Here's a .30-30 with walnut stock, cut checkering, and a Leupold Rifleman. Weight 7 lbs...cost about $400.00.

Shoots a tad over MOA with Winchester factory ammo. I haven't worked up a load for it yet.

Looks like NEF has released the .45 Colt with the 20" barrel.

http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Rifles/buffalo.aspx

That is a very nice gun. I hunt with a 30/40 Krag in a Ruger #3. It's had trigger issues and a bit heavy. What is the weight and how is the trigger on the Sow? Really like the exposed hammer. Standard wood?

The wood is from an NEF Buffalo Classic. All new NEF Handis come with light crisp triggers. They will do the same for older Handis (for free) if you return them to the factory. Weight with scope is 7 lbs. It would be easy to make this one a .30-40.

The wood is from an NEF Buffalo Classic. All new NEF Handis come with light crisp triggers. They will do the same for older Handis (for free) if you return them to the factory. Weight with scope is 7 lbs. It would be easy to make this one a .30-40.

that 45 Colt is a bit spendy though ... sheeeeesh <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

So, what are they askin' for it....? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

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

like $450 ... ugh

Cheaper than a #1, and just as (if not more) accurate.

I know ... but why cant it be like $250 ???

Regular rifles are $200 + a few bucks more for the better wood ... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Oh well ... probably just buy another barrel for my encore instead ...

PS - Really nice setup you have Swampman ... didnt mean to highjack your thread ... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

You can find a Buffalo Classic for around $350.00 with a little looking around.

Swamp

Not you have me thinking about cutting down the 38-55 barrel from my target rifle.

I wish NEF would offer a saddle ring carbine version of the Buffalo Classic. A 24" barrel would be cool.

You own a #1 then, I take it. I have a Buffalo Classic and a #1. Buffalo Classic is a great rifle for the price. The Ruger #1 is a great rifle - at any price. It cost twice as much, and it is a good two times as good.

Now, no flies on the Buffalo Classic, but it shore ain't a #1. Save yore shekels and get yourself a #1. You won't regret it.

Hey why does that barrel look like a 12 guage slug barrel?

Spot

Lordy,

....I didn't wanna' bring that up......,

actually scaled it with calipers, against known dims.....

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

Get watcha' pay for dittos.....

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

Cut that SRC barrel to 20", or perhaps even 18", and she'd be a sweet pup... as far as a NEF can be, anyway...

"Now, no flies on the Buffalo Classic, but it shore ain't a #1."

Like I keep saying, I'm glad. I like to shoot, not tinker.

Personally I don't want a #1. I've been checking the group sizes in test reports for 40 years.

As a hunter and shooter, I prefer the NEF over any currently produced single shot rifle. I don't have time to tinker.

Aaaahhh.... Seems as if something doesn't add up here?!?!?!

I don't know about ya'll, but the above sure seems like tinkering to me. 'Course Swampy knows everything there is to know about single shot rifles..... Even tho' he's never owned a Ruger #1, a Winchester Hi-Wall, a Dakota 10, etc....

'Course, I don't know nuthin', even tho' I have Ruger #1's in might near every caliber that NEF's come in. And a whole bunch that they don't. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Not to mention some Hi-Wall's, Lo-Walls, C-Sharps, Brownings, CZ, et.al. Nossir! I guess I just have to bow to the guru!

However I did own a NEF, Once! I believe once is enough. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[color:"green"]Grasshopper [/color]

Nope, you don't know squat... and neither does 1B... 'cause all those #1s, and other single shots he has couldn't hold a candle to a Handi... and couldn't shoot with 'em either...

Y'all best just box 'em all up and send 'em to me; to get them away from you before you're stricken for life. I'll take one... or a dozen... or a hundred... for the team... someone has to, right?

VA,

I guess I'd have to send them to you. No one else will take them. Swampy sure wouldn't.....

