Author Topic: Your first one and why you bought it. (Read 1947 times)

Inrut24/7 · « **on:** May 25, 2007, 03:40:35 AM »

Share your first buy and how it came about, Mine came about back in 01 when i was using the 22lr to hunt groundhogs, Once in a while I would run into a few hunters with 223s and 22-250 varmint rifles, and after seeing them make some far shots I figured i better get in the game. My dad had an ultra 25-06 and i knew it was a shooter,I was right out of high school and didnt have much money so i ordered my ultra varmint in 223. I just love the looks on peoples faces at the range when i show them my targets!! If it wasnt for this web site i would still only have the 223, but nope I had to start reading on here and got the hornet, and since dad moved to iowa he has no need for the 25-06 hes bringing it back when he comes home for christmas and trading me for the slug gun im building him. I have since got a 788 rem 222 and a howa which both shoot as good as the ultra varmint, but still i find myself taking the ultra varmint to the field the most. I dont have it as bad as some people,but I think im on my way to being a full blown handiholic...

superjay01 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 25, 2007, 03:51:49 AM »

My first handi was a 30-30 given to me by my dad when I turned 12. He thought that a single shot would teach me to value every shot. The first day of buck season I took a 6 point with one shot. The first day of doe season I filled both of my tags early in the morning as well. For being a single shot you can get sure get a quick second shot with the ejector model. Since that first gun I have bought a few other handis and other rifles as well, but that 30-30 always comes out for a day or two of hunting every year.

wcf3030 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 25, 2007, 04:12:14 AM »

After tuning and working up handloads for my BIL rifle last year I became really impressed with his Ultra 270.
I ended up buying a caller really cheap and did not have to think to long about what kind of rifle I wanted.
Ended up with a Ultra in 223.
Then wanted to get into the barrel program so I bought a new but out of a box 30-30 for $150.
Soon it will be off to the factory for a 20ga, 357, and a 44mag or 500 S&W barrel.

BANG_OW · « **Reply #3 on:** May 25, 2007, 04:13:37 AM »

32" 10 ga. full choke H&R goose gun, it was so long ago I don't remember why I bought it. It does a good job on high flying geese though.

burntmuch · « **Reply #4 on:** May 25, 2007, 04:20:02 AM »

My first was a 223 surviver. Cheap to shoot. Ive had a 308. that was a real shooter, gave it to my brother. Now Ive got a ultra 223, a 30-06 ultra comp, 12g ush & a 45/70 Great little guns Oh yeah Ive got a 25-06 barrel. havent done anyting with that one yet
Jay

Freightman · « **Reply #5 on:** May 25, 2007, 04:44:20 AM »

Wanted a 45/70 in a single shot and couldn't afford a $1000 for one so I bought a Buffalo Classic. The problem is it is so good that I now have two other single shot rifles, a 308 Rossi and a 223 Rossi Gander Mtn. keeps putting them on sale for $129.

LaOtto222 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 25, 2007, 04:50:56 AM »

Mine was a model 157 in 22 hornet back in the 70's. I did not have it long and traded it off. It was my first center fire rifle and I did not know what I was doing reloading for it and could not get it to shoot well. There was no Internet then to learn from. I recently (couple of years ago) got a 223 ultra specifically to take advantage of the barrel sale. I sent it in for a 357 and 30-30 barrels when they were running the barrel sale that I found out about from this site. While the frame was in being fitted, I polished the bore on the 223.

mattparliament · « **Reply #7 on:** May 25, 2007, 05:26:56 AM »

270 handi synthetic in 2001 for a DIY caribou hunt in Alaska. My bro lives in Anchorage and thought he had it all figured out. Well that trip didn't work out but had a great time. Since I'm a handi-holic I've acquired 44 mag, BC45-70, 22 Hornet, 10 guage, 35 whelen, 17 HMR. Hmmmm, what's next.....

quickdtoo · « **Reply #8 on:** May 25, 2007, 05:31:45 AM »

My first H&R was a 1920’s era 12ga side lever that my dad gave me when I was about 8-10yrs old in the mid 1950’s. It killed a lot of ducks, grouse, rabbits and pheasant in my hands. It was also the first one I ever worked on. It eventually loosened up and I did a brass shim job to tighten it up!!

