Single shot with iron sights. Caliber recommendation?

[rbernie]

Handi rifles are odd critters. We have 3 of them in the safe and they've been smithed on a bunch to be good varminters. The triggers were not very good from the factory and all of them (223 and 243) occasionally 'break open' during recoil when you shoot them off a bench. This is just a quirk with these rifles. No amount of smithing has changed that fact. (I suspect the heavier barrel of the Buffalo gun might solve this quirk.)

Interesting. I've bought a handful of the H&Rs in the last couple/three years, in standard high-pressure chamberings (e.g. 308, 30-06, 270) and none of them have ever popped open under recoil. Their triggers do tend to be heavy, but it's quite appropriate for a field rifle.

I prefer the Ruger #1B, but if you can't swing the price then the H&R is a fine alternative.

 

[cackalak]

Just an update, had a chance to shoot a 30-06, 270, 30/30 and 25-06 over the holidays. I think the 25-06 won me over. Little light for elk, but should be fine for anything smaller. I am looking pretty hard at the Ruger No. 1.

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

As an owner of a few of them, do not forget about Thompson Center Single shot systems. I have a couple of Ruger #1's (450NE that kicks like an angry mule on steroids) and a 45/70 (Much nicer to shoot if you are a reloader). The TC weapons I own are the Pro Hunter frame with 5 barrels (7mm.08, 30.06, 22.250, .308, .50 muzzle loader) Encore frame with 3 barrels (.270, .25.06, .30/30) If memory serves me correctly, you have to send the Handy RIfle frames in to be "mated" with barrels. The T.C.'s you only need to specify which frame and the barrel you want for it. They are a little more expensive than the HR but in my opinion they are a little better off the shelf and also have a little larger calibre options in barrel choice. All my barrels from T.C. have been more than acceptable in accuracy right out of the gate. All that being said, I do love the lines of my Rugers as well as the feel of them. But as far as versatility goes, the T.C. is pretty hard to beat. You can get the barrels with or without rifle sights.