Do you want them all at once, or just one at a time? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[color:"green"] Grasshopper [/color]

All at once would work... just drive 'm all down. You can even buy me dinner, just for taking the pain away and helping you out so much... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Swamp, I respect a useful rifle as much as anyone but the Savage/NEF things are just barn rifles. About as attractive as a shovel. Sometimes a shovel is the perfect tool but not really a Sunday-go-to-mass type implement.

The Sharps is a Saturday night-firefight in a bar, all balls rifle.

The Winchester highwall is a classy gentleman's deer rifle.

The rolling block is a romantic, Egyptian revolutionary type of rifle.

The Hepburn is a target rifle even if it has a toilet handle on it.

The Ballard is a Schuetzen rifle.

The Steve Earle Wesson #1 is a hand built masterpiece.

The Martini-Henry is an empire builder, and a gunsmith's wet dream.

The Ruger #1 is God smiling on single shot lovers.

The Martini & Hagn is the best single shot ever to grace the hands of man.

The NEF is a shovel.

SS
Josh

damn right,i'm with you SS- . or a boat paddle for navigating swamps. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

A very accurate, attractive, and reliable shovel. Only the old T/C Contender comes close to being as light, short, accurate, and fun to hunt with.

If I had someone to carry my guns around until I was ready to shoot, some of those others might be nice. But I'd also need someone to "fix" them. Out of the box accuracy is important.

I think I know what Swampman1 is shoveling with his NEF shovel. I may have said this in another post, it's nothing more than a cheap low end top break shotgun action, good for shootn' rats in a barn, has no class, and puttn' a rifle barrel on it does not make it a good or even nice Single Shot Rifle.

No matter what anyone does to it it will still be a cheap top break shotgun action with a rifle barrel on it, not something a real Rifleman would use or even wast his time with.
S/S

Most "Real Rifleman" would say the same thing about any single shot. The NEF isn't for everyone, just experienced woodsmen. "Class" is for women and city folks. I blow my nose on a thunb and a forefinger, not a silk hankie. Pretty 2 to 3 MOA rifles that cost $1000.00-$10,000.00 really aren't my thing.

"Which one of these is the salad fork??? Hell, who eats salad anyway..."

Swampman,

So what are the specs on the super slugger picture you put up?

Spot

If yer lookin' fer a argument, ya done come to the wrong place, well . . . . . . except from swampman1.

So Swampy, tell us about the last $1K to $10K rifle you actually owned yourself that was only 2-3 minute accurate.

If all you can afford is a Handi -- then have at it, but don't diss a better quality rifle just because you can't afford it.

My #1 will shoot minute of angle out of the box with 300 grain Barnes X, Hornady 300 gr FP, and Hornady 300 gr SP. All I did was mount a scope on it and shoot it. And it even shoots 292 grain cast bullets just about as good. Course, it ain't a real thimper like the 30-30. It's a light rifle in 405 Winchester. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Come on now, everyone knows that in the day of "Real Rifleman" there weren't anything but Single Shots, them new fanged "repeaters" weren't invented yet.

"I blow my nose on a thumb and a forefinger" that's disgusting, don't ever shake this guys hand, or for that matter if he's that crude make sure you stay up wind of him.

Most "Real Rifleman" don't need no silk hankie, cotton would do just fine, and at least you did not have to worry about anything if you wanted to shake his hand after him winning a shoot. Like I said, no class. It's apparent that this guy hasn't "been there" or "done that" yet.

I've been shootn' for over 50 years now and have gone through a lot of different guns, my take on them is as follows:

Single Shot Bolt Action Rifles, the most accurate. Bench Rest shooters use them, not very practical for anything other than bench rest shooting.

Falling Blocks. These are the Rifles that are the real Classics, from Target Rifles to Hunting Rifles.

Rolling Blocks, More real classic Rifles from Target Rifles to Hunting Rifles.

