Author Topic: Handi's vs. T/C ?  (Read 1212 times)

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Offline jw83

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Handi's vs. T/C ?
« on: February 08, 2008, 06:07:45 PM »
I know this subject probably has been touched upon before but please bare with me I'm a new member and this is my first thread. I was wondering about how the handi's would stack up against the t/c. I know the t/c is a well made gun but I know next to nothing about the handi's. The price of the handi's is very tempting and I know I would be able to afford to experriment more with different calibers than I could with t/c. However, was wondering how the handi's stacked up against t/c in reguards to accuracy, reliablility, customer service, etc. Any info at all would be greatly appreciated as I am completely in the dark in reguards to the handi's.

Offline trotterlg

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Re: Handi's vs. T/C ?
« Reply #1 on: February 08, 2008, 06:26:07 PM »
About the only thing they have in common is that they are break open single shots.  They are kind of at opposite ends of the spectrum, H&R is one notch above Rossi.  Larry
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Offline DalesCarpentry

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Re: Handi's vs. T/C ?
« Reply #2 on: February 08, 2008, 06:46:47 PM »
I know for a fact that H&R NEF are tops in customer service. Dale
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Handi's vs. T/C ?
« Reply #3 on: February 08, 2008, 06:51:41 PM »
I have one Encore and forty-one H&Rs, several in custom chamberings if that tells ya how I feel about the two, they just aren't in the same price line, ya get more for your money in an H&R. Here's 9 pages on the subject from the Single Shot forum, the CVA Optima Elite was added to the topic later in the thread by the OP.

Tim

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,74391.msg458331.html#msg458331

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Offline 30-06man

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Re: Handi's vs. T/C ?
« Reply #4 on: February 08, 2008, 06:53:56 PM »
I like the Encore's more. I had a Handi Mag rifle on back order but its not now. Ill have to get me one but I have only had one handi and that was a .243 that was $50.
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Offline jw83

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Re: Handi's vs. T/C ?
« Reply #5 on: February 08, 2008, 07:29:34 PM »
Thanks for the info, after reading the past thread I think i'm going to have to run with the handi's.

Offline PHATINJUN

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Re: Handi's vs. T/C ?
« Reply #6 on: February 08, 2008, 07:34:47 PM »
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Offline jdwolf

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Re: Handi's vs. T/C ?
« Reply #7 on: February 09, 2008, 01:28:06 AM »
I have one Encore and forty-one H&Rs, several in custom chamberings if that tells ya how I feel about the two, they just aren't in the same price line, ya get more for your money in an H&R. Here's 9 pages on the subject from the Single Shot forum, the CVA Optima Elite was added to the topic later in the thread by the OP.

Tim

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,74391.msg458331.html#msg458331


Tim, I'm just guessing here, but I get the impression you much prefer the Handi over an Encore, lol.  I just recently bought a new DPMS Panther AR-15. I'd been wanting an AR for quite sometime and I've finally got it and love it. However, I won't be selling or retirng my .223 Handi Rifle as I love it as well. It's a very accurate and reliable rifle. Will I buy another Handi? YES.  My next Handi will be either a .25/06 or a .243.
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Offline eskimo36

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Re: Handi's vs. T/C ?
« Reply #8 on: February 09, 2008, 01:36:19 AM »
I got more into handis when i saw whole guns for TC barrel prices.   I don't mind switching pistol barrels but I like whole rifles.  All of my handis have acceptable accuracy for the caliber regardless of action type or cost. In my opinion, TC or H&R is choice driven by available "play" money for guns....if i had more I would have sharps, lo wals and high walls.... but I am very happy with my break open H&R rifles.
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Offline Swampman

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Re: Handi's vs. T/C ?
« Reply #9 on: February 09, 2008, 01:46:16 AM »
I shot an Encore yesterday.  The are just too heavy for me to get interested.

If I could only own one gun, I'd strongly consider the Handi.  They are tops IMO.
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Online Graybeard

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Re: Handi's vs. T/C ?
« Reply #10 on: February 09, 2008, 02:21:53 AM »
From a person with experience with both but a fan of neither I offer this tidbit of wisdom.

The TCs are a bit more refined than the NEF and that refinement comes at a price and that price is about double the cost of the NEFs as a rule. The TCs are made for barrel interchangeability where as the NEF really isn't. The factory will fit some barrels to some frames for you and these guys will explain to you how to fit them yourself. But it is a bit of a hit or miss proposition if you plan to buy and fit barrels yourself with the NEF. Most just try and if it doesn't work move it on to someone else who might have a receiver it will fit. With the TCs all barrels fit all frames altho at times you do need to do a bit of parts swapping with the bolts to make them fit.

Accuracy wise both can be more than accurate enough but both systems do have their quirks and can take some tweaking to shoot their best. Fore arm fit is a problem with both and free floating seems to work with both. The after market accessories are far more developed for the TCs than for the NEFs and getting a barrel in any chambering you can imagine is quite simple whereas for the NEF it's not so simple and there are fewer smiths willing to take on the task of making or remaking a barrel for them.

