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which "quality" are you referring to. is it (A)-- the stocks that looks like it was cut from a fence post that came from a hog lot or (B)--the sloppy machining and rough tool marks or (C)-- the deep lustre,high polish cold blue looking finish or could it be (D)-- ALL THE ABOVE.
the best thing to do when you find yourself in a hole - is to stop digging !!!

Seal, I don't think the Handi thing is a "bad" rifle its just more like entry level. I remember when I was a kid that lots of my friends had those 22lr/410's. They were very useful as a boys rifle. I remember wishing that I had one. I had a Rem. 514 and a Sears bolt action 410 which were great for a kid but that little combination gun was cool.

Now I own lots of the expensive stuff including a Martini and Hagn 300win mag that is to be delivered in a few months. I have a couple of Shiloh Sharps, several #1's and a bunch of high end bolt actions, most with Krieger barrels. I have sold and given away some Remington rolling blocks and I shoot in Master class BPCR silhouette. After having spent so much money, time and lead through all these different rifles I understand now that there is no magic in any of them. The Handi things do not shoot tiny groups, they shoot about like you would expect lower end factory barrels to shoot. Ruger #1's shoot like medium priced factory barrels should shoot and Krieger/Lilja/Obermyer's shoot about like you would expect high end custom barrels to shoot.

For the most part you get what you pay for. There is a smidgion of charm in a really cheap rifle that shoots OK. Neat conversation stuff. Not something you would take on a 20K African trip but intersting enough to keep under the seat in a truck.

Each to his own, I suppose. I prefer a rifle with character, class and a soul so I stay with American made Sharps, Ruger #1's and the Holy Grail of single shots....the Martini and Hagn.

I guess they all beat a rotten stick.

SS
Josh

i have had some bad dealings with a nef rifle. do i think they are a bad gun? no,not for the most part. but when someone makes out like the nef is the "do all,be all ,is all" --- sometimes i just have to speak up.
dennis

I stay with American made NEF products. They don't need fixin'.

Swampman,

You show a regular NEF rifle with the target stock on it or buffalo classic (the same).

Both the buffalo and target have case hardened color recievers, and don't come in 30/30.

So how did that rifle come out of the box that way??

I owned the same rifle but in 223, heavy dog with that big barrel.

Spot

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Ain't nothing broke about the Ruger pictured, even at 25� below zero she worked pretty good - and still looks and feels good to boot!



Swampy, You keep bragging on your fantastic NEF, then try to put down some of us who happen to like Rugers, making disdaining comments about the hunting or shooting ability of some of us who aren't NEF fanatics. I've and others have showed you a bit of evidence to the contrary, would you mind sharing some yourself (to perhaps support your positions)?

I think it's evident by now that if Swampman1 thinks that anything NEF makes is a "quality" product he's a beginner at this stuff, it's no secret that NEF and a lot of other companies like them are more or less making third world type products, low end stuff, you know like dressing up the two bit whore.

I don't have a problem with that as there is a market for all levels of shooters/hunters, it's just a shame that these guys that blow there nose in there hand thinks that it's "quality" stuff, like I said anyone thinking that way has to be new at this and hasn't really experienced the good stuff yet.
S/S

Personally I think if NEF would put a better receiver on the Handi and use the buffalo classic wood with a recoil pad they woud had an ok looking rifle.

Still that H&R single shot shotgun receiver.

Spot

NEF is coming out with a new reciever. Rumor is that it will accept older barrels, and it won't have to be returned to the factory to be fitted for new barrels. I've been shooting single shot rifles for 44 years.

I installed a BC stock set, on a standard NEF Handi Rifle which took about 3-4 minutes. Total investment including the Leupold Rifleman scope, and Burris mounts is under $400.00. It's a hunting rifle, not a safe queen. I just came to the conclusion I was tired of hauling 8 to 10lb rifles around. This rifle weighs less than a Ruger #3 and even in .45-70, is a lot of fun to shoot. Spanking them expensive rifles just makes your day.

