[Stan in SC]

At a shoot for my firearm club I agreed to a match between a friend's Perdersoli Sharps replica which rifle he affectionately refers to as his "Quigley" rifle.The shooting was 5 shots at 100 yards using a standard 100 yard target.Shots were alternating which helped build a little suspense.Each of us shot our own loads.His being 405Gr.cast over Trailboss powder and mine being 300Gr. Remington JHP over REL7.
Art is supremely confident in his rifle's accuracy and is in truth a darn good rifleman.I've shot his rifle.I do not care for it.
I am pretty doggone confident in my rifle and in my own abilities.
The match commenced with him having the first shot which we both scoped and then I shot which we both scoped and there was a running commentary between us with each succeeding shot.It really did make for an interesting and enjoyable match between two good friends.
Not to drag this on too much,he beat me 42 to 38.BUT.....it just illustrated what many of us have said all along.The moderately priced Handi rifle can shoot on a par with much more expensive rifles.In this case he was shooting an $800 rifle and I a $225 rifle.
It was a fun competition and there will be a return match on January 8th. at our annual "Winter War" shoot.

Stan

 

[The Goose]

You'll get him next time.

 

[woodchukhntr]

What position were you shooting from, or were you shooting off the bench?

 

[Redhawk1]

Makes me want to sell my Shiloh Sharps and get a Handi rifle..... NOT.

I think there is more to it that just the accuracy, it is the gun. I own a Shiloh Sharps that cost me over $2400 and it shoots like a dream, but it is the craftsmanship I like and pay for. The Handi rifle may shoot just fine, but it will always be an inexpensive Handi rifle.

Look at different gun makers, compare a Sako in 375 H&H to a Remington, 357 H&H, it is not the caliber it is the gun itself.

 

[gundownunder]

38 to 42, that's pretty close and everyone here seems to be saying that a handi isn't a sharps.
Have you considered the possibility that your rifles are equal and he is a better shot than you, or his hand loads are a little better than yours. Next time swap rifles and see if the same 4 point difference occurs. The sharps costs 5 times more than the handi and I have a hard time believing that it's 5 times better, mind you I've only seen the sharps in pictures so I could be wrong.

Bob

 

[Stan in SC]

In all honesty I must say that he is a better overall shooter than I am.The difference was 2 points on each of two shots,about 1/2" difference on each one.That to me is not much difference considering the difference in costs of the two rifles.
I was using stock sights and he was using tang mounted peep.We were shooting off of the bench.
I'm not downgrading his rifle,just pointing out that a Handi,for it's relatively modest price,can shoot with the best of them.

Stan

 

[woodchukhntr]

Stock sights vs. peep? And he beat you by only 4 points? And you call him a better shooter? If you had equivalent sights you would have won easily. I can't wait for a rematch switching guns.

In my younger days I had a Ruger .22 semi-auto pistol with fixed sights. My friend had a .22 revolver that you had to remove the cylinder to unload/load and fixed sights. He complained that I shot better because I had a better gun. So we switched guns and he found out that he was wrong, I still shot better, only slower.

 

[cdl]

Of no interest.

 

[quickdtoo]

Good shootin Stan, way to show em!!

More money doesn't always = better accuracy!

Tim

http://www.gun-tests.com/performance/feb97money.html

 

[Redhawk1]

I think you guys miss the point of the sharps and Shiloh Sharps. You can get a old crap gun that shoots like a dream, but it is still a crap gun. The Shiloh Sharps may cost more money, but it is not for just the accuracy but the nostalgia and craftsmanship that you pay for, but I would have to say, mine shoots extremely accurate. But I guess you would not understand that, seeing how you are all handi shooters.

 

[MSP Ret]

Congratulations Stan, I knew you were a fine gentleman and now I know you to be a good shot also. Isn't it great when we Handi shooters can keep up with or beat those expensive gun guys with our little old made in America by Americans single shots. I am also likewise fairly confident that the small difference in group size/score was attributable to the difference in sights. A buffalo would never have known the difference....<><....

 

[wtroger]

You know Redhawk I own both a Handi in 45/70 a Pedsoli in 45/70 and a Siamese Mauser in 45/70. the Pedsoli is the best looking and the most expensive the Siamese Mauser is the strongest and will shoot loads that aproach 458 win mag loads and the second most expensive and has a real fine finish. And guess what the Handi is the one I hunt with it is the easiest to handle and shoots the best not that any one of them shoots bad. The handi just fits my needs the best. I learned a long time ago price has nothing to do with accuracy. And I will continue to carry my crap gun and kill everything from armadillos to whitetails. No it ain't pretty but it does the job and that is what counts in my book.

