.44 mag handi rifle

[johnson1942]

was over at the taxidermists place to day to pick up my sons buck rack he mounted for him. showed me his favorite gun of all his guns. it was a simple .44mag. handi rifle. says he takes it every where he goes out where he lives. uses it to hunt with as well as take care of coyotes. also when he butchers it puts down the critter. he said it is everything gun. i posted this as i know their is a lot of interest in the handy rifles out their and if anyone wants a cheaper very reliable good shooting gun, the handi rifle is it. mine is similar. it is a buffalo classic cut down to a 28 inch barrel in 45/70. if feel the same about my gun as he does about his. the next time im in his area ill bring mine along a let him go through a few rounds. also he showed me a bull elk that was just brought in. a bow hunter had just got it. the rack was huge, even for a elk. also a deer hunter got a mule deer with a huge rack with a bow. may be their is hope for the rest of us at rifle and muzzle loader season.

[shoot-n-lead]

I have been debating the handi rifle for a while...just have not bitten the bullet. One reason that I have not is that I cannot decide on the cartridge...among the straightwalls...not really interested in a rifle caliber.

[Whiterabbit]

if I get another it'll be a slug gun I set up for shooting full diameter cast in brass shells. like a 62/70 or 75/70. :)

[ThaDave]

I have a .44 Mag handi-rifle and I cant agree more that it is a great all around gun, light weigh and powerful with a very soft recoil, accurate enough at reasonable ranges and though as nails. I wont take it hog hunting but thats only because of the need for faster follow up shots. I think I paid less than $200 for mine in 2009. That gun is one of the reasons I am learning all I can about casting and reloading while I'm out of the country so when I get back stateside I can start shooting it more instead of having to buy off the shelf ammo at almost $50 a box.

[Boyscout]

I am hoping to make my first cast kill with a 44 Handi-rifle this year. The recoil is minimal shooting the 250 gn Lyman Devastor (263 gn with WW) with 22.5 gn Win 296. It is accurate and has a decent trigger pull. It is a lot more fun to shoot than my 12 gauge 870 Express. Mine does not stabilize the Lee C429-310 very well.

[358 Win]

Mines not a Handi Rifle but a H&R 158 Topper in 20 gauge that I sent the frame back to the factory and had a .44 Mag barrel installed back in the mid 70's. It is the Shikari barrel with the under barrel lugs containing a cleaning rod. Mine has never ever seen a J-word bullet thru the bore. Only my cast 429421 252 grain Keith style SWC. My hunting loads revolve around that bullet using WW296/H110 and 2400 powders @ a chronographed speed of 1700 + fps. My "plinking" loads revolve around Red Dot for an amazing accurate and pleasant load. I just had it drilled and tapped so I could put a 2.5x20 Tasco Bantam scope on it as my eyes are not what they used to be due to age.

I am a hit at family get togethers with the kids. We shoot hand thrown clay birds then switch barrels for some clam shell, soda can killing fun. I bring hundreds of the Red Dot loads and the kids all grouse when the ammo is used up (Uncle Bob, why didn't you bring more). During these fun sessions it is a great opportunity for me to "preach" safety and proper firearm handling.

I've often thought it would be a great combo if ever the fecal matter hits the metal rotary device and I gotta bug out. The high performance cast bullet loads will kill big game for meat and the shotgun barrel would take care of edible small game. I'm in my retirement years so don't know how far I'd be bugging out!LOL None the less, it is the most "FUN" gun I own bar none.

358 Win
http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz169/bobddville/Gun%20Collection%20Photos/Combination%20Guns/CombinationGuns008-1.jpg (http://s824.photobucket.com/user/bobddville/media/Gun%20Collection%20Photos/Combination%20Guns/CombinationGuns008-1.jpg.html)

Here's a picture of my 44 Mag/20 gauge combo gun along with my 1973 Ruger SBH that I carry along with the rifle.

[GhostHawk]

Well I am hovering on the edge of the cliff, about to dive in head first.

Since I"m not real big on recoil and really don't hunt anymore I probably won't get most of the rifle calibers.
Its not that I can't hunt, I just totally lost my desire to see wild things die as a result of my actions.
No judgement, no regrets, but no desire to kill either. "Only in self defense"

I am most likely to start with a .223/5.56 with a decent scope on it. Something my wife can shoot with low recoil.
Something I can work at putting 5 shots into a quarter sized group at 100 yards with.

The 357 seems interesting, more so if I can run lower power, lower cost 38 special rounds.

