may become the norm.

brayh92 · « **Reply #26 on:** December 16, 2012, 02:28:41 AM »

I'm almost 22 and I have already spent more than I should on the guns I own I like buying and selling them so a lot of the time I have new guns in and out weekly but my safe also has the guns I won't part with and over half of them are single shots and mostly handis with my ruger #1 also in there I love the simplicity of handi guns and there ruggedness an the ability to work on then yourself and do so much to them I'm not big into swapping g barrels because I like being able to just grab a gun outta my safe or cabinet and go but I do think its a great idea ill always be a fan of the single shots and traditional archery too for that matter the way I was raised my dad always said anyone can use a shotgun and empty it on a deer your gonna use a muzzleloader you only have one shot make it count so I think that's prolly why I like single shots so much

cwlongshot · « **Reply #27 on:** December 16, 2012, 02:48:54 AM »

I do not feel the single shot platform is on a down swing at all...
With the popularity of the T/C Encore being pushed on every hunting show on TV. I say no not be a long shot!! Reciently CVA jumped in with BOTH feet too! Before that Rossi saw the numbers H&R did and threw there hat in... none of these guys seem to be slowing head way.

Ol farts rifle... I dont think I qualify as a a OL fart maybe Im IN TRAINING.

My 50th is still in front of me. I look at the single shot as a decision to better ones self. Much like shooting a Bow or Muzzle loader or even hand gun. ALL are more challenging difficult them a "regular" deer rifle.

For me about the time I turned to the single shots I also started hunting more in my home state. Here in CT the land is smaller, homes usually surround the properties and the loud booms and power of a gun that will drop game at 500 yards is simply not needed. Pistol calibers where THE answer and the Maxi ruled the roost! Connecticut is ''shotgun'' country unless you hunt more then 10 acres of private land. Single shots are lighter, trimmer and if you do your part, all thats needed for hunting game that isnt dangerous.

CW