 

[Redhawk1]

Another's judgment clouded by cost. I guess you guys really don't get it, never mind. I guess you have to have a reason to make yourselves feel better because you shoot handi's and some how feel in your own mind you have to justify shooting them. I shoot better with a handi than them guys shooting a $2000 Sharps.

**** I can shoot my Encore in 45-70 very well, my Marlin 45-70 is a tack driver, does that make them better than my Shiloh Sharps, NO... Is my Shiloh Sharps not worth the workmanship put into it because I can get a Handi that will shoot just as well? NO....

I have used a lot of guns to take game, including my Shiloh Sharps, but the reason I bought my Shiloh Sharps was not to out shoot others, but to have a gun that is a classic and more of a work of art.

So keep posting those feel good about shooting your handi's. But in the long run you still have a handi.

MSP Ret, just so you know, Shiloh Sharps is made in America, Montana to be exact.

 

[Mac11700]

Not all are dazzled by quality...not all are impressed with simplicity...but...most are impressed with accuracy...and if they aren't...only because of the price tag...well something is certainly wrong with them...All riflemen should be impressed with accuracy...Collectors...maybe not...but riflemen sure as **** should be...from the most expensive rifles with the finest accouterments...to the cheapest plain Jane shooter... Those that can afford the best...and those who can't...both should appriciate what both offer...and not snub either...just on cost alone..Those that snub the BC and put it down...just because it doesn't cost as much as a Shiloh Sharps..are unable to grasp the concept that folks can be perfectly happy with less...Those who are perfectly happy with inexpensive rifles and who would never spend $2000 on one...cannot understand why folks spend that much when their cheaper rifle fulfills their every desire...especially when they can shoot as well as those shooting those expensive rifles...This rivalry has always been around...in one form or another...the haves...against the have nots... Those that have the Sharps and can appreciate the BC for what it is...and what it is capable of...are the most fun to be around...

It's all about perception...and what is important to your sense of worth...If your into the name game...and not economically challenged...most likely you won't be shooting a Handi...If your pockets aren't as deep...and your more budget minded...then to attain something offered that is reminiscent of days past in a 45-70...Handi's are right up the correct ally...

Problems intermingling with both types usually leads to 1 or the other thinking they have something better than the other...for their own reasons...Just like here...and to each...the other is wrong....

Different strokes for different folks guys...There is nothing really to prove is there? I have owned rifles costing several thousands of dollars...BFD...If someone considers the Handi unworthy to shoot along side a Sharps...then they really don't have an understanding about the period these rifles came into being...and that there were all types of actions around...Some folks then could afford the very best...others couldn't..and we don't look down on folks here that can't afford a $2000 rifle...no matter how nice it is...and shame on anyone who does... To do this...that person is being a snob...and deserves trouncing at every chance...

Mac

 

[Redhawk1]

Mac11700, maybe you totally misunderstood my post and replies. Maybe you are just trying to make yourself look like a advocate for guys that have not. But what ever it is, that was not my point in my posts.

I have inexpensive guns that SHOOT VERY WELL. I have expensive guns I expect to shoot very well. But for some of these guys to make it out that it is a waste of money to own such a expensive gun that is no more accurate than a handi is missing to point all together.

I was not saying anywhere that if you own a inexpensive gun that shoots good, that there is something wrong with you. But other make it seem that if a cheap gun like a handy shoots so good, why have an expensive gun like a Sharps. I am glad they have inexpensive guns that shoot well, but as you stated accuracy is what is needed for hunting and shooting. But why try to question others choices or make it seem like others want to show off because they have a work of art as well as a shooter.

I own 3 45-70's and they all shot extremely well, I don't have guns that are not accurate. The 45-70's I have cost from $500 to over $2000, but any of them will go in the field and I will use them to hunt with, is one better than the other, NO! I have them for different reasons.

But for the guys here that think just because a person spends $2000 for a gun, that it should but all the bullets in one hole every time it shoots is not realistic.
I understand we all buy guns for different reasons, I understand some people don't have the funds to buy $2000 guns. I buy mine to shoot and to hunt with, I am not a collector.


Stan in SC,
Please don't get me wrong, I am happy your handi shoot so good for you. That is why you bought it. It works for all your needs.

 

[Mac11700]

Your right...and I should have said so...However if you had fully understood what I was meaning when I did say... I said.....