I have had in the past a .44 magnum in a rifle, and it is an awesome thing. But I think it might be more fun to play with something like .444 marlin, but that would be down the road a piece.

The itch I'm really trying to scratch is a 7.62x39 in a accurate single shot rifle. Something that could be scoped without looking like bubba got a holt of it. I love my SKS but I am not going to try to scope it. And I don't know why I love that little round so much, but something about it speaks to something deep within.

[gpidaho]

GhostHawk: I own a T/C Encore in 762x54R that little Russian round is just about the perfect size for cast boolit shooting with the small capacity case. Mine is the 15 inch handgun and has a .308 bore. Very accurate, loves the LEE 309-113-F over 9gr UNIQUE. Ive been on the lookout for the CZ bolt and wish H&R or T/C (they used to make one) had 22 or 24 inch barrels. GP

[DeanWinchester]

I just caught the Handi Rifle bug. I have a .357 mag rifle that is working out very well and 20g barrel that fits it as well but by far my favorite is my .454 Casull. It can do just about anything inside a hundred yards and is an absolute joy to load AND shoot. It can be gentle and it can get pretty rowdy depending on the load. I absolutely love it and my other guns are quickly gathering dust.

[gpidaho]

Handis are my new addiction, got five now and want some more. Inexpensive, accurate and fun. Great platform for Boolits. GP

[jmort]

^ +1 I have four and counting

[1989toddm]

I've been looking for someone to trade me there Handi for my Mossberg 835 12ga. I want the 30-30 barrel and a shotgun barrel either 12 or 20. Have heard nothing but good about them!

[DeanWinchester]

I just picked up a 30/30 barrel the day before yesterday. Can't wait to get started on that one.

I like going to the range with (50) rounds and leaving happy. Take (50) rounds with my AR or some other incessant noise maker and you kinda feel cheated.

[DHurtig]

I've been wanting a 44 mag Handi for some time.http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e69/c_latrans/NEFsurvivor.jpg (http://s37.photobucket.com/user/c_latrans/media/NEFsurvivor.jpg.html)

On top is a Survivor in 357 that has a 6x scope. Bottom is an Ultra Hunter in 45-70.

I need another Handi.

[gpidaho]

Edit on my last post: Encore is 762x39 not 762 x 54 (I don't know about me at times) Dean: You will love the 30-30 Handi my favorite so far. Mine wears a nice little 4x Leupold scope and is just plain fun to shoot. I got 30cal. and up covered for now at least, might get a Hornet or 223 next. GP

[dlbarr]

I've been looking for someone to trade me there Handi for my Mossberg 835 12ga. I want the 30-30 barrel and a shotgun barrel either 12 or 20. Have heard nothing but good about them!

Todd, look for PM from me.

[dlbarr]

38Win, I like that fore stock on your Handi...where'd you come up with that?

[358 Win]

38Win, I like that fore stock on your Handi...where'd you come up with that?

dlbarr,
The fore stock was on the 44 Mag barrel when the factory returned it to me. It is a standard Shikari (which means "hunter" in India) barrel and that's the forearm that all Shikaris' came with. I really wanted a 30-30 barrel but the factory was completely out of them at the time (mid 70's) so I opted for the 44 Mag barrel instead, not knowing it would come with a Shikari forearm. I'm so glad that H&R was out of 30-30 barrels as the 44 Mag has really been a stand out as far as a fun gun goes. For almost 40 years I've been having a lot of fun with the combo you see in my first post.

358 Win

[troyboy]

I got bit back when I was a kid. Got plenty of barrels and frames. Nice thing about these Handi's is the price of changing calibers. Prices are on the rise and they are not the bargin they used to be. They are also fun to tinker with.

[jason f]

I have been debating the handi rifle for a while...just have not bitten the bullet. One reason that I have not is that I cannot decide on the cartridge...among the straightwalls...not really interested in a rifle caliber.

i couldnt decide which one to get either so i just started collecting a bunch of them.:D

[rondog]

Who makes those? I've heard of them but never checked one out. Sounds pretty interesting.

[GREENCOUNTYPETE]

I jumped , had a SB1 called NEF today started ordering the 44mag then said what the hey if I am sending it in for one might as well get the 357 also I want to see what my 38spl plinking load does from a rifle

I am thinking 22 inches is just too long I will have to see how it shoots but I might need to cut it down to 16.5 and have the end threaded if I can find the cash for that some day and affix a over priced muffler to it and loose the ear plugs

[dlbarr]

I am thinking 22 inches is just too long I will have to see how it shoots but I might need to cut it down to 16.5 and have the end threaded if I can find the cash for that some day and affix a over priced muffler to it and loose the ear plugs

Pete, don't do that. It'll look stupid.