My Dad killed a turkey with in '95, so it's still on duty!! I didn't get another until I bought a 20ga Pardner for my son in '91. That's when I was introduced to the barrel program in pamphlet that came with it. But rifle barrels couldn't be fitted to the SB1 frame, but I was intrigued.

I didn't buy a rifle until '04 and I found my way to the Graybeard Outdoors NEF/H&R Forums. In May ’04 I bought a .223 Ultra Varmint, then added a .25-06, and a .243 barrel to that frame. Bought a used frame and sent it in for a 45-70 barrel. That got me totally hooked and I went a bit crazy adding new frames, barrels and complete rifles to my fast growing collection.

Tim

mookster79 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 25, 2007, 06:48:00 AM »

.223 stainless synthetic. Bought it for a yard gun and because of my brother's .17 handi rimfire. I thought it was a great little gun, fairly cheap, and left me some funds to go out on a scope. I live in Lancaster, PA. My neighbors are Amish and the Ground Hogs plentiful, I also have a little bit of a muskrat problem in my pond. Usually trap all though I don't keep the furs or sell them. The unfortunate ones that show up at dusk severely regret that decision. The .223 just made sense for my needs. Fairly cheap on ammo and really accurate. It is probably my favorite rifle in my collection.

rex6666 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 25, 2007, 07:21:45 AM »

i kinda layed back and didn't get hook until april of 2007. 1st was a 280 rem complete rifle, then
450 marlin barrel, then last week 243 complete rifle, i have more plans, but can't tell you (top secret)

darat100 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 25, 2007, 07:54:04 AM »

Mine was kind of a fluke. I had a Ruger revolver I wanted to get rid of but couldn't get what I wanted for it. A fellla on another sight offered me a 243 ultra hunter and some cash. I figured I could sell the 243 and make out ok. BIG MISTAKE. Now I own 9 handis and can't stop. But I still don't own a 45/70. Isn't that like the ultimate sin around here.

ONE HOLE 4570 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 25, 2007, 08:08:12 AM »

MINE WAS A 45-70 IN 97, like mentioned before wanted a single shot 45-70 without the price tag.
DARAT100, it's not a sin it is just mandatory so you should head out & get one

My son's was a 22 hornet another must have & then a 30-30 (also a must have) we share

lonewolf5348 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 25, 2007, 09:49:50 AM »

I was looking for a lighter rifle and after 40 years in this sport when age creeps up carrying a heavy rifle is for the birds.
I was at bass pro shop and pick up the 06 and I like it from the start ,light and the price was right,think it went for $179.00 out the door.
I have not did anything to the rifle except a little sanding on the forearm a plastic spacer between the wood and barrel front lug,that was it.
I started with the same load I shot in my springfield IMR 3031 45.0 grains and at the bench 3 shots all in one hole.
I did start having a few sticky case problems here and there and tried another load with 4350,found out it was not the load but the brass had to be cleaned better and all sticky cases are gone.
I would like to try the 25-06 add on barrel but I am not really into hunting any longer with centerfire rifles :but there are great rifles for the price and good shooters.

DakotaElkSlayer · « **Reply #14 on:** May 25, 2007, 10:34:08 AM »

I used to be just a fly fisherman and a bird hunter. On a whim, I applied for the coveted Michigan elk tag in 2000. As luck would have it, I was drawn a "shooter's choice" tag and for the first time, the hunt was in September, not the usual winter hunt. After much research, I decided on a Ruger #1 in .280Rem. Went to Jay's Sporting Goods in Clare and showed the wife my choice which seeing the price tag she quickly denied. Seeing the $200 price tag on a .280Rem Handi-Rifle w/ camo laminate stock, she pointed it out to me and said, "You can get that one." She let me "splurge" on the optics....$100 Bushnell Trophy. But, you know what? That combo made a very, very accurate package and have a 6X6 on the wall to prove it.