I'm sure there are a few others but the cheap NEF top break shotgun type barn guns are not worth the time it takes to load them, ok, they may be alright as a cheap shotgun, but hell they don't even have a greener cross bolt, of course if they did it would be a big improvement in the action, but of course then they wouldn't be cheap.
S/S

"If all you can afford is a Handi -- then have at it, but don't diss a better quality rifle just because you can't afford it."

I don't think there is a better quality rifle. There are more expensive rifles. I've owned several $1000.00+ rifles but none were as fun, or more accurate than my Handi. Keep telling yourself them high dollar guns are better. It will help you feel better.

"If all you can afford is a Handi -- then have at it, but don't diss a better quality rifle just because you can't afford it."

I don't think there is a better quality rifle. There are more expensive rifles. I've owned several $1000.00+ rifles but none were as fun, or more accurate than my Handi. The rifle in the picture is a .30-30. With scope it weighs in at 7lbs and it's 36" long. I was looking for a #3 when I got it, but I actually like it better than the #3 I used to own.

Swampy stated:






Shootist,

Swampy states that it's not the money.... Funny he is the only one that doesn't see what the rest of us do: The only reason to buy a cheap gun when it's "Not the money"... Is because he's too cheap. He want's to play with the big boys, but is too Cheap! If one wants to play with the high rollers, you don't do it playing penny-ante poker.... And there sure " Ain't no Coupe de'Ville hidin' at the bottom of a Cracker Jack box!"

I would suggest if one wants to talk about NEF "shovels" on should go to the NEF forums..... Oh! I forgot, that one "belly up".

When it comes to guns: "Ya gets what ya pay for!" If you're to cheap to spend real money then all you get is "Cheap"... Facts is facts! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> No matter how much you brag them up, it doen't change a thing. (And if you don't believe it; "My dad can whip your dad!") <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[color:"green"] Grasshopper [/color]

I'm perfectly content to shoot tiny groups with my shovel. I'm thinking about selling my expensive rifles, because I'm not using them anymore.

What have ya got, what's the condition, and how much, I'll check on how much it will cost to have them disinfected.

Being I'm retired, if the price is right I'll make the trip to pick them up, but they will have to be sealed in a plastic bag. ;>)
S/S

Had I a desire for a 30-30 rifle, it would no doubt come in an older Winchester levergun or a Marlin. A single shot 30-30 is like using a pitchfork to shovel sand. No sense in spending money on one of them. Makes good sense to get one for under 2 clams. And putting the fancy walnut off a buffalo classic on the handi-rifle is like putting a $150 dress on a two bit whore. She's still a whore under it all. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

You aren't spending your money efficiently then. I'll put several of my $1000+ rifle against you Handi for accuracy any time you choose. My 40x will shoot sub 0.200 with FGGM. Even my $699 FN PBR XP will turn out 1/4 MOA with handloads all day long.

I go to a lot of matches where the most accurate rifle win and have yet to see a handi.

The handi is what it is - a low cost, reasonably accurate gun - for the money. It's no prize winnner in the accuracy department, or it would be winning matches.

everybody knows that you don't shovel sand with a pitchfork. thats what they make nef handi shovels for.

yee haw,tell it like it is brother.

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

My friend's .280 shoots 1/2" groups at 100 yards consistently. That's better than most bolt guns. The Buffalo Classic will shoot with any Sharps. It has a steel triggerguard.

The triggerguard makes it more accurate? Wow...

Now, about those matches won by Handis?

Attend any CAS event and you will see Handis spanking them high dollar Sharps.

CAS events, huh?

Ranges at those events are what distance?

Oh, and those are local matches, which 99.9% of the time turn on the shooter, not the gun.

Try a larger match, say of regional or national consequence, where the shooters are all of near-equal skill, and see how many Handis you count.

And, I have been to a few CAS events; and have seen damned near everything win a few times.

Swamp, the Buffalo Classic will shoot with any Sharps?

