I haven't tried a Baikal, or a Rossi, but I might if I didn't already have a Handi-Rifle. Mine is a N.E.F. branded .223 Superlight and I like it. It has been good value and they are cheaper new now than when I got it (the cheapest new rifle I could get back then, before the Stevens 200 was available.)
Break action single shot rifles
- Thread starter iceman2
- Start date
I have owned both... only have Handi rifles now (20+)... Handi's are far easier to accurize, parts are readily available from a number of reliable sources, there are many options for mounts and aftermarket upgrades... and they can shoot... they are not just a "100 yard" rifle... I have many of mine under MOA.
Big JD-From the hills
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Saskatchewan.
I would like to see them in more intermediate calibers, ie .357 mag, .44mag, .45lc, 7.62x39 would like to see a 16.5" version in any of those for a pack rifle.
Northman999
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Yukon
The baikals are great little guns.
The only downside is they're getting up there in price, and personally, when single shots start costing the same as repeaters, I'll bite on the repeaters every time.
The next time someone brings in a bunch and blows them out of $199 like Epps did a while back I may bite again.
The only downside is they're getting up there in price, and personally, when single shots start costing the same as repeaters, I'll bite on the repeaters every time.
The next time someone brings in a bunch and blows them out of $199 like Epps did a while back I may bite again.
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
I prefer the nicer ones like the TCR 83/87, BRNO Effect and Merkel K Series. I've come to the realization that you can have all manner of cheap rifles or you can have a few really nice ones. Given that I can only shoot one at a time and that, to me, pride of ownership means something to me, I would tend toward the higher quality rifles. No reason you can't hunt them just as hard as you would a cheapie either.
There's nothing saying you cant have pride of ownership in something cheaper. Especially if that's what you want, can afford, or if it means it will allow you to afford to shoot it more often.
I couldn't find a scope mount that would hold on the baikal. I had the same gun in .223 and 7.62 x 54. Got them both for 199 each. I tried rimfire mounts on the .223, no luck, would hold for a few shots, but always moved in the end. Needed to be drilled and tapped, in my opinion, although some people claim to have had luck with a variety of other fixes. 7.62 x 54 kicked like a mofo and sounded like a cannon.
I have come to the same conclusion, better to have a few really good quality than a lot of mediocre quality ones. I think it maybe also because I am getting long in the tooth! I have also noticed that some makes of single shot rifles seem to be more susceptible to extraction problems, especially with reloads.
I have a H&R Ultra Varmint in .223 with a 24" heavy bull barrel. Sadly haven't gotten around to test firing it yet. I like it, except for the weight. That's due largely to the barrel, but it seems too heavy for what it is. It's not heavy in the grand scheme of things, but for a single shot it feels hefty. Guess I just need to beef up.
My H&R Parder in 12 gauge with a 28" barrel is considerable lighter on the front end. I'm slowly trying to fit that barrel onto the SB-2 receiver, but I don't have much time at the moment. It would be very nice if we had a steady supply of barrels.
Dude, do you even lift?
You should be well satisfied with that rifle. My uncle had the same one, it was ridiculously accurate. He only sold it because he had a hankering for a 22/250.