Jim

Country Boy · « **Reply #15 on:** May 25, 2007, 02:13:12 PM »

Well, the forum and Quickatoo convinced me. I just got it a few hours ago. I bought it for one reason only. To use during the MS primitative season. as you can now use a breachoader,singleshot over .38 cal. I bought a 45-70. I doubt I will shoot it much as this is a one time only guided hunt. My Ml is very accurate and I probably didn't need the handi But we shall see. Also being handi I might carry it on my 4 wheeler to shoot wild hogs of which there is a small population a short ways from home in SE Mo.

Stan in SC · « **Reply #16 on:** May 25, 2007, 02:18:31 PM »

In 1998 I bought my grandson a 30-30 Handi for his first deer rifle.Then later I saw the ultra-lite .243 and fell in love.Next was a .270.Then a 45/70 barrel for the 30/30.Then a Buffalo Classic.Then another 45/70 Handi.Yesterday I got a rifled Partner Tracker II in 20 gauge .
Along the way I have sold a few but that was the path I trod.

Stan

holahead · « **Reply #17 on:** May 25, 2007, 02:49:46 PM »

Well my first was a 22 Hornet I had just got out of high school and got married (the first time)and started working. I had a little extra money and wanted to buy me a rifle since I had never had one up till then.My parents would only let have shotguns growing up and that what I had to use to hunt everything I hunted.I was in a pawn shop looking for a hunting rifle and come on the hornet.I like it and was a good price. I sold it about a year later to a guy I work with (and he will not sell it back to me now

)Years later I found this great site and got intrested in the handis so being that the 30-30 was my favorite round that is what I got and as they say the rest is history. Now I want at least one of everyone. Now I am a rifleman at heart I have ended up with some nef shotguns in trades and really good deals. So I have more partner than handis the handis or what I LOVE the most.

dw06 · « **Reply #18 on:** May 25, 2007, 03:16:32 PM »

My first Handi rifle was a 22 hornet,had been looking for a hornet for awhile and dec of 91 a gun shop had one for $165,since he was trying to reduce his inventory before 1st of the year and this was after CHRISTmas,talked him down to $145 including scope base and it served me well for 16 years when I replaced it with a 223.

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #19 on:** May 25, 2007, 04:31:51 PM »

I had a 300 Win Mag and it cost to much to shoot. I saw an add in the local paper from Gander Mountain for a 223 Handi on sale for$199.99. I went down that day and put it on layaway. The date was 2-13-06 and I picked it up on 2-19-06. I am looking at the reciet now. I guess I was hooked a couple weeks after that. That 223 bull shot 3/4'' or less groups all the time. I got hard up for money and sold that barrel on Ebay for $100.00. I wish I had never done that. I would give $150.00 just to get it back. Since then I have bought and sold and traded a few barrels. In the past month and a half I have added a 204 Ruger fluted bull,308 bull,450 Marlin, and a 243 24'' bull. This is just the begining of my quest to Handiness. There will be more to come.

canon6 · « **Reply #20 on:** May 25, 2007, 04:50:09 PM »

1974,a 45-70, traded it in a fit of stupid for a

?

Doug

rbergum95 · « **Reply #21 on:** May 25, 2007, 04:54:53 PM »

2006, 7.62x39. bought it for my wife for christmas. she is a little recoil shy. caught the handi-virus not too long after. bought .223 for my father this spring and have a .22-250 ultra on order now. now that i found this site i fear it will only get worse. i can see way too many hadis coming my way in the not too distant future.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #22 on:** May 25, 2007, 04:56:52 PM »

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #23 on:** May 25, 2007, 05:04:49 PM »

Quote from: rbergum95 on May 25, 2007, 04:54:53 PM

2006, 7.62x39. bought it for my wife for christmas. she is a little recoil shy. caught the handi-virus not too long after. bought .223 for my father this spring and have a .22-250 ultra on order now. now that i found this site i fear it will only get worse. i can see way too many hadis coming my way in the not too distant future.

