Author Topic: Are our Beloved Handi Rifles headed to the Endangered Species List? (Read 9457 times)

dave29 · « **Reply #30 on:** July 30, 2012, 12:34:20 PM »

This is why I have been moving to the Encores and Contenders.

Encore frame costs about 3x that of a handi frame, but after that, they aren't that much more expensive.

-Handi barrel: $110-$150 used and need hand fitted, more for a factory fit accessory barrel. Not many calibers available.
-Encore barrel:$150-$190 used and they fit, new barrels can be had for $225. Just about any caliber you can think of is available.

-Custom bored and stubbed handi barrels: your donor barrel plus $300-$600.
-Custom Encore barrels: $295-$350 and up.

-Handi stock sets: $50 for junk wood/standard synthetic, $100 for walnut and lam.
-Encore stock sets: $50 standard synthetic, $100 for walnut and lam. Many choices available.

-Encore has more/better scope base choices. Hammer allows for easier scope mounting.

-Fit and finish of Encore is hands down better.

I still have a ton of handi's and I have no plans of getting rid of them, especially my pistol and rimmed calibers, although, I can't see myself selling my 7.62x39 either.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #31 on:** July 30, 2012, 12:43:13 PM »

I can't get past the TC's yuckgly stock, had one, sold it, it's just Handis for me.

Tim

44 Man · « **Reply #32 on:** July 30, 2012, 01:58:52 PM »

Speaking of TC's, I had a sweet little 7-30 waters (another Handi caliber I'd like to see) carbine. Nice wood and lightweight. BUT try to carry one in the woods. You just can't find a way to carry one in your hand the way they are built! The only comfortable way to carry it one handed, is to loop your finger through the trigger guard and carry it upside down. I wouldn't do that so it went down the road. The Handi ballances well in your hand and shoots straight. I do wish they would make some more calibers or at least put some of the calibers they do have barrels in on the website so we can buy them!

44 Man

dave29 · « **Reply #33 on:** July 30, 2012, 02:42:49 PM »

Quote from: quickdtoo on July 30, 2012, 12:43:13 PM

I can't get past the TC's yuckgly stock, had one, sold it, it's just Handis for me.

Tim

I honestly just like break open single shots. I probably never even would have bought my first encore if H&R had more Calibers.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #34 on:** July 31, 2012, 05:08:02 AM »

Dont need a weatherman to tell you which way the wind blows.

petemi · « **Reply #35 on:** July 31, 2012, 09:49:18 PM »

TC....cumbersome and ugly. My Handis fit.

I think the Handis will eventually go the way of the Traditional muzzleloader. The diehards will hang on, but the majority will go to the bolts or the black rifles. Times change.

Pete

jeepmann1948 · « **Reply #36 on:** August 02, 2012, 10:55:51 PM »

I think not only the Handi is doomed but the market it was built for as well.It was built for rural America.Sadly the rural America is shrinking faster .
The Handi provided a much needed tool for the farmers and ranchers .It was cheap and reliable and did what it was needed to do. No telling how many were propped up by the door of the house for easy access.These were not meant to be a thing of beauty but a dependable good working firearm to protect the family and place from pests and varmints.This included the 2,4 and slithering kind. However the 2 legged variety were not as common as today.The handi by the door probably had something to do with that .
The centerfire Handi provided a means that nearly anyone could afford to hunt the larger species to supplement the family larder.It worked very well for this purpose too.
Today's Handi owners are a much different breed. We realize how unique and fun they are, but we also like to tinker with them (some more that others).
The primitive hunting seasons have sparked a small (comparatively speaking). Whether or not it can sustain the production of rifles remains to be seen.
I do not post this to be a doomsayer just facing the reality that the reason to own a Handi is dwindling and in today's mass manufacturing world this is doom and gloom.

Fred M · « **Reply #37 on:** August 03, 2012, 08:26:24 AM »

I am with Sourdow, no ejector no Handi. Besides there have been no improvements in quality. It is surprising that they are still in business.
Fred M.

jeepmann1948 · « **Reply #38 on:** August 11, 2012, 12:39:14 AM »

Fred M made a good remark on the Handi not having an ejector. Most the potential purchasers are not reloaders and just use their rifles for hunting.
However the entry level bolts already have a positive ejector and repeater capability.

jeepmann1948 · « **Reply #39 on:** August 17, 2012, 01:20:25 AM »

Bumping this back to the top so maybe some of the newer members can give us their input. Us "old" ones have given us their views but the new ones need to chime in as well.

hunt-m-up · « **Reply #40 on:** August 17, 2012, 02:42:38 PM »

Unfortunately there are not enough hard-core Handi fans like those represented here on GBO to sustain production when the company is owned by bean-counters. Not guessing they're paying the bills with nostalgia and there are way too many quality bolt actions playing at nearly the same price point. All I own at this point is a 22 mag Ultra and my first shotgun a Topper 12. I've been through the barrel fitting and trading with Handis(really liked the 444) and also owned several barrels for my Encore(it's back to being a dedicated MZ). I envy those who put in the time with them and are so dedicated and loyal to the Handi platform, but I can't see how or why the company would want to sustain mass production.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #41 on:** August 17, 2012, 03:01:20 PM »

Im facing reallity; it is not likely that I will buy any new H&Rs, maybe something used 'off the table' if the price is right and I have a moment of weakness (and can sell something to 'finance it'). There isnt anything out there that interests me with the selection I have now and surviving this 'brave new world' is gonna take all we got.

colt1960 · « **Reply #42 on:** August 18, 2012, 09:58:05 AM »

I am a new member here and I like handi's because like was posted earlier I am left handed. They just work well for me. My first shotgun in the late 60's was a 12ga. H&R. In the mid 90's I bought my first handi a 30-06 for under 200.00. Im a machinist and after reading about barrel stubbing it has sparked new interest in these single shots again. Rick!!

