ORIGINAL: Paul L Mohr

I have said this on a few different threads, so here goes again. A few years ago I would have suggested the handi rifles for a budget gun, I was even considering getting one, and did get a H&R ultra slug gun. However now there are just too many options in the $300 dollar range for a decent centerfire bolt gun. The Stevens 200 is not "similar" to a Savage 110/10, it IS a savage 110/10. It is just the earlier version minus the accutrigger feature and a slightly different stock. There are also the Mossberg guns which I have heard really good things about as well.

The H&R's are decent guns and work and most are pretty accurate. But when you consider the price difference do you want a crudely made economy single shot or a proven well made repeating rifle? It really isn't much of a choice to me unless you just like the simplicity of a single shot break open rifle. I'm not bagging on H&R, I like their product. I have owned my share of their shotguns and shot a few of the centerfires. I have also owned a few savages and there really isn't much of a comparison when you hold both and look them over. The savage/stevens is a much better built firearm. Sort of like looking at an AK and a M-16 side by side. The AK works but it's crude. The M-16 is a much finer machined well made quality firearm.

And since you mentioned the .243 I have heard the handi rifles having issues with that round on some guns. The cases tend to get stuck. I guess it is a pretty easy fix though. And also consider that Remington (or it's parent company) just purchased Marlin which also owns H&R/NEF.

Good luck, let us know what you get. I recently got a savage in .243 but have yet to shoot it. Too cold for me right now.

Paul