H&R/NEF SB2 45-70

[oldebear1950]

I have read on line these actions will handle the level 3 45-70 loads, that are for Siamese Mauser and RUGER # 1 AND 3 .
I have read they are rated to 65000 psi.
Having fired both the Rugers with extremely heavy loads, they are not fun, can you say they bite on both ends.

[Rockrat]

And you probably don't want to go above level 2 loads. The gun is light and it will beat the snot out of you at level 2.

[FLINT]

Very cool.

Underrated guns. Sad they are now long gone. I hate to think about how much they probably sold for 20 years ago. Considering I bought my marlin 336 brand new in 2002 for I think $350, I imagine the H&R handi rifles (then owned by Marlin) were probably selling for half that.

I remember back then they offered a cool version of the handi rifle in 38-88 and 45-70 with a longer barrel and target sights. I always wanted to get the 38-55 rifle.

Different world back then. Now, everything is super fancy and SUPER expensive. I'll take a handi rifle any day. suits me just fine.

[samsi]

A fellow here had one with a rifled 12 gauge barrel and a red dot. He was loading those big heel base slugs in it, 700 gr or so IIRC. I shot it a couple times. It was accurate and recoil, while stout, was nothing like a Level 3 45-70 from a No.1. I admit that those made my eyes water a bit, even when I was younger.

Passed on a $200 Handi in 44 mag a couple years ago, another coulda shoulda...

[Bill in Oregon]

Those are fun rifles to mess with. Of the several Handi's I owned, the one I miss most was the short-barreled carbine in .45 Colt. Just made you grin every time you pulled the trigger.

[piller]

Their shotguns were good, too.

[Coalsmoke]

I love mine. I do not love it with hot loads. It is much too light.

[oldebear1950]

when I was stationed in Alaska, back about 1983 - 1986 , I had both the #1 and the #3.
they both had long throats and I was loading 500 grain Honaday solids at the #3 level, and while the #1 one was painful, that #3, well I just shot one of those loads in the gun, and that was enough for me, at least at that level.
IT HURT!!!!

[Rockrat]

Had a 50-70 win. Ruger #1 made by SSK. Working with Lil Gun powder and 750gr bullets, I got some pretty decent speed. IIRC 1500fps. Bad part was, the recoil would bring tears to your eyes after about three shots and a bruised shoulder after those 3. Great group but not worth it!!

Shot a friends AR50 and the recoil wasn't near as bad as that 50-70!!