Those that can afford the best...and those who can't...both should appreciate what both offer...and not snub either...just on cost alone

and the following as well...

.Those who are perfectly happy with inexpensive rifles and who would never spend $2000 on one...cannot understand why folks spend that much when their cheaper rifle fulfills their every desire...especially when they can shoot as well as those shooting those expensive rifles..Problems intermingling with both types usually leads to 1 or the other thinking they have something better than the other...for their own reasons...Just like here...and to each...the other is wrong....

...Then you would have understood I felt that there are snobs on both sides of this fence my friend... and I am just not an advocate for the have nots...but for both sides when each is realistic about the other...Pointing folks towards the accuracy...wither it comes from a special order $3000 Sharps...or from a $400 Buffalo Classic is my goal...Many here has encountered the....." My rifle is better because it cost more mentality" range snob...I know I have on several occasions...folks that think because they have spent $2k-3K for a set up...that it will automatically be a better rifle than nay one else on the range...These are the folks most of us love to trounce when ever we can...They have forgotten for one reason or another...or may have never understood the fact that price alone isn't what makes a rifle to a rifleman........On the flip side...there are those here that feel if it isn't a Handi rifle...it is a waste of money to own it...They have no need in their life to own something as nice...or in their present financial situation..could they ever afford something that expensive..therefore...to them...spending that amount of money is foolish....and will say so at the drop of a hat during a conversation about any rifle.....Nothing further could be a reality for many of us...These folks will never appreciate the finer aspects of a superbly crafted firearm...They have no aspirations towards owning one... Price is their main argument..but...I have to wonder if it is what is motivating them this way...

Yes Sir...there are snobs on both sides of the fence....

PS...Even though I own expensive rifles...I still enjoy trouncing the snobs who at the range when they brag about how much their rifle cost...you see...I really don't care if it cost $100...or $10,000...my main interest is how it shoots...Some of these folks are only trying to impress others about how much they spent on it... I will take the time to appreciate it how it was crafted when it is in my hands...enjoy the feel of finely polished & engraved metal...exotic woods mated perfectly to the metal being tastefully checkered...yes...Having a work of art is fine...and if that person is able to use it in the field that is great...for him...I certainly won't put him down for doing so...and neither should any one else...I worked hard for what I have...and am thankful for it...and am not the least bit jealous for those that have more...There are some here that aren't this way...There are some here...that don't have a lot...and are driven by jealousy & envy...There are some here...that do have a lot...and look down their noses at those that don't...Yes Sir...There are snobs on both sides of the fence...and like I said in my previous post...Problems intermingling with both types usually leads to 1 or the other thinking they have something better than the other...for their own reasons...Just like here...and to each...the other is wrong...

Mac

 

[rex6666]

I guess i don't understand the Nostalgia in a PEDERSOLI sharps (that was the gun in the match) they are still made in some foreign country, for enough money you can make anything nice, but not necessarily accurate. Since the primary job of a gun is to be
accurate, if it is then it can hardly be called a crap gun. if it is not accurate then no
matter the cost it is a crap gun.
If i paid $80-100k for my ford pickup i would expect it to do what a Mercedes does,
but i only paid $30k and it still does what the Mercedes does, only better.

 

[Mac11700]

but i only paid $30k and it still does what the Mercedes does, only better.

Better for you perhaps...and how you feel about it...but not always to some one else...That's counter point...It's just 1 persons perception...namely yours in this particular instance about the truck...Now..in reality...if one has to place a value on an object to gain satisfaction...this is a wrong perception..just If one has to place value in a cheaper product that will do as much as a more expensive one...and gloat as well...Neither one is appreciating the other...This mine is better because it is cheaper...or mine is better because it cost more is childish...

Mac

 

[rex6666]

My point is WHY pay double for any object if one of less than half price will do the same job.
I guess that is childish, makes sense to me. I'm just a 60 year old ******* kid any way.
of course i am not trying to pick the fly s--- out of the black pepper.
i would not come on a HANDI forum and talk about it being a crap gun, no matter how it shoots, if i felt that way i would not be here.
I feel very good about my Ford pickup, and feel it would do the same for anyone.

 

[atllaw]

My point is WHY pay double for any object if one of less than half price will do the same job.

Methinks herein lies the difference of opinion!
As is often said when discussing the merits of HD versis metric motorcycles, "If I have to explain the difference, you'ld never understand!"

But then, I'm only a 62 year old *******...

Richard