New to me Handy Rifle

[45-70 Chevroner]

I really don't know if I got a good deal or not. I bought a slightly used Handy Rifle in 357 Mag. with the shipping box, and a mounted Simmons scope 3-to-9. I got it for $175.00 out the door from a gun shop. I do think it is worth more than that but not sure. It is a SB1 action with a SB2 barrel, it does not have open sights. What do you think?

[txsnowman2k2]

Think ya done great...maybe look into reaming it to 357max...brass is starting to show up again...tx.

[725]

Shoot it first. It's a great little rifle, and , indeed, you did good. Don't know if you punch paper or hunt, but it will do both easily.

[colt1960]

It sounds to me like you got a fine deal. I bought a 1995 sb-2 handi back at the begining of the year with a 22 hornet, 357 mag and a rifled 20ga slug barrel (all had sights) for $350.00. I have aready reamed the 22 hornet to a 22k hornet and the 357 mag to a max. Rick.

[seaboltm]

Sounds about right for most handi's I see on gunbroker.

[Goatwhiskers]

You got a great deal. For some unknown reasons all barrels for quite some time have been marked SB-2, means nothing. All you really need to know is what frame you have, should be an SB-1. These are not suitable for rifle calibers, but are safe for the Max if you choose that route. It's a great cartridge. The SB-2 frame is made from heat treated cast steel, strong enough for most all rifle calibers except magnums. You might visit the graybeards site in the Handi forum, there is more info there than you can digest at one sitting. GW

[olafhardt]

You got a great deal. For some unknown reasons all barrels for quite some time have been marked SB-2, means nothing. All you really need to know is what frame you have, should be an SB-1. These are not suitable for rifle calibers, but are safe for the Max if you choose that route. It's a great cartridge. The SB-2 frame is made from heat treated cast steel, strong enough for most all rifle calibers except magnums. You might visit the graybeards site in the Handi forum, there is more info there than you can digest at one sitting. GW

I think SB2's may indeed be strong enough for magnums. They come in 500S&W which has a larger base and a higher operating pressure than the 458 Winchester or any of the other magnums (264, 7mm, 300, 338) based on the 458. Base area X operating pressure = back thrust. I have contemplated a 45-70 SB2 reamed out to 458.

[troyboy]

Mathematically you are correct but in practice one is better served with calibers of less intensity.

[Goatwhiskers]

Lemme put it this way: the factory some time back had 7mm Mag and I think .300WM under consideration. The entire project was shelved as the break open action developed problems with stretch. No point in pushing the limits, a point I wish more handloaders would grasp. GW

[troyboy]

The frames dont strech, the lower lug loosens up.

[GhostHawk]

I just joined the club, little .223 bull barrel with I think I'd describe as a laminated cinnamon stock set.
Built back in 04 it looks new, and shoots great.
Action is going back to the factory for accessory barrel fittings.
.357 mag and 7.62x39 (AK/SKS)

Was at the range this afternoon, 15 rounds had it sighted in, pretty much howling 30-35 mph wind so I settled for 50.
I'll play longer come spring when the wind is lighter.

Factory ammo, have not gone looking for a mold, dies, and sizer yet. Maybe for christmas :)

The last 3 rounds went dead square into the bullseye of my target, then 2 coke cans I had setup.
3 shots, 3 dead center. Close enough for now.

I am impressed, these little rifles cost a lot less than anything else around, and they SHOOT.

[scattershot]

I think SB2's may indeed be strong enough for magnums. They come in 500S&W which has a larger base and a higher operating pressure than the 458 Winchester or any of the other magnums (264, 7mm, 300, 338) based on the 458. Base area X operating pressure = back thrust. I have contemplated a 45-70 SB2 reamed out to 458.


call me when you get that done. I'd like to watch you shoot it.

[olafhardt]

That's why I said "contemplated"as in contemplating certain behavior with various female humans. I could think about it but that's all.

[scattershot]

Gotcha! Either could be fun, either could hurt. Good luck!