[Whiterabbit]

Pete, don't do that. It'll look stupid.


http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=114531&d=1409032524

Please ignore the dissimilar color on the stock. That has been rectified.

[dlbarr]

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=114531&d=1409032524

Please ignore the dissimilar color on the stock. That has been rectified.

Well...it's certainly not to my tastes but, different strokes for different folks...it's all good (I suppose). :smile:

BTW, did you create the buttstock? If so, nice work!

[Whiterabbit]

Well...it's certainly not to my tastes but, different strokes for different folks...it's all good (I suppose). :smile:

BTW, did you create the buttstock? If so, nice work!

"They say he carved his own spoon...... from a bigger spoon."

I took an existing palletwood stock, cut off the pistol grip to make it straight, and scrapped/thinned it to fit nicely then re-finished it. Did the same for the foreend, later.

You are right, it's not everyone's taste. Some people prefer 50mm scopes for every rifle. ;)

[dlbarr]

You are right, it's not everyone's taste. Some people prefer 50mm scopes for every rifle. ;)

Very true. I'm not one of those, but you are correct.

Not meaning to hijack the thread, but I would love to find someone that manufactures a steel replacement for that stupid plastic trigger guard. There used to be, but the outfit that did it couldn't do it for as little as buyers were willing to pay, so they stopped. Too bad, wish I'd gotten in on the front end of that deal and bought 2 or 3....

[Whiterabbit]

As long as it continues to fit well without rattling, that doesn't bother me like the forearm piece. And fortunately that IS still available in steel.

[dlbarr]

Yes, I bought one of those...it was spendy enough!

[dualsport]

I think the Handi 30-30 is a good candidate for that mythical 'one gun' rifle battery, especially for a caster. The single shot factor opens up a lot of possibilities on the upper end too.

[Bullshop Junior]

if I get another it'll be a slug gun I set up for shooting full diameter cast in brass shells. like a 62/70 or 75/70. :)

I had a light barrel tracker set up with a 18" barrel and collapsable synthetic stock. With 3" shells and a 950gn bullet it was murder to shoot, but sure did hit hard.

[Bullshop Junior]

Well I am hovering on the edge of the cliff, about to dive in head first.

Since I"m not real big on recoil and really don't hunt anymore I probably won't get most of the rifle calibers.
Its not that I can't hunt, I just totally lost my desire to see wild things die as a result of my actions.
No judgement, no regrets, but no desire to kill either. "Only in self defense"

I am most likely to start with a .223/5.56 with a decent scope on it. Something my wife can shoot with low recoil.
Something I can work at putting 5 shots into a quarter sized group at 100 yards with.

The 357 seems interesting, more so if I can run lower power, lower cost 38 special rounds.

I have had in the past a .44 magnum in a rifle, and it is an awesome thing. But I think it might be more fun to play with something like .444 marlin, but that would be down the road a piece.

The itch I'm really trying to scratch is a 7.62x39 in a accurate single shot rifle. Something that could be scoped without looking like bubba got a holt of it. I love my SKS but I am not going to try to scope it. And I don't know why I love that little round so much, but something about it speaks to something deep within.

If it hells with the itch, I have a Handi in 7.62x39 and it is my favorite barrel. My wife enjoys shooting it, and it is quite accurate. I also have a 223 barrel, but prefer the 7.62x39. It shoots the 100 gm bullets i use in my 32 mag very well over about 2.5gn of reddot.

[Whiterabbit]

I had a light barrel tracker set up with a 18" barrel and collapsable synthetic stock. With 3" shells and a 950gn bullet it was murder to shoot, but sure did hit hard.

yep, I'm out of the handi game, keeping only my 12" smooth bore and 20 ga rifled. But you can bet that's the way I'd go if thinning a barrel wasn't possible.

....950 grain bullets, jeez. I was thinking 500-600.

[Whiterabbit]

I think the Handi 30-30 is a good candidate for that mythical 'one gun' rifle battery, especially for a caster. The single shot factor opens up a lot of possibilities on the upper end too.

As far as I am concerned, the mythical 1 rifle battery was and is a 375HH rifle. Take your pick, bolt action, single shot, or double rifle. I'd take a double. (though let's be honest, if my gunsafe burned down tomorrow, I'd buy a bolt)

[Bullshop Junior]

yep, I'm out of the handi game, keeping only my 12" smooth bore and 20 ga rifled. But you can bet that's the way I'd go if thinning a barrel wasn't possible.

