(OT) Got my new Varmint Gun!

[atchman2]

After much debate and looking about I needed a gun that was pretty inexpensive to shoot and was the best "bang for the buck".  After looking at guns in the $500+ price range and knowing my wife would kick my rear, I decided on a compromise gun.  

It is a H &R Single Shot .223.  It has the Varmint "Bull" Barrel and came with a 3 x 12 scope, picatinny rails, etc.  It has no open sights at all.  I've only put five rounds through it so far and the one thing I noticed quickly is IT IS LOUD!

What I do like about it is it has enough weight for me to hold it steady.  What I don't like is my big thumbs trying to get to the hammer under the scope.  Anyway, this is the first centerfire rifle I've ever owned.  It should be just fine for Coyotes, Groundhogs, and Prairie Dogs.  

[crackshot777]

they sell a thing for the hammer that will set it to the side just for applications like urs

[atchman2]

Oh cool!  Didn't know that!

[longislandhunter]

Congratulations on the new powder burner, nice looking rifle

I think she will serve your needs very nicely.  One of the things I've always liked about a single shot rifle is that you know you only have 1 shot so it forces you to become a better shooter.  I'm already looking forward to your first pics of that fine shooter and her first yote  

BTW.... the hammer attachment that crackshot mentioned does in fact work very well.  A friend of mine has one on the hammer of one of his rifles due to the lack of clearance underneath the scope and it works great.....

Jeff

[shadow]

Fine looking Fire Stick you have there bro and it'll look great laying next to a critter.   Ed

[dk1677]

Congrats! Very nice!

[Furseeker]

Randy that really is a great looking shooter! Now with that being said you know I'm going to be on you every week, then maybe I'll cut you some slack and just get on you monthly, until you take some game with that thing.. But YES we need to see a critter harvested with that thing. Skunk, Possum, Bandit, Starling we don't care just something. Do you have any Jack Rabbits out in your neck of the woods? In the short term we will be happy seeing a few groups shot from you new baby. Good lookin rifle I'm happy for you man.

[atchman2]

I'm probably going to sight it in tomorrow. The weather here has been terrible-cold and rain.

[airiscool]

Congrats Randy, I think you'll have fun with that one.

My late hunting partner had that same model gun before they offered the camo version. With the right ammo it was surprisingly accurate for the price range and he realy liked it. He had just gotten into reloading for it when he passed away.

You won't be undergunned now - that thing loaded with ballistic tips will turn a Skunk, Possum, or Raccon inside out. And, as for Squirrels ... just bring a putty knife and bucket when you go out to get the ones you hit !!!!!  

Paul.

[jake]

congrats on the new gun!! she sure is purdy lol

[air rifle hunter]

Nice functional rifle Randy!  The .223 is an awesome caliber.  I have a .222 and it works excellent for groundhogs and pretty good for coyotes too.  I shot this coyote at 160 yards with my Remington 700 ADL that's chambered in .222

Brian

[Bogey]

Randy,  congratulations on your new shooter.   As the others have said you can get an off-set piece  for the hammerthat will make cocking easier. People with lever-actiion rifles have been using them for years.    For the best accuracy,   find out the rifling rate for the rifle barrel  and match your bullet weight to the twist rate.   With a  fast twist rate ,  you can use heavier bullet weights.  Example 1 in 9 twist.    A slow twist rate, use lighter bullet weights.  Example 1 in 12 to 1 in 16.

I prefer the 1 in 9 twist due to the fact that I like sending those heavy slugs( 60 plus grains)  downrange.

[fxud]

http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/accessories/accessories.asp

[DougT]

I bought the same but in a black stock with a 3-9x32 scope and hammer spur nearly 10 years ago.  It was my first varmint rifle and shoots very well.  With 50g Nosler Ballistic Tips and 26.5 grains of H335 powder it will shoot about 3/4" groups at 100 yards.  It is loud though.

As far a bullets, I've found the Ballistic Tips to be the most accurate and blow up small vermin very well.  The Hornady SPSX (super explosive soft point) bullets are nearly as accurate but blow stuff up even better.  

Enjoy!!!!

[airiscool]

Doug,
Have you tried any of the Black Hills V-max in it?  Even their remanufactured ammo is very accurate.
http://www.black-hills.com/whois.htm

Paul.