Author Topic: New feller.  (Read 502 times)

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Offline Cajun66

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New feller.
« on: October 27, 2008, 01:53:12 PM »
 New owner of a H&R Handi Rifle in 45-70. First rifle over 30-30 I've ever owned. Been shooting single action pistols and shotguns most my life. I really enjoy shooting the gun and I'm already thinking of adding the Buffalo Classic by Christmas to my stash.
 But I just read the sticky on barrel break in. How important is it? I've never broken in a barrel in 30 years of shooting and never even heard of it. Tell me I didn't do something wrong to my gun.
 Also, can someone recommend a budget scope? I'm a City Mechanic and work for peanuts.
"Tyranny is the exercise of some power over a man, which is not warranted by law, or necessary for the public safety. A people can never be deprived of their liberties, while they retain in their own hands, a power sufficient to any other power in the state."
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Offline mechanic

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Re: New feller.
« Reply #1 on: October 27, 2008, 02:06:33 PM »
I'll kinda' give you a heads up on the scope question.  I'll leave the technical stuff to these fellows that know more.

I went through 3 cheap scopes on my buffalo classic.  After a few rounds something comes loose inside.  I finally settled on a Simmons shotgun scope I took off my Mossberg, which is only 3 power.  If you can be satisfied with that it works great and will take the recoil. 

The bargain scopes just won't hold up.  I spent enough to have bought a good one.  If funds are an issue, as they are with me as well, the shotgun scope may be a good option.

(I know fellows, it's a shame to put a scope on a Buffalo Classic, but its more of a shame to have these bad eyes.)

Ben
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Offline Spanky

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Re: New feller.
« Reply #2 on: October 27, 2008, 02:34:08 PM »
45-70 Handi's are great shooters.
It's one of the must have Handi's along with the 30-30.

I have a Bushnell scope on mine and it will group 3 bullets touching at 100yds.
I reload using 405 gr. cast bullets and keep it at trapdoor levels.
Very light recoil for a big bore and fun to shoot!

Have fun with it. ;D


Spanky

Offline Badnews Bob

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Re: New feller.
« Reply #3 on: October 27, 2008, 02:39:37 PM »
I don't usally break in my barrels like othe5rs do and all mine shoot well enuff to stop any deer.

BTW welcome aboard. 8)
Badnews Bob
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Offline Cajun66

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Re: New feller.
« Reply #4 on: October 27, 2008, 02:57:34 PM »
Thanks for the quick replies. I'll look into the shotgun scopes (pun intended). As to the Buffalo Classic, I may not use a scope at first. I want it purely for pleasure shooting. When hunting for deer I'm in too thick of brush to use a long gun hence the carbine. And I'm not going to try shooting ducks with a 45-70. :D
"Tyranny is the exercise of some power over a man, which is not warranted by law, or necessary for the public safety. A people can never be deprived of their liberties, while they retain in their own hands, a power sufficient to any other power in the state."
Noah Webster

Offline Cajun66

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Re: New feller.
« Reply #5 on: October 27, 2008, 03:03:26 PM »
I meant to add that I didn't do too bad for a new rifle shooter. My yard is 680ft deep and I was able to keep all shots in the phone book I targeted. I was sitting at a bench with the wind at my back. I couldn't do that with my Vaquero at 68 feet. I can see I'm going to need reloading equipment soon.
"Tyranny is the exercise of some power over a man, which is not warranted by law, or necessary for the public safety. A people can never be deprived of their liberties, while they retain in their own hands, a power sufficient to any other power in the state."
Noah Webster

Offline funshooter2

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Re: New feller.
« Reply #6 on: October 27, 2008, 04:13:00 PM »
Welcome from another newbe.
Sounds like you've got a fun gun there. I'd eventually like the Buf-Classic, myself.

Offline Badnews Bob

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Re: New feller.
« Reply #7 on: October 28, 2008, 01:46:18 AM »
Reloading for the .45-70 is a good thing, They are very easy to reload and the shear amount of reloading options makes for a good time. You can also do it with a minamal amount of equipment that won't break the bank.