Man that is a mouthful there. You'd better give us some specifics. I currently have two Shiloh Sharps in the rack, a 40-70ss and a 45-100. The 100 I have used to shoot myself into Master class. If you know of someone with a Handi that will shoot with me and my Shiloh 100 everyone here would dearly love the hear of it. The 40-70ss has accounted for around 140 head of game and the last time I put it on steel at 500m it was running about 10 inches with a Paul Jones 420gr bore rider. That's not a BS result, that's lead on steel.

You do know that most of the C. Sharps have Badger barrels on them?

You do know that the Pedersoli Sharps have some of the smoothest, choked barrels that have ever been on the market?

Talk is cheap, can you give us some REAL results from a match?

Want to see what just any old Sharps will do? Look up the Raton results from the BPCR nationals.

I assume that you understand that any unsupported statement you make is instantly dismissed by those of us that actually compete with single shot rifles.

This has been fun, talking about single shots, but unless you can actually give us some evidence that you know anything about them I am going to have to move on. Namibia and the Martini and Hagn 300 win. mag. require my attention.

Take care,
SS
Josh

Where I shoot, 3/8 groups is last place. Like to see it though, a handi shooting those groups (i.e. 5 rounds 1/2 MOA) consistently.

Frankly, I'm suspicious of such claims. Trigger, lock time, bbl, etc. on the Handi aren't all that impressive. The are fundemantal design issues with any break open rifle that add to lack of precision. It's not necessarily the fault of the Handi, but the whole break open class of rifles. If the design were capable of great accuracy, you'd see them in things like bench rest comps, rather than the turn bolts that dominate the class.

I'm not sure where you're located, but I'm in Helena MT. Come out this way and we'll have a little shoot off.

SharpsShooter, I heard somewhere that NEF rifles aren't allowed to compete in BPCR matches. Is that true?

This is really going nowhere, and I'm invoking ( with Sharps, Hepburns, Win High Walls, Low walls, Rollers, Stevens, Ruger #1s, Martinis, Mauser 71s, 71-84s, Kropatscheks, Ballards, Trapdoors,Remington Lees,H&As, and probably a few I've forgot )..........both originals and quality replicas under my belt.........

The DFTFT clause here.......

And I have, sadly had to mess with some NEF SS rifles, as well. They're OK, but time to knock off the BS. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Let's get back to discussing single shot rifles, or cut off equipped mossy funky gun designs here.

The NEF is NOT legal in NRA BPCRS, under current regs.
a simple mod would qualify it.....NEF has ignored that.

Hinge in the middle dittos, the design is fundamentally flawed.

" 280Rem "...???.... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/help.gif" alt="" />

GTC

Cross, I do hereby bow to the DFTFT clause as invoked by you. You are right, stupid subject.

SS

quigley shoulda packed a nef. maybe he will in the next movie. wouldn't that be a hoot!!!
dennis

Crossfire, Sharpsshooter, Sealer, VA, Shootist, et.al:

I really HATED to do it, but a fair number of posts on this thread now read:

[color:"red"]*** You are ignoring this user *** [/color]


I believe this is the best way for me to DFTFT! In four years of rallying around the Campfire, this is only the 2nd or 3rd time I had to resort to this tactic. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> But, truth to be told, I just can't stand the BS any longer. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[color:"green"] Grasshopper [/color]

And a very Happy Birthday to you, too, Grasshopper!

Did some bald guy in a peach coloured toga ever say to you, "Quick as you can, snatch the pebbles from my hand?" And when you did, did he follow up with, "Time for you to go, Grasshopper?" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> (Ya can always tell an old guy by the vintage of TV he remembers. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> )

what's DFTFT ???

Dont Feed the <bleepin'> Trolls

They are great little guns, you should try one.

