The New England Firearms Handi-Rifle came into existence through the merger of Marlin Firearms and Harrington & Richardson (H&R) 1871 Inc. Founded in 1871 after Gilbert H. Harrington invented the top-breaking, shell-ejecting revolver and teamed up with William A. Richardson to produce the firearm, H&R has been a long-time manufacturer of top-break, single shot long guns and revolvers alike and has continually produced firearms ever since.

The Handi-Rifle was born from the need for a cheap, entry level, single shot rifle. It's a rifle that for hunters is both simple and reliable. Most of the single shot market is dominated by giants like the Ruger #1 and the T/C Contender/Encore family. A quick look around the internet shows these guns selling in their base packages for $250+. Used hunting rifles with scopes and slings are selling in the $250 range as well.

The Handi-Rifle is a sleek, good looking gun for the price. The base model comes with surprisingly nice wood stock and the simple design provides a workman like appearance. While fancy guns are nice, a rifle is a tool meant to do a particular job, not act as a piece of art. Surprisingly, the Handi-Rifle weighs about 7 pounds so is only fractionally heavier than deer hunting rifles. Similar models form other manufacturers are heavier in comparison. The length of the Handi-Rifle in long action cartridges is comparable to other rifles as well and its heft makes it steady when shooting off hand.

The rifle comes in a wide array of calibers all the way from the economical .22 long rifle, the ubiquitious .308 model, all the way up to the .45-70 and the .500 S&W magnum. Options include iron sights or scope mounts, synthetic or american hardwood stocks and over 30 different caliber configurations.

These rifles from the New England Firearms company are extremely popular and, on occassion, have proved difficult to buy because demand has been so high. So if local gun shops are out of stock, you can always order from online guns and ammo specialists.