H&R 45-70

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Have a line on an H&R 45-70 open sights, sling and 40 rounds of Hornaday Lever Evoloution ammo for $280. Gun by pictures seems to be in good shape.
Have no real use for it other than to have a 45-70 single shot to amke big boom. What say anyone....should I wait until I can swing a stronger #1 or # 3 or will the H&R be sufficient for my purposes

 

[Buick]

They are very nice rifles. That price is dirt cheap.
Whoops i was thinking of their older Trapdoor remakes. If its the newer break barrel style, its still nice but average price. Recoil should be right up there as the newer style is relatively lightweight.

 

[bob in texas]

Is it the long barrel Buffalo Classic ? If so that is a pretty good price.

Bob

 

[REM 3200]

Them Nutria getten' hard to kill?

 

[Drm50]

I had several of those H&R 45/70 several years ago. Couldn't give them away here in Ohio. Now since it's legal deer gun I would jump on it at $280 that's a deal. Without ammo would go for $350-$400, slap on cheap scope and $500. There is cult following on them. Say something bad about them and you get hate mail. The only problem with the H&R handi is the forend bushings are induction welded to barrel and had several come off. No break off, just come off. Looked like nothing but a little scale held them on.

 

[Jack Flash]

I'll bet it hasn't been shot much if at all. For your stated "make big boom" purposes, it should do nicely.

If you really want a Ruger #1, it might be better to keep looking and pay the price for what you really want. But the Ruger will "make big hole" in your wallet.

 

[deadin]

That Hornaday Lever Evoloution is way too hot for a Trapdoor and should kick like a mule in one of the Handi Rifles......(Might even loosen it up prematurely.) I believe that it is intended for a heavier lever action rifle..

 

[CH4]

Recoil would be a hoot! Probably why it comes with a lot of ammo.
It's all yours, I won't compete for it.

 

[vonn]

Should drt anything in Louisiana!

 

[Tubbsy]

whole thing probably weighs about 6 pounds... but id jump on it, ive got a bit of a love affair with big bore single shots though....

 

[murf205]

The recoil is a lot more than a "hoot". I had one and they kick hard enough to drain your sinuses! I sold mine and bought a Marlin 1895 Cowboy with a 26" barrel. It only kicks like a small mule. I have reduced the loads down to 1200 fps which, by the way, will still shoot through a Buick!

 

[Drm50]

The H&R has no stock design or if it has was copied from pile driver. There are a lot a them around local and most shoot Hornady LV ammo. I've seen no issues with the 45/70s. The 243 & 270 I have. Some of them were developing head space problems. I would buy the H&R play with it and flip it when you tire of it. The 223 is most common one you see around here and I know of no troubles with them. Triggers on all are same as shotgun horrible.

 

[steelslaver]

It may kill on both ends.

First 45-70 I ever shot, years ago, was one of those. Didn't weigh much, straight stock with steel butt plate. 2 of the guy's 500 gr loads were enough to satisfy me. I have a trapdoor Springfield and mild loads are fun.

 

[Tubbsy]

A lead weight in the stock does a lot to tame the recoil in my experience, have a 10 gauge sportsman that's just as pleasant to shoot 3.5" turkey loads out of as it is my 12 gauge 870....

 

[Indigo]

I have a Buffalo Classic and it is blast to shoot with a 250gr pill and 5744.

 

[Lonegle57]

I picked up a Buffalo classic so recently sold a regular 45/70 for almost twice what your price is. H&R was bought by Remington and no longer made from what I read. I handload a cast 300 grain and isnt bad recoil wise. Would go for it if I didnt have enough already.

 

[6518John]

It may kill on both ends

My love affair with H&R Single Shots began and ended within about 10 seconds. I shot one of the 10 gauge goose guns. My shoulder still hurts, 50 years later.

I would not shoot one in .22 short without flinching!

 

[brucev]

Re: OP. Giddy up and go for it! Nice light little thumper! JMHO. Sincerely. bruce.

 

[TIMETRIPPER]

Some of them were developing head space problems.

That mostly comes from flipping the action shut, one handed, as seen on TV. Much akin to the one handed, flip of the cylinder close, move also seen on TV and movies. Good for a dramatic statement, bad for either guns action and lockup.

The H&R price ain't bad. It's easily a third of the cost of a Ruger #1 or 3. Certainly a less expensive way to see if you like shooting powerhouse 45-70 loads.

John

 

[CH4]

The recoil is a lot more than a "hoot". I had one and they kick hard enough to drain your sinuses! I sold mine and bought a Marlin 1895 Cowboy with a 26" barrel. It only kicks like a small mule. I have reduced the loads down to 1200 fps which, by the way, will still shoot through a Buick!

I was showing my sensitive side.
I've had a couple 1895s. A great platform for the .45-70