I've got an NEF Pardner shotgun, an NEF Handi-rifle in 243 Win, and an H&R Buffalo Classic. The shotgun is a $100 job that could double as a pry bar or jack handle. The 243 shoots okay, but it looks like the jack handle with a scope on it. The only one really worth having is the Buffalo Classic, and I still prefer the Ruger #1 I have as well. Not likely to buy another handi. Very likely will buy another Ruger #1.

How many do you own?

Five and an extra barrel so far. I'll probably buy at least 2 more. I know folks that have 40+ Handis and Pardners. I don't care for rimless cartridges much, so I won't buy a Handi chambered for a rimless cartridge. If your interested Graybeard's Outdoors has "Handiholic" shirts and caps.

Five and an extra barrel so far. I'll probably buy at least 2 more. I know folks that have 40+ Handis and Pardners. I don't care for rimless cartridges much, so I won't buy a Handi chambered for a rimless cartridge. If your interested Graybeard's Outdoors has "Handiholic" shirts and caps.

I'd still rather have one Ruger #1 in my choice of rimmed or rimless cartridges than a dozen NEFs. (Probably the best one might do with a dozen NEFs would be a straight across trade for one #1 anyway, if that.)

And while snobbishness is rather unsavory from "the high dollar crowd" when one comes across it (but that has hardly reared it's head here that I am aware), it is nothing next to a "cheap whore" who tries to do the same - and there has been plenty of that. The NEF is a simple tool, adequate for simple chores (and not a weapon I'd disparage at all in the hands of a young person just starting out or one who simply needed a pot gun on a very simple budget. That said, there are better choices even in pot guns than an NEF single to fit similar budget considerations.)

The biggest problem here is not the weapon in question, it is, rather, a fellow so full of himself - and probably little else other than a bit of swamp gas perhpas - that he has resorted to using the lowly NEF as a tool to try to leverage a position for himself. Truth is, he has done nothing but distort and stain the image of this humble rifle as he has used it to shovel himself deeper into a hole of his own making. There is neither honor nor respect in the depths of that hole and only complete disdain for the NEF and every other shooting tool in question, remarks to the contrary notwithstanding. Even the NEF does not deserve this kind of treatment.

I'm trying to get rid of my pardner and Handi in 243 to make room for some decent guns in my safe. I'll keep the Buffalo Classic 'cause it's fun to shoot.

And I am in no way a Handiholic. But they say admitting you have a problem is about half way to getting the cure, so maybe there is hope for you yet.

well said kliktarik, well said.

dennis

I can only wish I could have said it so eloquently.....

Pardon me while I go make use of my silk hankie... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[color:"green"]Grasshopper [/color]

I'm still trying to figure out if I got spanked or not. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

If you like the Ruger long guns, that's fine. The 10-22, and the #3 are pretty nice. It's truly a shame they dropped the #3. I like the Handi because it has the qualities I admired in the #3. With some work, the #1 can be a pretty good rifle.

Hey this is starting to sound familiar

Handi shrimp rifles are the rifles of the sea. You can barbecue 'em, boil 'em, broil 'em, bake 'em, sautee 'em.

There's, um, Handi shrimp kebabs,
Handi shrimp creole,
Handi shrimp gumbo,
pan fried handi,
deep fried handi,
stir fried handi.
There's pineapple handi and lemon handi, coconut handi, pepper handi shrimp, handi soup, handi stew, handi salad, Handi shrimp and potatoes, Handi shrimp burgers, Handi sandwiches... That's, that's about it.

They are pretty much that. The same receiver can be a .22, a shotgun, a centerfire rifle, and a muzzleloader for less than the price of an Encore or a #1.

You forgot jack handle and latrine shovel.

I prefer accuracy over pretty. But my NEFs are very nice looking. You can see one of mine in this months issue of "The Backwoodsman" magazine. I'm going to submit a full article in the near future.

The article will of course be unbiased and accurate... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/help.gif" alt="" />

Sounds a lot like most multi-use tools. They do a mediocre job at a lot of different things, but not a real good job at any one of them.