I'm really not too fond of the way either opens and would prefer to see both or certainly the NEF since it would be such a simple matter to have it open like a double shotgun rather than the push button deal. I don't see any way to do that with the TC however. I hate the way the butt stock fits and feels with the TCs. It was intended originally as a handgun and the geometry just doesn't lend well to rifle configuration to my eyes and hands. Still they do work both ways but to me at least feel very ackward as a rifle.

Ya pays yer money and yer takes yer choice.


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Offline bigjeepman

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Re: Handi's vs. T/C ?
« Reply #11 on: February 09, 2008, 02:23:39 AM »
I shot an Encore yesterday.  The are just too heavy for me to get interested.

If I could only own one gun, I'd strongly consider the Handi.  They are tops IMO.

The weight of the TC and the general feel of it turns me off though I am sure many will disagree. The Handi is a great value if that is what you are wanting to hear. I only have two Handi rifles and both are in .223. They are not for sale. Would I buy more? ... yes ...  Do I want more? ... yes ...

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Offline coyotejoe

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Re: Handi's vs. T/C ?
« Reply #12 on: February 09, 2008, 05:01:28 AM »
Greybeard nailed it as usual.  Aside from the cost, which is reflected in the quality of fit and finish, the H&R is built as a rifle while the T/C is a pistol jerry-rigged up as a sort of rifle. The H&R is not well finished but does have decent basic lines, whereas the T/C is well finished but has butt-ugly lines. ;D  The T/C is a great platform for the guy who want's to experiment with a lot of different calibers but the fellow who wants just a few common calibers can get a handi with several barrels for less than the cost of a T/C with one barrel. Now if you're interested in pistols, that is another matter, I've just never been much into singleshot pistols, although I do love my Comanche .410 pistol.
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Offline knight0334

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Re: Handi's vs. T/C ?
« Reply #13 on: February 09, 2008, 07:00:22 AM »
As mentioned by all above, they both have their pros and cons..

My opinion only:

They both are good choices if you take into consideration what you're paying for.   I personally prefer the Handi because of $$ and I'm not fond of the T/C looks.  Granted, the T/C is a better built piece - but I'm one broke working class man.  Dollar for dollar - the Handi's win hands down.   I do like to tinker too, which the T/C offers very little to work on or "fix".  I take great pride in making something better(to my liking) and with nothing else going on in life other than remodeling the house - the Handi offers some sanity away from the house work.

The Handi's aren't really meant to interchange barrels at random like the T/C's - but are designed to have barrels fitted specifically to a given receiver.  You may get lucky though and be able to interchange some barrels - but you cant expect the lockup reliability without fitting that the T/C's have.  If you have a minor monetary investment, patience and time - you can have a Handi that shoots better than a $10K Dakota Arms #10.
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Offline 44 Man

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Re: Handi's vs. T/C ?
« Reply #14 on: February 09, 2008, 07:38:47 AM »
I agree with Graybeard also.  I have had several TC's over the years, mostly with pistol barrels attached.  But when I have used them as rifles, I have found them to feel awkward and poorly balanced to carry.  I could never find the right place for my hand to carry it in the woods.  I love the Handi's, just wish there were more barrel options available.  44 Man
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Offline jw83

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Re: Handi's vs. T/C ?
« Reply #15 on: February 09, 2008, 08:22:45 AM »
Yeah I was under the impression that in order to get a new barrel you just send it in to the factory and they fit them together. Kind of a one size fits all deal. Any idea on average how many different barrels you can fit onto one reciever?

Offline Sourdough

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Re: Handi's vs. T/C ?
« Reply #16 on: February 09, 2008, 08:32:22 AM »
I own two T/C Contenders with nine barrels, Two Encores with four barrels, One TCR with six barrels.  I also own six H&Rs, four with multiple barrels. 

Now for my opinion: 

The contenders I love them, but they are all low pressure cartridges.  The Encores, make great muzzleloaders.  As for shooting metallic cartridges, they are a piece of crap.  Accuracy is the pits, they will not shoot over three hundred yards well enough to hit anything.  The TCR, is my pride and joy.  It is a true long range shooter.  Lock up is tight, opening is smooth, and quite.  Set trigger is so smooth and light it is fantastic.  changing barrels is quick and easy.  The heavy magnum calibers are not too bad on recoil either, but the 3 1/2" 12 ga is brutal.  The only thing I don't like about the TCR is that it has extractors, and is hammerless. 

The H&Rs are my carry guns when I go into the woods.  They take a beating and keep on shooting.  As for accuracy, I regularly shoot at ranges of 300, 400, and 500 yards.  I usually use a 30-06 for most of my shooting, but sometimes use a 22-250, or a .223.  For bears over bait the .35 Whelen and the 45-70 are awesome.  They put bears down right now.  I teach shooting to kids in a 4-H program.  I often use the H&Rs in the class room and on the range due to their simplicity.  I consider them rugged and reliable.

I live in Alaska, I hunt dangerous game, I carry H&Rs, and the TCR.  The Encore stays home.  I only carry Single shots.
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Handi's vs. T/C ?
« Reply #17 on: February 09, 2008, 09:16:54 AM »
Yeah I was under the impression that in order to get a new barrel you just send it in to the factory and they fit them together. Kind of a one size fits all deal. Any idea on average how many different barrels you can fit onto one reciever?