I to picked the carbine length because of thick brush and heavy woods and i've taken the nicest buck I've ever shot with it. Those rugers are fun to shoot also. 8)
Badnews Bob
AE-2 USN retired

Offline petemi

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Re: New feller.
« Reply #8 on: October 28, 2008, 05:17:45 AM »
I bought my 22 inch Handi .45-70 used with 3-9x50 Simmons 8 Point scope installed and excellently sighted in for 100 yards.  I've put about 250 rounds through it, mostly with 325 gr. Hornady Leverevolutions at 2050 fps.  Now, at 300 yards it puts 5 shots in a 6 inch paper plate........it's as good as I can shoot.  I have no idea how many rounds the previous owner fired.  So much for cheap scopes.  You'll love your .45-70.  Pete
Keep both eyes open and make the first shot good.
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Offline Cajun66

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Re: New feller.
« Reply #9 on: October 28, 2008, 01:20:20 PM »
I already do. I've burnt 60 bucks worth of ammo in the last 3 days. And I just bought my first box of 325g Lever Revolution. Going to the Camp this weekend where I shoot down the right of way and really open it up. I have some 5/8in plate at work I'm going to cut a silhouette or 2 out of.
Most fun I've had shooting in a good while.
"Tyranny is the exercise of some power over a man, which is not warranted by law, or necessary for the public safety. A people can never be deprived of their liberties, while they retain in their own hands, a power sufficient to any other power in the state."
Noah Webster

Offline dpe.ahoy

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Re: New feller.
« Reply #10 on: October 28, 2008, 02:31:06 PM »
Hey, New Feller.  Welcome to this great place to learn about your new family addition.  I think we've all had scopes go to Hades on us, price is no object there. :(  I've had some cheap ones work great and some that cost as much as the gun give it up after a few outings.  Now, I guess I've "ruined" Hundreds of guns, ::) cause all I do is clean the crud out when I buy them, then shoot till I find a load that shoots good.  Clean the gun and then shoot some more.  After you get used to a guns performance you will see groups start to open up if it gets too bad.  I don't shoot alot of targets, so a few thousands doesn't mean I will miss my mark on an animal.  And rocks really don't care, so shoot and have fun!   Mine get cleaned once or twice a year if they are lucky, but it's pretty dry in Montana so don't have to worry about it as much as some of you fellows.  Now, about your next Handi, we can help you choose, just listen to all of us. ;D  DP
RIP Oct 27, 2017

Handi's:22Shot, 22LR, 2-22Mag, 22Hornet, 5-223, 2-357Max, 44 mag, 2-45LC, 7-30 Waters, 7mm-08, 280, 25-06, 30-30, 30-30AI, 444Marlin, 45-70, AND 2-38-55s, 158 Topper 22 Hornet/20ga. combo;  Levers-Marlins:Two 357's, 44 mag, 4-30-30s, RC-Glenfields 36G-30A & XLR, 3-35 Rem, M-375, 2-444P's, 444SS, 308 MX, 338Marlin MXLR, 38-55 CB, 45-70 GS, XS7 22-250 and 7mm08;  BLR's:7mm08, 358Win;  Rossi: 3-357mag, 44mag, 2-454 Casull; Winchesters: 7-30 Waters, 45Colt Trapper; Bolt actions, too many;  22's, way too many.  Who says it's an addiction?

Offline Cajun66

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Re: New feller.
« Reply #11 on: October 28, 2008, 03:09:02 PM »
I've already decided that the next gun will be the H&R 45-70 BC. Looked at one today. Absolutely beautiful. I will have it soon.
"Tyranny is the exercise of some power over a man, which is not warranted by law, or necessary for the public safety. A people can never be deprived of their liberties, while they retain in their own hands, a power sufficient to any other power in the state."
Noah Webster