Case in point -- an adjustable wrench. The only thing they do really well is slip and skin knuckles. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

harsh, 'ist, harsh ... but funny.
i'm not gettin' the swamper's back, but i gotta, all of the handis i've owned - including the one still in my safe - have been very good to excellent shooters except for a .44 mag. and it shot fine as long as bullet weight was kept to 240 grains or less. twist rate and all that.
but i sure wouldn't take oner in a contest against a sharps or no. 1 or no. 3 or high wall such that is well-tuned. the hinge action simply cannot be guaranteed to shoot excellently every time. very well, perhaps, especially rimmed chamberings, but not excellently.

I think most of us accept that the Handi is a decent rifle, and good value for the money. Nothing more, nothing less.

I never said any different, and I currently have three of those actions in my safe. They are all good shooters - if one defines good as and inch or bigger (possible exception is the Buffalo Classic). The trigger on the Classic is good. The 243 and the shotgun both have shotgun triggers, and shotguns are okay to be close enough with a slap of the trigger. Close enough never is close enough in a rifle. But that's all I'm saying lest I be charged with animal cruelty for flogging a dead horse. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

"that is well-tuned"

Being the key phrase.

Mine all have excellent triggers (even the shotguns) so I can't really comment on the trigger issue. I haven't seen an NEF that didn't shoot well right out of the box with factory ammo. and that's what I expect when I lay my money down. That's also the reason I shoot Remingtons if I feel I might need more than one shot. I'm not sure why other manufactuers can't just ship rifles that are ready to hunt with.

They do. I'm sure sorry you can't figure it out or just feel the need to step on the shoulders of other brands and better makes in an effort to put them down, and in order to make yourself and your point have some value.



The truth is, you don't like the truth and won't acknowledge it.

never argue with an idiot. he will drag you down and then beat you with experience.

dennis

Dennis:

My buddy tells me that his grandfather always told him: [color:"red"]"When you think you are arguing with a fool, make sure he isn't thinking the same thing!" [/color] <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[color:"green"]Grasshopper [/color]

I have never found a factory rifle yet that was ready to roll as shipped. But I'm picky. I was unimpressed with the Ruger #1 trigger, although it was certainly serviceable. So far the best factory triggers I've found are on the CZ bolt guns, and they still require adjusting.

I looked at a handi again today and while the trigger was adequate, it was by no means great unless you have very low standards. Fit and finish was of 'tool' quality with plenty of machine marks.

The ejector/extractor was totally unacceptable. It should be mechanical, rather than spring loaded. I'd rather have a working extractor than an ejector anyway - at least for a break open.

Swampman1, your blind advocacy of this rifle above all else single shot shows a convienent neglect of this rifle's faults. As stated, it is a good value for the money, but it is not in the same class as the high end single shots - in terms of accuracy, fit, finish and aesthetics. The very article you quoted from Gun Tests showed this is a 1-2 MOA gun, which is certainly minute of deer. That the Dakota 10 shoots as poorly as the Handi is more of an indictment of the Dakota than a recommendation of the Handi. But with the Dakota, the buyer is purchasing a piece of art as much as a rifle.

If your only measure is accuracy, then probably no break open or falling block single shot is in the running compared with single shot turnbolts. If repeaters are added in, there are a number of rifles that put 1-2 MOA guns to shame. An FN PBR XP or Remington LTR will reliably turn in 1/4 MOA groups out of the box with suitable factory ammunition.

People who are bying single shots are doing so for more reasons than performance. There's the challenge of one ready shot, and there is a certain beauty in many of these rifles. If someone were really buying a performance rifle, particulary using your criteria of $1000+ , the handi wouldn't even be on the list. Nor probably would be a Number one.

Even if you only need one shot, an LTR or PBR will beat an Handi every single time.

