Author Topic: need help on a rifle purchase. (Read 827 times)

slimak707 · « **on:** May 21, 2009, 04:49:32 PM »

I have a handi rifle in 45-70 synthetic with a leupold 2-7 scope mounted on it. I'm wanting to get more of a cowboy style rifle to shoot with peep sights at 100yds. I'm wanting to get opinions on either the marlin 336 lever action or the buffalo classic in 45-70. I bought lyman 45-70 reloading dies, and am wanting to reload but i think if I buy the buffalo classic I WONT BE SHOOTING THE HANDI MUCH ANYMORE. OPINIONS. sorry i hit the caps lock.

chipmunk · « **Reply #1 on:** May 21, 2009, 05:10:37 PM »

In my opinion I would happily "dispose" of the unwanted handi for you!

Sorry I can't help much on you actual question. All I can say is that I looked at a buffalo classic awhile back at a gun shop and it does have that cowboy look. From what I hear people like them.

Chas. · « **Reply #2 on:** May 21, 2009, 10:57:36 PM »

Just get a BC barrel to go on your handi. A 336 is nice, but it's a different caliber. If you want to stay with 45-70, consider a Marlin 1895CB (Cowboy).

LaOtto222 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 21, 2009, 11:14:49 PM »

I am not a big fan of the 45 Colt, but a lot of people are and it fits the Cowboy tradition. Get a 45 Colt Classic (CR-45LC) with case hardened frame, cut checkering, crescent butt plate, walnut stock, walnut fore end and straight grip - it looks like it belongs in the old West. It is not as long as the 45-70 Buff classic, it is a real handy length too.

Singleshotsam · « **Reply #4 on:** May 22, 2009, 04:26:26 AM »

The BC 45/70 will run you roughly half of what the Marlin cowboy 45/70 will cost. I'm in love with the BC 45/70, I just don't own one......yet....

Westbound · « **Reply #5 on:** May 22, 2009, 09:10:05 AM »

I have a Buffalo Classic.
I went to the gun shop to buy a 45-70 Handi, but when I picked up the BC it was love at first sight.
IMO, it is worth the extra cash. It is a beautiful gun that looks authentic. Mine shoots great.
It will make for an excellent 100 yard thumper for fun shooting or hunting.

kevinsmith5 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 23, 2009, 05:21:02 PM »

Get the BC. Mine is far more than a "100 yard thumper". Wouldn't hesitate on a 300 yarder with it. Lead the stock, load em hit and practice alot.

Have fun!

jlwilliams · « **Reply #7 on:** May 24, 2009, 02:01:21 AM »

How about putting a wood stock and peep sight on your existing Handi? IIRC, the 45-70 synthetic has iron sights and a scope base. You could remove the base and rear sight anf use the existing holes to screw down a peep.

I'm not saying don't buy the BC if it's what you want, just saying you may have what you want already. It's just hiding in it's current plastic clothes.

myarmor · « **Reply #8 on:** May 24, 2009, 04:38:25 AM »

Quote from: jlwilliams on May 24, 2009, 02:01:21 AM

How about putting a wood stock and peep sight on your existing Handi? IIRC, the 45-70 synthetic has iron sights and a scope base. You could remove the base and rear sight anf use the existing holes to screw down a peep.

I'm not saying don't buy the BC if it's what you want, just saying you may have what you want already. It's just hiding in it's current plastic clothes.

I agree. And if then your still not happy, go pick up the long boy.

-Aaron

brianscott12 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 24, 2009, 05:13:43 AM »

Quote from: kevinsmith5 on May 23, 2009, 05:21:02 PM

Get the BC. Mine is far more than a "100 yard thumper". Wouldn't hesitate on a 300 yarder with it. Lead the stock, load em hit and practice alot.

Have fun!

Couldn't have said it better.