....950 grain bullets, jeez. I was thinking 500-600.

To top it off, that gun weighed 4.2 pounds. Shot very well though.

[1989toddm]

If it hells with the itch, I have a Handi in 7.62x39 and it is my favorite barrel. My wife enjoys shooting it, and it is quite accurate. I also have a 223 barrel, but prefer the 7.62x39. It shoots the 100 gm bullets i use in my 32 mag very well over about 2.5gn of reddot.

Now THATS a cheap load. At 2800 shots per pound you can shoot to your hearts content!

[GREENCOUNTYPETE]

Now THATS a cheap load. At 2800 shots per pound you can shoot to your hearts content!

sounds like my 38 spl load and 30-30 plinker load 2.5 gr tightwad in both the 38spl uses a lee 120-356tc that drops .359 and the 30-30 uses a 314-90swc that i run through a .311 sizer

[GREENCOUNTYPETE]

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=114531&d=1409032524

Please ignore the dissimilar color on the stock. That has been rectified.

I think it looks very functional easy to carry , and your not giving up any velocity with most pistol powders little is gained over 16.5 inches at least in most factory loads

we will see I have no plans to cut anything till I give it a good try the way it is first

[Bullshop Junior]

Here are a few photos of the 12ga I did. The group was shot with factory 3" federals at 50 yards off hard. First group after cutting the barrel. Starmac has it now.

117963

117964

[GREENCOUNTYPETE]

mine is also the case hardened frame , not sure what I will do for sights not likely to shoot real far but even 75 yards benefits from a scope with my eyes and since it will come drilled and tapped for the scope and not with holes for a front sight at least at first I will be developing a load with a scope

[leveraction 45 colt]

well I have a h&r 243 now and its super accurate, but want one in 30-30! so how accurate is the 30-30? :veryconfu

[Outpost75]

I have a .44 Magnum with extra 20-ga., 3" modified 26" barrel. Love it. If a fellow wanted one simple, inexpensive utility gun to keep as a survival gun, or a spare around the farm or hunting camp to do a variety of chores he could do lots worse.

[siamese4570]

Handi-Rifles are fun. My favorite is the 45-70. Killed my first cast boolet deer last year with a gould 330 grain hp that I cast. I only shoot 1350 fps. Deer didn't notice, died anyway. Also have a 30-30, 357, 223, and 35 whelen all in handis. you guys should check out greybeard outdoors. there is a forum dedicated to handis. It's an addiction.

siamese4570

[dlbarr]

​Yeah, that's a good forum over there. Loads of info on NEF/H&R stuff.

[Whiterabbit]

I think it looks very functional easy to carry , and your not giving up any velocity with most pistol powders little is gained over 16.5 inches at least in most factory loads

we will see I have no plans to cut anything till I give it a good try the way it is first


I suggest you cut it for balance. However the stock is gonna be, then take off the barrel till it balances with the forearm resting on your cupped hand. Would make carry that much easier, thats for sure.

[Goatwhiskers]

Ya gets ya a .44, rents the reamer from GBO, and ya rechambers to .445 Super Mag. Now you can shoot Specials, Mags, and the SM which kinda splits the difference between the Mag and the .444. Only thing is you gotta use an SB-2 frame for safety's sake. Another real fun cartridge. GW

[GREENCOUNTYPETE]

I think 44mag will be fine as this is a SB1 frame , but the 357 max interests me as i hear the 357 mag comes with a very long throat and takes only a little reaming to have a Max

and that max reaming can improve accuracy over the long throated mag chamber

is it as simple as placing the reamer into the chamber and turning with some oil till the go gauge fits and stop with a rimmed cartridge it doesn't seem that you could hurt head spacing as it spaces off the rim , but that just go till the go gauge fits testing it regularly

[Whiterabbit]

is it as simple as placing the reamer into the chamber and turning with some oil till the go gauge fits and stop with a rimmed cartridge it doesn't seem that you could hurt head spacing as it spaces off the rim , but that just go till the go gauge fits testing it regularly

the reamer has cutters where the rim is. If you are not careful, you will cut the rim deeper, increasing headspace. You have no control over the throat or where the mouth of the case goes. Not really. Not really. But yes, it is just as simple as oiling up the cutter and having at it. Stop when the rim cutter kisses but not cuts, the existing rim. steel cuts easy when its just a couple thou.

[dualsport]

I reamed my Handi .22 Hornet to K Hornet by hand and it was easy. Just really slow. Don't try to rush it, no sweat.