AtlLaw · « **Reply #43 on:** August 18, 2012, 03:04:32 PM »

Well welcome Rick!

I'm newly left handed my own self so I'm real glad I got a bunch of Handi's!

thesandman · « **Reply #44 on:** August 19, 2012, 02:41:10 PM »

I'm oldskool, but relatively new to forum. I want u to look at the history, been bellie up before. Maybe it will bring improvment thru a rebirth. hope it doesnt happen but mite be for better. cant get accessory barrels that they currently sell on guns. what the heck. I believe that the cuts have been coming rite along and will get worse. always liked out shootin a big money outfit with a buget built gun. love the handi but now lookin for other options to get calibers and barrel lengths, weights desired. Perhaps a custom shop with a standard shop budget. there is lots of interest.

PowPow · « **Reply #45 on:** August 19, 2012, 02:59:40 PM »

Handi's aren't completely perfect for LH folks.

My first try at stalking with my 30-30, a deer jumped out in the road. reached for the hammer extension with my left thumb as pulled the gun up to my shoulder. Hit the latch button instead. Gun folded up. Shell ejected over my shoulder. Deer drew a glock and shot me in the knee (okay I made that part up).

If this lefty were looking for an entry level gun right now, the Savage Axis would be mighty tempting.
Not that I think the Axis is a great gun, just can see how an entry level LH would perceive the Axis as a better deal.

rdlange · « **Reply #46 on:** August 19, 2012, 03:18:15 PM »

Sorry to hear you had a LH problem with your Handi, 'cause I'm a lefty too. Best other LH gun is a lever gun, I think.

I always have put the hammer spur on the left side. When I bob the hammer to get the scope lower it could cause a problem with the spur in the right. I have been very satisfied with this arrangement on mine.

I also prefer ejector barrels. I'll keep buying up older ones as I can to 'preserve' them for those who won't be able to get them once they're gone. Bet the price will go up substantially when that happens.

PowPow · « **Reply #47 on:** August 19, 2012, 04:06:42 PM »

Quote from: rdlange on August 19, 2012, 03:18:15 PM

...I always have put the hammer spur on the left side...

I did too. Its just that left thumb wants to naturally go to the other side where the latch button is.
But it was just that one time. Got used to keeping my thumb on the other side.
Now I prefer the tang safety of a #1, it is the closest thing to ambidextrous that there is.

I like the handi for entry level, especially when I took my daughter. I could look over and see the hammer down and feel comfortable that she was being safe, without asking her every 30 seconds.

hoytcanon · « **Reply #48 on:** August 19, 2012, 04:57:42 PM »

If the assumption is that the only reason that someone would buy a Handi is for value (cheapness), then the Handi would die a rapid death from a temple shot out of a Savage Axis! BUT... there are other reasons to buy Handi's... I buy them because I like the simplicity, I like break action guns, I like single shot guns, I like the barrel swap capability and the multitude of calibers, I like the fact that custom chamberings are much easier to do, I like the feel of a Handi, I like the look of a Handi, I like the laminated thumbhole stocks available for them and the Game Reaper mounts... I just plain like Handi's... I would buy them even if the price was (somewhat) higher... but that is JMO... time will tell.

lee1954 · « **Reply #49 on:** August 19, 2012, 05:57:34 PM »

I'm seeing more ARs at Wallmart and less H&R's
Maybe the need to redefine there niche
Really, I think some good aftermarket Barrels would redefine..
Dan

thesandman · « **Reply #50 on:** August 20, 2012, 11:38:38 AM »

Agreed on barrels being available. aftermarket would be nice but factory custom shop may be a way to go also.

tsigmon · « **Reply #51 on:** August 20, 2012, 03:07:39 PM »

I hope the demise of the Handi is not on the horizon but understand how the inexpensive entry level bolt actions could cause this to happen. The local Academy Sports had some type of Mossberg bolt .243 last year for less than $200. Looked at it, didn't impress me then, and wrote it off as not even worth the $200 price tag . Talked to friend the other day who had bought one and he swears it shoots as good a Browning A bolt and a Rem 700(both .243) he has.