Love mine.

slimak707 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 24, 2009, 08:13:53 AM »

im wondering if i could come out much cheaper by buying the wood and the sights. i did see the BC barrel was 114 from the factory. where do i find the streight stock and wood foregrip? i also like the leather cartridge holder, where did you get it. I also just picked up a box of 250 lead 405 gn .459 bullets, and 9.5 primers. i think next week ill get the reloader 7 and the cases. i also picked up a box winchester 405s to try out.

gendoc · « **Reply #11 on:** May 24, 2009, 08:23:32 AM »

have you experianced good luck with the 9.5 primers ?
while back i must have got a bad batch!!!

slimak707 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 24, 2009, 08:31:35 AM »

i've been relaoding for .223 for the past 8 months. i havent started loading for the 45-70 yet. im just now buying all the stuff, i have the dies, primers, and bullets. by next weekend ill be able to give you an answer.

Whopper · « **Reply #13 on:** May 24, 2009, 09:21:28 AM »

I think you'll like your .45-70 Handi a lot better with the wood stock rather than the synthetic. I've only recently been able to start reloading for it and its starting to come along nicely. To compensate for the recoil I've added six lead decoy weights in the butt stock. They are the long strap style weights used on my duck decoys. It only adds about 2lbs. but it seems to make a difference. I'm using Hornady's 350 gr. RN (#4502 Interlock), Remington cases, CCI #200 primers, and Hodgdon H4198 powder. Shooting 100 yards is no problem but I'm still working up my perfect load. I would try the wood stock first before buying a BC. But by all means if you want a BC, then buy one too

. I plan on getting one in the near future. Whopper.

Default · « **Reply #14 on:** May 24, 2009, 09:33:45 AM »

Slimak ,

I response to your question about where to get the leather buttstock pad ... I found this site on a recent search to free myself from the impending spandex bullet holder for the stock ..

Hope this helps , I know it going to help me

http://www.levergunleather.com/p_buttstock_covers.htm

Default

myarmor · « **Reply #15 on:** May 24, 2009, 10:02:17 AM »

Quote from: slimak707 on May 24, 2009, 08:13:53 AM

.................... where do i find the streight stock and wood foregrip? . ...............

You can buy it straight from the factory.

mechanic · « **Reply #16 on:** May 24, 2009, 01:48:28 PM »

I have the BC, and am thinking about buying a 45-70 Handi for hunting. The BC is mighty fun to shoot, but does not do well in the brush. Get both. You'll need 'em.

kevinsmith5 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 24, 2009, 05:50:08 PM »

A lot of how bush friendly the BC is depends on the bush (how dense), how you hunt (on a stand versus the slow stalk), and how big and strong you are (no offense to the little guys). As my boss claims I am big enough to bear hunt with a switch, I have no issues with toting it around the woods. I move from stand to stand and only take it to oopen country. When I hunt the local swamp I tote teh slug gun or the Huntsman.

mechanic · « **Reply #18 on:** May 25, 2009, 04:08:23 AM »

Quote from: kevinsmith5 on May 24, 2009, 05:50:08 PM

A lot of how bush friendly the BC is depends on the bush (how dense), how you hunt (on a stand versus the slow stalk), and how big and strong you are (no offense to the little guys). As my boss claims I am big enough to bear hunt with a switch, I have no issues with toting it around the woods. I move from stand to stand and only take it to oopen country. When I hunt the local swamp I tote teh slug gun or the Huntsman.

Hunted with mine out of a box stand. If the deer comes out on the side you have the rifle pointed, ok. If it comes from another angle, it makes a difficult move with the long barrel in a small ("store bought") box stand. It also does not come to the shoulder as quickly as a short barrel. I have a 357 that I may hunt next season, but I still keep salivating over a 45-70 Handi however. I also need a 223. I could also use a BB 243. Wouldn't mind having a 30 30. A hornet would be fun for the grand kids. I also don't have a rimfire Handi. I think I need help.........

kevinsmith5 · « **Reply #19 on:** May 25, 2009, 05:58:11 AM »

My stand hunting is doe from a flat open platform, never liked being in a box (makes me think of a coffin).

Get the 22 LR and the Hornet. You can get squirrles with the LR and shoot down to shorts and the Hornet gets you up into Varmint territory. Hornet is my "next one on the list".