My daughter who is a lefty like her dad will be eligable to hunt in a couple of years, and I am thinking of geeting a 7mm-08 Handi-Rifle in the youth model for her. This rifle will also be used by her right handed brother in a few more years. I like the caliber, although a 260 would be better IMO, and I ruled out the 243Win. not my favorite for our mixed bag hunts including elk and moose. Caliber aside what is eveyones take on the rifles abilities. I am especially interested in the quality and workmanship as well as accuracy potential. I guess I am asking is it a good buy for the $.

I bought a .223 NEF Handi rifle about 2 years ago. I use it just for coyote and fox hunting here in Wisconsin. I do handload all my rounds and my rifle is very accurate. In my opinion, these rifles are the bargin of the century. They are an excellent quality rifle. Tough to beat for $200 or so. I love mine.

Check out the NEF/H&R forum at GBO, lots of 7mm-08 owners there, that's one caliber of Handi that I don't own......yet!!

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewforum.php?f=126

I bought the youth model in 243 for my 12 year old son last year. He hadn't grown into the full size Rem. 700 I bought for him so I picked up the Handi for $165 new. Can't beat that. After adding an O ring between the barrel and forend it will shoot 1.5" groups with factory ammo. Not bad. My boy managed to shoot 2 deer with it his first season out. Over all I'm quite happy with it.

Greg

I bought the .243 youth for my right handed, left eye dominant wife. She killed her first deer with it, so it must be good for something. It has not ever shot well. Sometimes the action opens when it fires. It always strings verticaly as the barrel heats. Typical groups are 3 inches with 75 and 85 grain bullets. 100 grain factory loads give me 5" groups.

Most handi's have a slower than usual twist, so don't expect much from the longer and heavier bullets.