Hunter On A Budget

[bigblue]

For hunters on a budget, there are quite a few more choices today than could be had only a few years ago. When I had looked for low cost rifle alternatives a few years back, one of the few choices was the H+R/NEF break action single shot rifles. While they can be MADE to shoot decent groups, they were a bit finicky about ammo, tension of the forearm screw, and heat buildup in the barrel. They are now running around $200 for the basic Handi Rifle, up to $480 for the costlier Buffalo Classic. They do have quite a few caliber, barrel weight, and stock choices. The .223 alone has 11 different models to choose from. Then along came Rossi's low price single shots, running just a tad less than the H+R/NEF rifles. They were on the same basic break action single shot design as the H+R/NEF rifles, suffered the same problems and weren't even made in the USA. Now we have a better solution. First off is the Stevens 200 bolt action rifles. They are available in long or short action and in ten different calibers from .22-250 up to .300 WM. Their design mirrors the Savage Model 10, but without the newer Accu-trigger. They do have a synthetic stock that seems to me to be a bit more flexible than the Savage stocks. Those are the two downsides of this rifle. On the up side is a floated button rifled barrel, pillar bedded receiver, and with a price tag in the neighborhood of $270. They will shoot the same groups as rifles costing two or three times the price. Next up is the Mossberg 100 ATR. Years ago Mossberg had sold rifles made by Howa, the same rifles were also sold under the S+W name, and are now sold by Weatherby as the Vanguard. They are all basically a Howa 1500, a well made lower cost Japanese rifle. Mossberg's 100 ATR pretty closely copies the design, with just a few changes. They run about $249, and come with a choice of Camo, simulated walnut, or black synthetic stocks. This past year they came in either .270 or 30-06, but this year .308 and .243 will be added. Like the Stevens, you can expect to see good accuracy. Mossberg does not float the barrel however, so it does have a pressure point on the fore-end of the stock.

So if your running low on cash, but want a rifle that will perform, there are some pretty good choices these days.
Don

[DocHolladay]

Great post Blue. Thanks for taking the time to write that out and share with everyone. It is a very informative post and should help those on a tight budget wanting to get a new rifle or their first one. Now the hard part is what caliber??

[quigleysharps4570]

Thanks for the info bigblue. Been thinking about an H&R in 38-55 here lately. Would throw on a rear sight from Smith. Only way to fly.

[bigblue]

A few changes for H+R/NEF rifles this year.

First is that all rifles will now have extractors rather than the ejectors of the past. Many rifle calibers had problems with the old ejectors.

The second change is the twist rate for their .223 rifles, they went from the old 1-12" twist to a more modern faster 1-9" rate.

Now for the answer to what caliber, they are offering a .35 Whelen this year. Good luck finding one early in the year, but they should be more readily available in late summer.

Don

[DocHolladay]

I wish they would come out with adjustable triggers or if not that at lest set them at 3-5lb. Preferably 3lb. ;D

[bigblue]

admin said:

I wish they would come out with adjustable triggers or if not that at lest set them at 3-5lb. Preferably 3lb. ;D

Doc,
I guess that's just one of those items that run the price up. From what I've been told, H+R/NEF will do a trigger job on them free of charge if it's over 5lb. You can also request a trigger job if you send the receiver in for a different caliber/barrel change.
Don

[DocHolladay]

They will adjust it down to 3.5lbs. for you. I would just rather it come already adjusted. They are great rifles and tough as nails and make great starter rifles for youngsters. I like the one I have, just wish they had put a different trigger spring in it.

[bigblue]

Doc,
They have been listening to this same complaint and have been improving their triggers in the past few years. I know their reps were on several different talk forums asking for input from the owners of their rifles. That's real nice to see. I think that input is directly responsible for the 1-9" twist rate in their .223 rifles, and the .35 Whelen being offered this year.
My biggest complaint with them is their inconsistancy. I have spent good money working up loads for them, only to find the next outing that the load that worked great now doesn't work at all. It really comes down to the inability to properly set the forearm screw pressure, and the lockup pressure changing because of the slop in some of the hinges. Then again on some rifles they are very consistant. I think better quality control and redesigning the forearm would help. They have driven me to look at the current alternatives. When I can get a baseline Model 10 Savage in the Stevens wraps for only $60 more than the Handi, I'd be a fool to pass it up.
Don

[DocHolladay]

bigblue said:

When I can get a baseline Model 10 Savage in the Stevens wraps for only $60 more than the Handi, I'd be a fool to pass it up.
Don

I think anybody would be a fool to pass that up. Plus who doesnt want a firearm that can shoot more than one shot? I like the NEF, but the trigger pull is something to question. The main reason I bought it was price and nothing else. I like single shots, but prefer bolt actions more. I really do want to stick with the .204, but I am going to have to wait on the brand/style change until after I get the .325. ;D

[quigleysharps4570]

admin said:

Plus who doesnt want a firearm that can shoot more than one shot?

I'm kinda partial to them single shots.

[DocHolladay]

LOL....uhhhh, uummmmm. I leave my foot in my mouth a little while longer if thats ok.? ;D

[bigblue]

quigleysharps4570 said:

admin said:

Plus who doesnt want a firearm that can shoot more than one shot?

I'm kinda partial to them single shots.

I have to admit that I am also. Matter of fact, the Savage bolt action I have on lay-a-way is a single shot. I've never felt undergunned with a single shot, at least not one of the correct caliber. I usually put a cartridge holder on the stock and have practised reloads. While it may not be as quick as a semi or a lever, it has to come close to the bolt.
Don