Tod, I agree with you on that from a target shooting angle. My last Remington is plenty accurate for hunting and easy to build just about any load for - other than, and perhaps because of, a really tight chamber that two different brands of dies couldn't size once fired brass enough to chamber. That rifle, however, unlike so many Remingtons I've shot, has a really hard trigger, a much less user friendly trigger than the untouched Winchesters and Rugers I have. I was able to shoot it well enough, however, in spite of that. As pretty as those Mountain rifles are in many ways, I suspect this one will hit the road. It just doesn't suit me for hunting.

As for my #1s (I only have two, but plan to have at least one more), my 45-70, ironically, has a much better (two screw) trigger than my small game 218, also a two screw. Just because it is fun to punch paper with the little 22, I'll probably have the trigger worked on to make it more enjoyable.

I have gone around on another post about the extractor on these NEF rifles. I find the idea of an extracter rather than an ejector to be an abomination on any rifle seriously intended for hunting. You are quite right, a mechanical extractor (like the #1 has) is really the way to go. As a kid, I used single shots including a Savage which had a spring powered ejector which worked well most of the time. With small animals it seemed rather appropriate to let them die without further disturbance after one good shot. Hunting much larger game as an adult has surely changed my thinking on that though and I really appreciate any rifle that allows an easy reload for a second shot. A single shot rifle like the #1s with their selectively adjustable ejector/extracters make that an easy thing. My recent moose would have died from the single shot I made after loading the empty gun after I found him. Being able to quickly reload and add an insurance shot to hasten the stopping of that animal was also a good thing, just as it was with my fall brownie.

I guess I am kind of an odd duck when it comes to accuracy in hunting rifles. I haven't consciously done it, but suppose I have gotten rid of my most accurate hunting rifles because they were a bit boring from a hunting perspective. The pursuit of accuracy in a rifle is fun for sure; once that accuracy is found though, sitting there shooting groups far smaller than anything useful for practical hunting pursuits seems rather boring.

You are probably right about the accuracy thing. I came to hunting from the target/tactical shooting world. It sometimes hard to adjust from that thousand yard way of thinking, where 1 MOA or better is critical.

This last year I bagged my buck from 325 yards with one of my tactical rifles - a 1/4 MOA rifle that used to weigh 17 lbs (I have since bobbed the 27.5 inch bbl back to 20 inches).


I then went hunting with my BP rifle, and learned about hunting, as opposed to shooting (i.e. stalking up to within 75 yards or less).

The reality is that minute of deer (2-3 MOA) is probably good enough for 90% of hunting in my area. I'd like my Ruger #1 to be bug hole accurate, but under 2 MOA should be more than enough.

There is certainly something to be said for light weight rifles. I started with the 40x, bought an FN PBR XP that got the weight down to 12 pounds with scope, followed by the Number 1. My most recent acquisition is a CZ-527 that weighs a mere 5.9 pounds. All this in the month since hunting season ended.

Now I just need to relax enough to go hunt with a rifle that is 'good enough' rather than perfect.

"never argue with an idiot. he will drag you down and then beat you with experience."

Good advise, I'l quit. The Ruger and Dakota are good enough for deer hunting.

that advice wasn't intended FOR you swampy!!! more of an ABOUT you !!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Hey Swmapman, congrats on a nice rifle.... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

'Course, if ya can see your way clear to spending maybe three times the price to get about the same performance then one day you too might be a "real rifleman".... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Birdwatcher

My favorite Marlin.......... 1/4 MOA....all the time...



.........oops, meant to say 2 1/4 MOA.........

I guarantntee youze.............this amazng old pelter has got a better trigger on it, than that shotgun.

Drunk out tonight....I know, not supposed to be feedin' ....etc. etc.

Isn't there a website somewheres for this sorta' BS...?

Back to business, Hinge in the middle.... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

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

Where did you get that special coating on the Marlin done? Looks nicer than my NEF 243 Winchester from the late 80's. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

the marlin is probably worth more on the market than almost any age nef too !!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />