NEF Handi-Rifle Fan Club

[Dave R]

Let’s start a fan club for these fine rifles.

They won’t win any beauty contests, but “beauty is as beauty does.” These rifles are:

-Accurate. As Col. Whelen said, only accurate rifles are interesting. And they are interesting.
-Rugged. Few moving parts. Built like tanks. Great “truck guns.”
-Easy to clean. Just swab the bore. The action rarely, if ever, needs cleaning.
-Versatile. Get another barrel and you’ve got another rifle. And there are lots of barrels available.
-Cheap. Lots of other rifles have the characteristics above. But how many have them for under $200 or so?

I did some plinking with my .223 Ultra-Varmit last weekend. Shot some clays at 180 paces. Then shot the pieces at the same distance. The bullets just went where I wanted them. That’s what a rifle is supposed to do. That rifle has disassembled many a varmint.

So go ahead—brag on your Handi. Sound off on groups, or on game you’ve taken with yours, or on your barrel collection. Let’s show these rifles some love.

 

[Hank Zudd]

I'm looking at one of these for

my next project. Can the Choate survivor stock be used on the 20ga/.270 combo? I like the short shotgun & could go back to the larger factory synth. stock for hunting if needed. What scope works in .270 with this setup? thanks

 

[Acheron]

I have a Handi in .30-30. It was my first rifle and I haven't shot it in a while. But reading this thread has got me thinking about dragging that little thing out of the safe and giving it some range time. Great little guns.

 

[Crystal River Charlie]

Have a handy in 45-70. We lovinly call it Thumper.

C R Charlie

 

[JustsayMo]

Anyone have the CR-45LC model?

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

If it'll take the Ruger loads I'm buying one.

 

[PTK]

My .500 S&W mag single shot is going to have a suppressor soon. Yes, I'm a BIG fan of the NEF single shot rifles.

I do love my .45-70 with peep sights, though - accurate as all get out, though it does tend to let you know when you touch it off!

 

[vwfool]

I originally bought one in .308 and I love it. I also just received two extra barrels I ordered. I got a .223 bull barrel I plan on cutting down to around 16.5 to 17 and threading for my suppressor.

HeyJustsayMo

I also ordered the barrel off of the CR-45LC. That barrel isn't numbered yet for the barrel accessory form, so you have to write out the description for it. I put, " 20 inch 45LC barrel with carbine sights off of CR-45LC rifle." Call them just to make sure, but this one was only $65 plus the $15 for fitting it.

I just put it on my frame last night. I havn't shot it yet but I already love it. You get a barrel that is 4" longer than a '94 trapper for the extra velocity, and it handles and carries just the same as the trapper. A friend of mine is ordering one for his rifle right now. His wife may be, but he and I are.

I know someone will eventually ask why I have a recoil pad on a 45LC...I don't, I have the recoil pad because it came from the factory as a .308. If you don,t like the way it looks, too bad. It is my rifle, not yours. I suspect that this barrel will be on the frame more that the other two put together.

 

[Ranger J]

While some shoot the Ruger loads in the 45/70 it is recommended for Marlin loads only. Even at that power the light little gun will thump on both ends. Even at that it is the only Handi barrel I have kept. They shot buffalo with the trapdoor loads and I am past the age where I relate my ability to withstand pain with my manhood.

 

[John917]

I like those rifles-a lot. I haven't shot one, but I held one at Sportsmans Warehouse-it was like holding a newborn-a thing of beauty! I love the looks of it. And, I love the price even more! I was thinking about the Ultra-varmint version, but it costs significantly more $. Do you guys know if there is that much of a diff. in performance?

 

[Dave R]

I was thinking about the Ultra-varmint version, but it costs significantly more $. Do you guys know if there is that much of a diff. in performance?

Al I can tell you is that I have the Ultra-Varmit, and it is quite accurate. I have a buddy with a standard Handi-Rifle in .243Win, and he loves his, too.

 

[HBW]

The Handi-Rifle is a great little gun. I have one in 30-30 with auxiliary barrels in .22 Hornet, .243 Win, 20 Ga. Modified, and 20 Ga. rifled.

 

[M'bogo]

I have one in 45/70. Its has a 1.5x4.5 Bushnell on top and a One Ragged Hole peep sight in place of the factory sight blade. I call mine "THUMPER" also. All I shoot in mine is 350gr SP Hornady at +P speeds. It has taken every animal with one shot so far.

I hope to introduce it to a black bear this coming Friday or Saturday in Hyde county here in N.C.

M'bogo

 

[D&T]

We do all kinds of rechambering, recrowning, muzzle brakes, barrel threading and other custom work on these guns for those who may be interested...

 

[5ptdeerhunter]

I love my 45-70. Two weekends ago I finally had an opportunity to finish sighting it in. Right on at 80 yards, and it still held 2.5" groups at 180 yards. I think they could have been better but I wasn't as steady as I could have been. My .223 barrel hasn't been as accurate as I would like it. But I just figure I haven't tried the right ammo yet. Then if I count my two muzzleloader barrels then I just have more great things to say about NEF. I have an older 22" huntsman barrel that is awesome. 100 yards, 1" steel plate turned sideways direct hit. And after sighting in the 24" barrel yesterday it is right on at 125 yards, with tight groups.

 

[Eric F]

I want one in 500 mag but cant find them any were. I have also read on other forums that the 500 mag rifles break open after a few rounds any one else see or hear of this?

 

[PTK]

Eric F, I had to special order my .500 S&W from my local gunstore. I've put over 100 HOT rounds through it without any problems, everything still locks up tight.

My shoulder still hurts though.

 

[Eric F]

I have tried a friend with an ffl he can not get one I tried a local gun shop that is a "dealer"for nef they said the factory is still making them but he can not say when he will get one so they wont even take my money for one yet. Must be a huge back order for them.

 

[oklahoma caveman]

my 223 isnt nearly as accurate as id like for it to be but i bought the gun used and i think it could have been mistreated as my family owns 3 in the 223and mine is the only 1 that isnt a tack driver. :banghead:where can i get the list of barrels available? iv been to nef website and i cant find anything about replacement barrels

 

[chris in va]

I really enjoy my NEF 410 if that counts. I'd love to have one in 223.

 

[Flfiremedic]

Whats involved in changing barrels? I would love to have the long barreled buffalo 45/70 and some other barrels for it.

 

[Dave R]

Whats involved in changing barrels? I would love to have the long barreled buffalo 45/70 and some other barrels for it.

The barrels are fitted, so you need to send your receiver in to have the new barrel fitted. New barrels run $50-$120, depending. Here's a link to the website info:

http://www.hr1871.com/Support/accessoryProgram.aspx