Welcome to our cult. No turning back now.

rbergum95 · « **Reply #24 on:** May 25, 2007, 05:10:44 PM »

somehow i believe you

abner · « **Reply #25 on:** May 25, 2007, 06:37:04 PM »

Hello

My first Handi was bought in March of this year, and the only reason I picked it up was it was chambered in S&W .500 Magnum. About two weeks later I bought another Handi in 22-250, this came with a 6-24X50 scope. Both have worked great from the get go, and I was ready to buy another one (45-70, even got the dies) when I found a cure for Handiholicism. The cure is called sporting clays shooting

and the perscription is a nice shiny O/U shotgun

, there you have it a cure. I will shoot my Handis to keep the dust off them , but my next 5 or 6 Handis will have to wait till the I land a clays shottie. I do not know but maybe I can sneak one lil-ol 45-70 Handi in at the same time

.

Have a great day

Joe

wcf3030 · « **Reply #26 on:** May 26, 2007, 01:59:40 AM »

Quote from: abner on May 25, 2007, 06:37:04 PM

Hello

when I found a cure for Handiholicism. The cure is called sporting clays shooting and the perscription is a nice shiny O/U shotgun , there you have it a cure. I will shoot my Handis to keep the dust off them , but my next 5 or 6 Handis will have to wait till the I land a clays shottie. I do not know but maybe I can sneak one lil-ol 45-70 Handi in at the same time .

Have a great day

Joe

I don't want to be cured!!

stimpylu32 · « **Reply #27 on:** May 26, 2007, 02:51:07 AM »

Well lets see , got my first Handi on 5/18/05 , was looking for a groundhog rifle that was cheaper to shoot than my 270 bolt guns . Statred to read here about all the diffrent barrels that you could get and i was hooked , next came the 22 mag Sportster that got sent in for 2 of the Bull Barrels to use as donors for re-chambers like the 32 H&R mag and the 218 Bee .

In the last 2 years it has kinda just exploded , at this point i have
22LR,
22 Mag, x2
218 Bee,
223BB,
22-250,
32 H&R Mag,
243SL,
270,
30/30,
7.62x39,
45/70,
50 Huntsman
and have gotten rid of a 270, 2- 20 Ga, 12Ga Tracker 1 barrels and a complete 450 Marlin . Next on the list to get are the 25/06, 45/70 BC, 308 and 30/06 in that order .

Makes my head hurt to think of what it would have cost me had i stayed with TCs years ago .

stimpy

db22 · « **Reply #28 on:** May 26, 2007, 02:53:59 AM »

I don't want to be cured!!
[/quote]

I agree! I'm a lefty, and the Handi release button falls right under my left thumb. Last year I bought a Pardner 12-gauge single-shot almost on a whim. Second-hand, with a nicely colored frame and a very good trigger (whoda thunk an $89 shotgun would have a crisp 3.5 lb trigger?) It is light and very handy. In searching the web for information, I discovered the barrel program on NEF's website, and eventually this forum, with all the information any gun nut might want. Now I have a .357 rifle with a fabulous stock I bought on the trading forum, and a collection of other second-hand stocks in various stages of refinishing, and a .50 ML barrel for my shotgun frame. And . . .plans for a couple more rifles in interesting calibers, as soon as I can afford them. I love to tinker and handload, and Handis are the perfect rifles for that hobby.

Many thanks to Quick, MSP Ret, Stimpy, Carbineman, Sureshot and everyone else here for the conversation, ideas and good company!

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #29 on:** May 26, 2007, 04:08:46 AM »

Stimpy I think you need to add a 204 to your list.