Looking to get a new varmint/squirrel gun for this spring. I want something that does not cost a ton, and that shoots inexpensive ammo. Right now I have a Ruger 10/22, and love it to death. But now I want something that will shoot farther like 100-250 yards. I have shot a friend's .22 mag, but did not like it that much over a .22 rim fire.

What do you think about the Handy rifle in .223? Does it shoot worth a darn? If it does than that would be a great way to go. I think you can get a bull .223 for around $150.

Also thinking about a SKS or something along those lines.

What would you all suggest for a cheap gun that shoots cheap ammo?

------------------
Monyhunter

[This message has been edited by monyhunter (edited 11-26-2001).]

I don't know about the handy-rifle but you won't be vary happy with a SKS. Ok military rifle but not a varmint gun.

I would get the 223 if you wanted a better round and cheaper amunition.

mc

Cheap and good shooter don't usually go together!

Try finding a used savage in 223 if your trying for something decent and for fewer bucks. These guns will shoot although maybe not the most desirable.

Savage .223 (model 12FV).

I got mine as a 'tagalong' inexpensive smallbore for the truck. It turned out to be the most accurate shooter in my stable. Some of my friends badmouth Savages, but when I challenge them to a shootout for 'pink-slips', they shut their mouths because they've seen how it shoots.

I picked up my 5th 223 last week. It is a Handi-Rifle. Used with a Trashco 4-16 scope, $180. Have only put 30 rounds through it, (55 gr ball ammo), but every 3 shot group can be covered with a quarter, and a few covered with a penny. (That is how we scientifically measure groups from custom bench guns like this)
Anyway, for what its worth, and what it cost, it does OK. It is my least accurate 223, but should be a fine rifle to keep in the tractor or combine for feral cats and such.

I thought Savage 112 the instant I read your post! Accurate and cheap.
I would NOT get an SKS despite cheap ammo and the cheap rifles . I have never seen one thats very accurate and the ammo, though cheap is also spotty in quality. Plus all the surplus .223 and 7.62x39 (SKS) ammo is full metal jacketed and not what you want for explosive results on varmints. From a safety standpoint the ricochets are a problem too.

Savage , plastic stocked .223 would be my pick. But cheap and Accurate don't always, as a matter of fact....SELDOM go together.

Good Luck

If you like a 37 pound trigger pull, then you will love the Handi-Rifle.

[This message has been edited by crowrifle (edited 11-26-2001).]

The Handy rifle will do well if you can find someone to do a trigger job on it. I had one in 22 RF that cost me $45 for the trigger job and it was well worth it! I have no idea how ot do the job....but somebody does.

As far as the handi rifle is concerned, if you send it back to the manufacturer, they'll tune that trigger for a very reasonable fee (in my case, free). HTH, Dutch.

monyhunter,

Cheap and accurate are not mutually exclusive. The Savages are outstanding.

The NEF Handi-Rifles I have used are too. On mine the trigger is near perfect @ 2.5 lbs. My brothers is an awful 8 lbs. NEF will fix it for free. All it costs is shipping.

Check out the accuracy of my 10 shot group at 100 yards. Improvised rest, real old Weaver K4 scope.
http://olsarge0.tripod.com/olsargeshuntingpictures/id3.html

------------------
Say what you mean, and mean what you say.

I will say to not waste your money on a Handi-rifle. I bought one in 25-06 the vamint model. The first time I shot it it was allowing the factory loaded ammo to stretch the case over 12 thou. It was also a very poor shooting gun groups in the 6 inch range. With flyers that would miss the back stop all together. I called them they said send it back. Got it back in worse shape then when it left. They reammed the chamber to fix a extraction problem. the case's grew even larger and had buldges in them.
They are the only company that I know of that will give you your money back . She offered to send me a check when I called the first time about the chamber and the case growth.
I would not waste your money get a used savage you will be way ahead of the game in the long run. Check some of the back post on the Varmints den there are plenlty about how much trouble others have had with the Handi rifle. Good Luck

I have an H&R 223 bull barrel that has several thousand rounds through it and still will shoot in the 1 inch class all day long. Still I would pick the Savage any time if for nothing else other than the available after market parts.

monyhunter,,,,I own 4 of the H&R Ultras,,
223 bull barrel,,243 bull barrel,,25-06,,varminter,,and 45/70,,
all shoot under MOA with hand loads.
The 223& 243 consistently under 1/2",,,the triggers need help but its free from H&R
if you send it back to them,,youll get a nice 2 to 2.5 pound trigger pull back from them,,and a just plain fun little rifle to shoot,,add a harris bipod and a good 6x18
Leupold ,,and make lots of your friends jaws drop,,,, ,,have fun,,,,,,,,,,,,Roger

Looks like people either love or hate the NEF handy rifle. I think I will look into this little gun some more and see what I can learn.

I have been looking all over the net for a website that shows NEF handy rifles and cannot find one. Does anyone know if they have a website?

My second choice is going to be a used Savage. They sure are ugly, but everyone says they shoot like a dream.

------------------
Monyhunter

They have a website but it only shows their address and phone number

H & R or NEF. Web sit is no help, try
shooters supply.com They have a list of what's available including euro and plastic stock models.

I owned an NEF Handi rifle in 223 for about a month. Nothing I put through it would make it shoot worth a darn. Traded it off on a Tikka 223 which I am very happy with.

quote:

---

Originally posted by monyhunter:

[/b]

---

I HAVE A HANDI RIFLE IN 22 HORNET AND ALSO
A RUGER 22 HORNET LOVE THEM BOTH. IF YOU RELOAD THEY ARE VERY CHEAP TO RELOAD.I WOULD BUY A 223 IN A HANDI RIFLE ALSO.(DONT HAVE ONE) HAVE HAD NO REGRETS WITH MINE IN 22 HORNET.BUT IF YOU RELOAD FOR THEM STICK WITH THE STARTING LOADS OR CLOSE TO. HAPPY SHOOTING

[This message has been edited by grandpao (edited 11-29-2001).]

I have a Savage 112FV in 22-250, it will put 3 Win 52gr BT-HP's in less than 1/3 of an inch!