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Message
info on H&R 45-70
Posted on 8/20/25 at 2:35 pm
Posted on 8/20/25 at 2:35 pm
I have a chance to get a H&R 45-70 (don't know anything else yet about specific model or anything like that) mounted with a Nikon ProStaff BDC scope from a friend. Second hand but barely used and in great shape. I am not familiar with this particular gun. Any thoughts, reviews, advice, information from the OB appreciated...
9
Posted on 8/20/25 at 2:42 pm to j4lsu
Recently got a 350 Legend to replace my H&R 444. They're good, solid guns. Just prepare your shoulder for the recoil. The kick is stout, but nothing unmanageable. I just got the Legend because it was lighter for me to pack around and shoot from a saddle.
This post was edited on 8/20/25 at 2:44 pm
Posted on 8/20/25 at 2:42 pm to j4lsu
It is a pretty good round within 80 to 100 yards using the Hornady 325 grain bullets. Most will say it kicks like a mule, but I am a grown man and never had any issues there. 
The handi-rifle in 45-70 came out 25 or so years ago as a primitive weapon for most Southern states, which is why they came back in abundance. If you can get it for cheap, may as well get it.
The handi-rifle in 45-70 came out 25 or so years ago as a primitive weapon for most Southern states, which is why they came back in abundance. If you can get it for cheap, may as well get it.
Posted on 8/20/25 at 2:52 pm to j4lsu
I have that rifle in .444. Kicks pretty good. I'd imagine the 45-70 would be even stouter. Mine is very accurate out to about 150 yards. It's short barreled so great for climbing trees. I would hunt year round with it if I didn't need to take longer shots sometimes.
It will knock the crap out of a deer too.
It will knock the crap out of a deer too.
This post was edited on 8/20/25 at 2:53 pm
Posted on 8/20/25 at 2:53 pm to j4lsu
If you can get it cheap, get it. There are better options for primitive weapons in La. but I believe some states require a straight-wall cartridge. I was told Arkansas does, but haven't checked for myself.
Posted on 8/20/25 at 2:57 pm to REB BEER
i guess cheap is a relative term ... I believe I can get the gun, scope, gun case and ammo for between the $300 to $400 range.
... I believe I can get the gun, scope, gun case and ammo for between the $300 to $400 range.Posted on 8/20/25 at 3:01 pm to j4lsu
would be a good gun to have in the arsenal if you need something for short range, swamp/thicket hunting, climbing stands etc.
Posted on 8/20/25 at 3:10 pm to j4lsu
I guess it's been years since I bought my 35 Whelen, but damn they seem to have gone up a lot. $300-400 doesn't sound bad, especially if he's got a couple boxes of ammo.
Posted on 8/20/25 at 3:19 pm to j4lsu
Uncle gave me one years ago. Have a fixed 4x leupold on top. Killed plenty deer and pigs
Posted on 8/20/25 at 3:54 pm to j4lsu
I've hunted with both a 44 mag H&R as well as a 35 whelen H&R. I haven't shot the 44 at a deer in years, but the 35 whelen has a very heavy trigger. Good guns overall tho
Posted on 8/20/25 at 6:54 pm to j4lsu
I have 2 of the Handi’s. One in 45/70 and the other is 35 whelen. They are accurate enough for deer hunting. Graybeard outdoors has a HR forum that has a ton of useful information. You can also do some trading for stocks , barrels , etc
Posted on 8/20/25 at 7:44 pm to j4lsu
I’ll be that guy, I have a few handi rifles and I’ll keep them for nostalgic reasons but the CVA scout is a better gun in every way for not much more money, especially used. The trigger on the H&R is a dog, and the bluing is mostly for show so keep it oiled. That’s a decent deal with the scope but I also wouldn’t be tripping over myself to go get it. If it’s gonna be your one primative gun you take out once a year, then it’s a good buy.
Posted on 8/20/25 at 7:50 pm to REB BEER
quote:that is correct. A while back a few friends came to arkansas for primitave with their .35 Whelens and I had to break the bad news to them
I believe some states require a straight-wall cartridge. I was told Arkansas does, but haven't checked for myself.
Posted on 8/20/25 at 7:50 pm to TheDrunkenTigah
I agree. CVA is a better gun. If you can the this particular handi 45-70 for less than $300, probably not a bad deal. I like my two CVA scouts (44mag and 35 rem mag) wayyyyyy better than I did my handi 45-70.
Posted on 8/20/25 at 8:16 pm to TheDrunkenTigah
Thanks for the thoughts and input, The Drunken…. This would in fact be the one primitive weapon to use one primitive weekend pre regular gun season and one weekend post regular gun season.
Posted on 8/20/25 at 8:31 pm to j4lsu
Problem with an H&R Handi in 45-70….
Or just perhaps something to be aware of….
It takes about 3-4 foulers to get it to group half assed. Then, you probably only have about 5 more shots once it’s dialed in before it won’t hit the broadside of a barn (deer) anymore.
I was in a box stand once, and realized I was putting too much upward pressure on the forend (kinda leaning on the stock), making the gun shoot high AF…it was funny, after 2 shots….deer kept looking right at me…I got the third one down enough to kill it.
Moral of the story- cheap gun, will kill a deer. Gunwerks, it is not.
Or just perhaps something to be aware of….
It takes about 3-4 foulers to get it to group half assed. Then, you probably only have about 5 more shots once it’s dialed in before it won’t hit the broadside of a barn (deer) anymore.
I was in a box stand once, and realized I was putting too much upward pressure on the forend (kinda leaning on the stock), making the gun shoot high AF…it was funny, after 2 shots….deer kept looking right at me…I got the third one down enough to kill it.
Moral of the story- cheap gun, will kill a deer. Gunwerks, it is not.
Posted on 8/20/25 at 9:05 pm to subMOA
They have a cult following in the south because a lot of ole baws have spent so much time working out their warts that they’re committed once they finally get it shooting. There have been volumes written on dial up internet about how to properly break in an H&R barrel with a gallon of hoppes, float the fore end with o-rings, polish the sear with a nail file, adding melted down fishing weights to the stock, and the aerospace grade adhesives required to get rings to stay put on top of one. The reason I’ll never part with mine is because getting one to group halfway decent is to have acquired a degree in redneck gunsmithery.
Posted on 8/25/25 at 6:42 pm to TheDrunkenTigah
Better primitive options. Big kick and not much reach. I do love my H&R Target Classic in .38-55. Very accurate and mild recoil.
Posted on 8/25/25 at 11:01 pm to TheDrunkenTigah
Picked up a an Ilion NY handi rifle recently. They feel great but I still need to get more range time.
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