I bought my first handi a couple weeks ago in 7mm-08 for my 13yo son and was just able to shoot it this weekend.We bore sighted it by looking down the bore at a target @50 yards and adjusting the cross hairs and then shot it . First shot was 3 low,3 left , adjusted scope,second shot, 1 left and not quite 1 high. Adjusted the scope ,moved the target to 100yds and next 4 shots clover leafed within the 1" square (probably closer to 3/4" ) 1/2 right 1/2 high! Wish I knew how to post pictures! This was done with factory Rem 140gr reduced recoil loads. I now want one in .30-30 and .25-06. My luck they won't be available when I've saved up the money.

This particular 7mm-08 Handi my be a fluke, but I took a synthetic stocked .243 followed the tips, and had it shooting just as good using hand loads (after a lot trial and error on the hand loads part).

I normally shoot a '70's? model Browning B-78 in .30-06, better fit and finish, better lines (to me),but a heck of price tag compared to the Handi's. I can own all three Handi's for what one B-78 would cost. And it dosen't shoot any better.
The fun part of this new Handi is going to be going to the public range Labor Day weekend when all of the local deer hunters are checking their zero and bragging on their XYZ superduper magnum with whoop-d-do scope and compare targets! I can't wait.

jeepmann1948 · « **Reply #52 on:** August 25, 2012, 05:18:17 AM »

I checked out one site for the difference between Handi prices and bolt guns. Cheaper Than Dirt has 60 different models of 30-06 bolt guns listed between 252.00 and 321.00.18 of these are scoped versions. They offer what appears to be a full line of H &R center fires from 212.00 (a 30-06 syn 22") to 411.00 . They list 6 Handi Rifles in 30-06 between 212.00 and 264.00.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #53 on:** August 25, 2012, 06:09:46 AM »

Im thinkin that there must be a market; maybe bolt guys going 'back to the basics' with the sg. shot vs just sgl. loading their bolts?, kinda like the movement of compound bow guys going back to recurves? It is somewhat enlightening to see how cheap they can market a new generation bolt gun!
We'll know when the offerings from H&R get reduced or turn to -0-, wont we $:-\$ ? If there isnt money in it these days for a company there is no reason to continue, unless you just want to see how deep a hole you can dig.

twoshooter · « **Reply #54 on:** August 25, 2012, 06:11:24 AM »

The handi has (had) 3 big advantages that I saw. 1# They are (were) cheap. 2# They came in calibers that were not available in bolt guns. 3# They break down for storage and carrying.

On top of that they were extremely safe and simple to operate. You can add the nostalgia and sportsmanship of a single shot (which is of no appeal to many) and in the case of the TDC- downright handsome.

With the rage for AR's , which is understandable given the fact that all the military has experience with it, the only real advantage remains #2.

ncloader88 · « **Reply #55 on:** August 28, 2012, 03:45:50 AM »

I set my sights on Handi Rifles long before i ever knew of the barrel program, so the barrel program is just a bonus for me

. I see the handi rifle platform as almost "bulletproof", meaning that once you have found or created a reliable gun, there are few things you can to to screw it up as long as you don't leave it in the rain. There are also very few things that could not be repaired by the novice at home with less than $20 dollars worth of parts. There are few things that a T/C can do that a Handi cannot do cheaper. I really hope they stick around, they need to be as aggressive with their ads as marlin is and they will take off. I vote Dave Canterbury for their spokesman, he has many videos on the virtues of the single shot and he is how i found them.

geezerbiker · « **Reply #56 on:** August 28, 2012, 11:42:48 AM »

I heard recently that one more state has approved center fire single shot rifles for primitive weapons hunts. If more states follow, there will be an expanding market for the Handi...

Tony

bajabill · « **Reply #57 on:** August 28, 2012, 05:11:18 PM »

I must confess,

I looked at a youth handi 243, for my son and then compared it to a savage axis. The bolt gun was lighter. I then went to cabelas and bought a savage axis youth 243 for $250 - $20 coupon. Hard to pass up a $230 gun.

scotsman · « **Reply #58 on:** August 29, 2012, 11:17:43 AM »

I had looked around for a cheaper rifle to leave in the truck in 223. I bought a savage axis and was as dissatisfied as I have ever been with a rifle. It is for sale now. I bought a Handi in 30 30 this past Monday and liked it so well I sent it Tuesday for a new 223 barrel. I didn't even fire it but it is hands down a better rifle for what I need than the axis and I have always liked savage rifles. I would reccommend a handi over the axis.

bajabill · « **Reply #59 on:** August 29, 2012, 04:42:17 PM »

I always thought my 357max would be the gun my kid hunted with first. Ideal setup, safety of the single shot with transfer bar, start with 38sp, move into 357mag, and finaly 357max for the hunt. But, I was faced with the stock fit problem and decided that before I spend $50 for a youth stock, I would use that money toward another gun. Last year I had him with me at the gun shop and had him hold up a handi youth. He struggled with the weight and it did not have a scope on it. I think that same gun is the one I looked at this week BTW, so it isnt selling well in my neighborhood, price in the low 200s if I recall correctly. My maxi is even heavier yet, 7.5lbs with scope compared to the axis at 6.1 with scope. HR has alway made a heavy barrel, which I like in all other applications except this one.

There was also a BC for $285 which looked like a great deal. I did not look at it because I did not need to be tempted - focused on my task at hand