That receiver was developed in 1871 for rifles.

NEF is coming out with a new receiver. Rumor is that it will accept older barrels, and it won't have to be returned to the factory to be fitted for new barrels.

I've been shooting single shot rifles for 44 years.

I installed a BC stock set, on a standard NEF Handi Rifle which took about 3-4 minutes. Total investment including the Leupold Rifleman scope, and Burris mounts is under $400.00. It's a hunting rifle, not a safe queen. I just came to the conclusion I was tired of hauling 8 to 10lb rifles around. This rifle weighs less than a Ruger #3 and even in .45-70, is a lot of fun to shoot. Spanking them expensive rifles just makes your day.

It's not a sow's ear, it's beautiful. Thanks...Bill.

swamper, i do like the little handi. both the .30-30s i had were super shooters.
i'm all for bargain shooting.
but man, you're asking for it with some of your swamp-gas comments ...

Well someone has to give the Ruger, and Dakota snobs hell. It may as well be me;)

Like I said, when Handis start winning matches, I'll be interested. I bought my Ruger for the design and that certain je'ne sais quoi. For pure accuracy, the Handi ain't it. For style, it ain't it either. Even you must have found the basic handi wanting as you replaced the factory stock.

Doubtless, the handi has its place, but it is not the ultimate rifle, nor is it even close. Just the fact that it is a break open mean the action isn't as intrinsically strong as a falling block. That's why all the big British double rifles use low pressure rounds.

And anyone who thinks a Handi trigger is good has never felt a decent trigger.

l like the Ruger number, but I am surprised to hear owners of such as 'snobs'. The Ruger is a nice rifle, but it's really only an low priced mass produced gun - not much more expensive than a Remiongton 700 or similar hunting rifle. The Hagn or Dakota are more in that line, but the person buying those are not just buying a rifle as a piece of shooting art. Compare the fit and finish, and even the wood on a Dakota to a Ruger or Handi and you'll see why they cost what they do.

I don't mind advocacy of the Handi, but suggesting that it is the best rifle out there (compared to rifles costing $1,000 to $10,000) is just trolling and nothing more.

Hey swampman1,

Since this is the single shot forum, want to shoot you handi against my single shot Nesika?

Even my SB1s have fantastic triggers. 3lbs and break like an icecicle. Handis do win single shot matches. You guys need to get out more. Sitting around here slapping each other on the back is no way to learn.

" anyone who thinks a Handi trigger is good has never felt a decent trigger."

Tod, are you suggesting that the ( rather soft ) injection molded plastic "trigger guard / trigger housing", retained by knurly headed pins, and carrying a MIM'd trigger / sear ,...... is in some way inferior to an all metal, machined trigger assembly?
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Barn gun dittos

GTC <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

( That receiver was developed in 1871 for rifles.)

That's something I did not know, I guess we learn something everyday. I checked all my reference books on Single Shot Rifles authored by James Grant, Frank De Haas, etc. and did not find it listed, maybe I didn't look hard enough. Do you mind letting us know where you got that Info ?. At any rate if that's the case it was a poor excuse for a Rifle then and they still haven't improved it in over 100 years.

( NEF is coming out with a new receiver. Rumor is that it will accept older barrels, and it won't have to be returned to the factory to be fitted for new barrels. )

I wish them luck, but if it's going to be a Top Break shotgun action I hope they have a top and bottom lock.

( I've been shooting single shot rifles for 44 years. )

It's very hard to believe that you have been at this for 44 years and haven't learned what a quality product is. I give up, you win.
S/S



[quote]That receiver was developed in 1871 for rifles.

NEF is coming out with a new receiver. Rumor is that it will accept older barrels, and it won't have to be returned to the factory to be fitted for new barrels.

I've been shooting single shot rifles for 44 years.

Swamp, you'd better let us in on the secret of Handi-things winning matches. What type matches and where? The real truth is that all of us know that Handi's can barely shoot their way out of a paper sack.

Entry level at best.

SS