H&R Buffalo Classic 45-70

[Long_Range_Mauser]

Can anyone tell me about the H&R Buffalo Classic. Lookin at one at a local shop. How accurate, durable, and original are they.

 

[C-grunt]

One of my partners hunts with an H&R, in 30-06 I believe, and has nothing but good words.

 

[nicholst55]

Original? Not.

Accurate? Probably 1.5-2" for 3 shots at 100 yards. You might tweak one to shoot a bit better, but I wouldn't count on it.

Durable? Reasonably - about like most other mass-produced rifles.

Fun? You betcha!

They are a bit light for serious .45-70 loads, although they are rated for modern lever-action loads. I filled the butt on mine with lead shot; I'll probably install a mercury recoil reducer in the stock later on - once I return to the States.

Also be advised that the chambers in NEF .45-70s are quite short in the throat department, so they will not readily chamber ammo loaded with long, heavy bullets without engraving the rifling. A few quick twists with a neck and throat reamer will cure that.

 

[ArmedBear]

Original? Not.

What did H&R make in the 1880s? I can't find any pictures, and I've always wondered.

I would say that the Buffalo Classic is about as close as you can get to an original .45-70 single shot experience without spending over a grand.

I also believe that people have squeezed better accuracy than 1.5-2 MOA from them with lower-velocity handloads, but I haven't done it.

 

[TIMC]

I also believe that people have squeezed better accuracy than 1.5-2 MOA from them with lower-velocity handloads, but I haven't done it.

I have with mine. I have been able to regularly put groups in the 1"- 1/14" range at 100 yards with hand loads and 300 grain JHP bullets. Mine is also scoped.
The Buffalo classic is a good solid rifle and an excellent choice for someone wanting a nice 45/70 at an affordable price. It can be a thumper with full house loads. I am shooting loads in the trap door range.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Tactical buffalo rifle; tee hee.

 

[ArmedBear]

I am shooting loads in the trap door range.

Note that these loads are entirely sufficient for hunting buffalo.

 

[TIMC]

Tactical buffalo rifle; tee hee.

It's not really tactical until I hang a light on it!

 

[eye5600]

Tactical buffalo rifle

You'll be all set for the Buffalo Uprising of 2012.

 

[Beagle-zebub]

TIMC, what is that cheek-rest you put on your pictured rifle? From the looks of the picture, it makes the cheek-rest parallel to the come, like a Monte Carlo--is that correct?

 

[Deer Hunter]

I would love to own one of these. Seems very simple and nice. I don't like Sharps rifles, Ruger number 1's are prissy, and Marlins are not single shot.

I think if I were to go the .45-70 route, this would be that gun.

 

[PTK]

Great gun, worth EVERY cent.

45-70 on top, 38-55 on the bottom. Now I just need the .45LC version.

 

[logjam]

Aaaaah; that little Ruger No 1 in 45/70 might appear prissy, but it kicks like a mule with a heavy load.

It feels about like a .458 from a Model 70.