Each barrel is individually fitted to the frame at the factory, they aren't one size fits all, neither the frames or the barrels, but H&R will fit as many barrels to a frame as you want to buy, cost is listed on the accessory barrel page, plus $15 for each barrel, and $10 shipping per frame, we've had a couple members order at least a dozen barrels to be fitted to a frame on a single order. There are some limitations on what can be fitted due to the age of the frame and if the frame is an SB1 shotgun or SB2 rifle frame.

http://www.hr1871.com/Support/accessoryProgram.aspx

Second hand barrels can be fitted by a competent gunsmith or done at home if you're the handi do-it-yourself type, see the barrel fitting info in the FAQs and Help sticky. Many Handi owners have multiple barrels for one frame, others like myself prefer complete rifles, just a matter of personal preference and your budget. ;)

The TCR Sourdough speaks of was discontinued long ago, but they can be found second hand occasionally.

Tim

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Offline Sourdough

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Re: Handi's vs. T/C ?
« Reply #18 on: February 09, 2008, 10:35:05 AM »
The TCR Sourdough speaks of was discontinued long ago, but they can be found second hand occasionally.

Gee Tim, you make me feel old.
Where is old Joe when we really need him?  Alaska Independence    Calling Illegal Immigrants "Undocumented Aliens" is like calling Drug Dealers "Unlicensed Pharmacists"
What Is A Veteran?
A 'Veteran' -- whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve -- is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America,' for an amount of 'up to, and including his life.' That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country today who no longer understand that fact.

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Handi's vs. T/C ?
« Reply #19 on: February 09, 2008, 10:38:19 AM »
We are!! ;D
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline McLernon

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Re: Handi's vs. T/C ?
« Reply #20 on: February 10, 2008, 05:46:55 AM »
I do not think of myself as OLD at 63. I think of myself as 'lacking youth and inexperience'. ;D

Mc ;D

Offline kid_couteau

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Re: Handi's vs. T/C ?
« Reply #21 on: February 10, 2008, 07:43:51 AM »
Hi All

I have had Handis and currently am new to the TC Encore.

Both are great guns.

The Handi rifle is less expensive but is still very well made.  Like GB said it is not as finished as the TC is but it is a very nice gun.

The TC is way more expensive but better finished in my opinion.  I also like the ability to just buy barrels and know they will fit with out a trip to the factory.  But you pay for that ability.

I also like the ability to go from pistol to rifle with the change of two screws. 

If I had to choose one gun to run with and it had to be a single shot I would definitely grab my Encore.

Just my opinion
Later
Kid

Offline Sourdough

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Re: Handi's vs. T/C ?
« Reply #22 on: February 10, 2008, 10:29:15 AM »
Kid:  While the Encore is a lot better with fit and finish than the Handi's they do not shoot as well.  I shoot clay targets out at 300, 400, and 500 yards.  That is where a lot of my shots are made from, on coyotes and wolves.  My Handi's will consistently hit at those yards.  My Encores will not.  I have 22-250, and 30-06, barrels for the Encores.  I shoot .223, and 30-06 in the Handi's.  As much as I would like to say the expensive Encore shoots good, I can't.  They can not shoot as well as the Handi's past 300 yards.  Both of my Encores came with the synthetic stock.  I changed one to the Thumb-hole stock and like it a lot better than the original one.  I changed one of my Handi's to a thumb-hole stock and I don't like it at all, feels too high.

One other problem I have is that the Encore only comes with extractors.  Try taking out an empty with gloves on.  With the ejectors on the Handi's I open the action and the empty is gone.  All I have to do is drop in a new cartridge and I can do that with gloves on.  When it's below zero you don't want to take off your gloves.

Where is GLOBAL WARMING???????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  It's 54 below this morning AGAIN, darn it's cold.  Went for a walk last night and took a shotgun.  Jumped a red fox.  Fired the shotgun, it went poof, small kick, then lite up the world.  Looked like most of the powder did not catch and burn till after it got out of the barrel.  Shot had scattered all around in front of me, midway to the fox.  After my sight came back after the blinding lite, the fox was still sitting there.  It seemed stunned by the lite also.  Slide on the shotgun stuck in the rear position, too cold to work.  Walked back home, did not bother to look at the temp last night, just knew it was cold.
Where is old Joe when we really need him?  Alaska Independence    Calling Illegal Immigrants "Undocumented Aliens" is like calling Drug Dealers "Unlicensed Pharmacists"
What Is A Veteran?
A 'Veteran' -- whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve -- is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America,' for an amount of 'up to, and including his life.' That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country today who no longer understand that fact.

Offline 30-06man

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Re: Handi's vs. T/C ?
« Reply #23 on: February 10, 2008, 03:16:52 PM »
Gore forgot to pay his power bill  this month. If he had it would be warm.  ;)
The sportsman lives his life vicariously. For he secretly yearns to have lived before, in a simpler time. A time when his love for the land, water, fish and wildlife would be more than just part of his life. It would be his state of mind

Rick