BT said:
I've been looking into buying an H&R Buffalo Classic Rifle. It shoots 45-70 Gov't. I was only wondering if anyone had ever seen or owned one and could tell me if they were worth the investment. The H&R's run about 300 dollars. That's pocket change if this thing is going to be a good rifle, but I don't know for sure.
I would also oblige any other suggestions on a good 45-70 rifle. Moderate price and good quality.
I bought a bc several weeks ago. I shoot black powder loads in it. They are low-recoiling loads, being black powder, but even they can whoop your shoulder if using 500 grain or heavier bullets. I hate the crescent buttplate, mostly because it doesn't fit my shoulder. It must be made for little guys. If you mount it to your shoulder quickly and don't get it just right, the pointy part of the buttplate can get you. I will be putting a shotgun-style buttplate on it some day.
The forend and buttstock are built narrow and "little". The gun is a lot smaller than I expected (never saw or picked one up before I ordered mine from Cabela's- $430?), so it doesn't fit me real well. I'm 6' 3" and 240 pounds with long arms and big hands. I like a substantial rifle.
The factory sights are for target shooting. I'll be replacing my front sight with a blade front sight. No hoods and circles and stuff for me. The rear sight is plenty good. I like the long barrel! I think the thick brush reasoning for a short barrel is bunk. In fact, you can even use that barrel to beat the H out of the brush and push it aside so you can get through!

Besides, I feel spooked when using a really short barrel as I'm always afraid I'm gonna put my hand over the muzzle when I shoot, because I hold my left hand out so far sometimes. I know I'm just paranoid, but it feels that way to me.
Lets see, $430 for gun, about $100 for new stock, $10 for new front sight.........
I think that if you are gonna use smokeless and full power loads, you should consider a different stock or different rifle! Ruger no 1 or Marlin (I like the cowboy better than the Guide gun.-longer barrel).
I have lots of expensive rifles, so I did not buy the bc because I could not afford something else. I bought it because I'm going backwards in time with my shooting and like the simplicity of the whole blackpowder deal.
All that stuff being said, the bc seems to be a strong, accurate rifle. And I figure that if I miss the critter with my one shot, I can beat the crap out of the critter with my empty gun and not feel too bad about breaking it.
Good shooting!