New Here, Hi All

[funshooter2]

I'm new here and just wanted to say Hi and thank all of you for the site and the info. I stumbled on the Handis a couple months ago and, thanks to the information on this site, just put a .44mag with the wood stock on lay-a-way. Figure to get it out about the middle of next month. I picked the .44 mag because I used to have a Marlin in .44 mag (stupidly sold it) and also because I can shoot a long gun bored for pistol rounds at the local indoor range. I haven't been able to hunt for a few years, but may start again next year. I do fish on the local rivers quite a bit and run into other varmits occassionally, so carry a .357mag revolver then. Here in KS, White Tail are about the largest game around, but this will be a pickup and plinkin' gun for now. Next on the list is a .223 bullbarrel and then I'm not sure what. Seems I'm already a Handi-olic. 

[MSP Ret]

Welcome aboard buddy and glad to have you here with us. I am sure that .44 Mag will serve you well. Since you already carry a .357 Mag handgun did you give any consideration to a .357 Mag Handi rifle? I am not sure about the new ones on the Sb1 frames but the older ones, mine included, can safely (and easly) have the chamber reamed out to .357 Max, which rivals the fabled .35 Remington for power, a great deer and pig gun. It also allows you to shoot .38 Specials, .357 Mag's, .360 Dan Wessons, and the .357 Maximums out of it. With your .357 Mag handgun I see a .357 Max Handi Rifle as a winner all around. That said, if you want the .44 Mag Handi get it and enjoy it. You will most likely be getting another, we all started with just one. By the way, they are addictive, I hope have heard that ....<><....

[LaOtto222]

Welcome to GBO You will find the best information about your Handi right here and some of the best guys on the web. If you have not read the FAQ yet, please do so. It is a good read, besides giving you all kinds of ideas/information about the Handi rifle. I have the 44 Mag on a SB2 frame and it shoots real well. I also have a 357 that I reamed to 357 MAX. My first one was a 223 Ultra Varmint, the only rimless case I have. You are going to find out these guns are addictive. Soon you are going to have to have a 30-30, then maybe a 45-70 who knows where it can go, there are endless possibilities

[jdwolf]

Welcome funshooter2!  Grab a cup of coffee or crack open a beer and join in the conversations.  We love talkin' about those neat little H&R/NEF Handi rifles.

[Badnews Bob]

Go away! Like run as fast as you can, once this things get'cha yer DOOMED, BTW ya gotta get a .357 or three and a .45-70 and on and on,,,,, Like i said welcome, now runaway.

[funshooter2]

Thanks for the warm reception, yawl. I did read a good part of the FAQs (while sipping my morning coffee) and thought the .357max was a good idea. Don't know if I'm ready to rework a good barrel yet though. I also have Puma .357 in mind, since I like level guns and can use it for home defense with the multi-round .38's too. The current plan is to get the .44 since I can hunt anything in this area with it and since I still have about 4 boxes of .44's left from the ole Marlin. Then I really need the .223 bull because I don't have one. Of course I will need to get a 30-30 before long, because it is just not patriotic to not have one... tradition ya know. Problem is, in my understanding the .44 can't be fitted with another barrel like some frames, so I have to get another Handi for that. Well, I can't send the .223 frame in 'cause I might be attacked by a skunk or crazy squire while it's gone, so I'd have to get maybe a .243 and send that frame in for another barrel or 4. What a delemia!!! Huh-oh, too late to run now... done hooked.

[jpshaw]

Welcome to the forum funshooter2.  I have a .44 barrel Hande but had a .30/30 fitted to it also.  Either one is a lot of fun and I have hunted whitetails with both.

[cwlongshot]

357/44 CURRENTLY manufactured are on a shotgun frame SB1, and thusly cannot be fitted with "hi-intensity" calibers. But the older ones, SB2 frames, CAN. Check the FAQ's for SN mfg dates for adding barrels, some really old ones are not able to have barrels fit either.

SO, watch the classifieds and local gunshops for an older 357 and snatch it up!!

IMHO, The 357MAXI has no equil!!! There are two clasifications of handi haulics. Those that already HAVE a 357 maxi and have seen the light those that WILL HAVE a 357 maxi and have yet to see the light.   

Welcome to your (Our ) addiction. 

CW

[petemi]

Hi and welcome.  My .357 Handi and Ruger Blackhawk are almost constant companions around the farm.  The Handi shoots one ragged hole at 60 yards out of the box.  But, you'll still have to get that .45-70, .30-30, .308. 7mm-08, .270, .243, .30-06 .35 Rem, .357 MAXI, .35 Whelen, etc. etc. etc. cause you are INFECTED!!!!!  The happiest disease a man can have.    Once the .45-70 bites you, you'll have to have a .45-90, 100, or 120.  Then you'll give up and get all three.  Enjoy.  Pete

[Troyboy]

Well wouldn't it be welcome to the nightmare? Your in for a lot of fun



                                                      Troy

[LONGTOM]

I too will say welcome.
Just look at my profile and you will see just how addictive it will get.
The good part is they are rather cheap when compared to say a TC or other types of long guns.
Set back and enjoy the circus that we call HANDI HOLIC.


LONGTOM

[TribReady]

Welcome!!
I too joined as a new Handi owner. I have since sold off all except my muzzleloader and one 20ga barrel.  I am however, fully entrenched in this site.  I'm as addicted to it as most of the rest here, and at a place where you will be also down the road.
Welcome aboard and enjoy all that this site has to offer!!

[MSP Ret]

Tribready, I need a favor. Will you please e-mail me a copy of your avatar!!! I LOVE IT!!! I will try to print it up on Photo paper and proudly display it in my office for all the liberal scumbag defense attorneys I work with...Thanks buddy....<><....

disregard, I think I figured out how to do it from here, and thanks....

[TribReady]

I'm glad you figured it out. I don't think I'd know how to email it.   

Sorry to hijack your thread funshooter2, but it just shows that this is a pretty good group of guys and gals.  Especially in the Handi forums, everyone is willing to help and assist in any way.  You're going to love the Handi classified section.....get ready to expand that collection !!

[Spanky]

Welcome aboard buddy...

Anything and everything you ever wanted to know about Handi's can be found on this site.

This is also where you will find some of the best people in the world.



Spanky

[d_hiker]

Welcome aboard and dittos to all  of the above comments.  It is a fine group of friends here.  They are addictive, that is a given.  Why I need a .45-70 I'll never know, but I have one