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Austin & Halleck 420 LR Classic (Blued) Black Powder
Black Powder Manufacturer: Austin & Halleck
Austin & Halleck Model: 420 LR Classic (Blued)
Review Category: Black Powder
Purchase: I bought this muzzleloader at a local shop in July of 2004 for $420. I then mounted a 4-16x 44mm AO scope on it, which I will soon be replacing with a lower magnification model, hopefully a 2.5-10x. I had considered a Savage 10ML of some sort or another, but instead decided on this one, as I believe it to be safer and of better quality, for the same price. Besides, I didn't want the hassle of smokeless powders. This purchase was to replace a hard kickin' .50 T/C Black Diamond XR.
Things I like about the Austin & Halleck 420 LR Classic (Blued): Asthetically, the design is quite nice, but that is completely secondary to function, and boy does it function! 250gr SST's ahead of 120grs of 777 make it out of the 26" barrel at an average of 2095fps, by my chronograph. With this load, at 200yds, I can only manage around a 2 inch group, but that could very well be me (read: 'probably is!'). One VERY nice feature is that the rifle comes with a synthetic second stock, which is certainly nice to hunt with since you may not want to scratch up your maple one, once you become attached to it (which you will!). As most people will tell you, these rifles are a pleasure to shoot, especially due to their low recoil. One final note: this past winter, it got down to zero for a good while, and I noticed no change in point of impact, though I zeroed it at 50 degrees.
What I don't like about the Austin & Halleck 420 LR Classic (Blued): Honestly, not much. However, I think it could be a little on the heavy side for some of the smaller shooters out there, especially if scoped. Also, my particular ramrod rattles around, which HAD to be fixed. I did so by using 'finger cots' over the muzzle, which also keep out rain and eliminate barrel whistling in heavy wind.
420 LR Classic (Blued) quality: This rifle is of extremely good quality, period. It has not earned the reputation it has by being anything less than one of the best. Very good trigger, verrrrry sharp muzzle crown (90 degree), smooth bolt operation, and a nicely finished bore. One note: both stocks were perfect fits to the barrelled action; this is not always the case! BEAUTIFUL stock (anyone can see that).
420 LR Classic (Blued) summary: -If you have problems or questions, A&H's service line is a solid resource, they will work with you and seem to have that small company feel. www.austinhalleck.com
-If you can afford one of these rifles, or if you can find a good quality used one, (make sure you can return any used muzzleloader, OR inspect it THOROUGHLY before buying!) I recommend these smokepoles wholeheartedly.
-The AH320 is essentially the same rifle, but does not come with the maple stock, hence, is a cheaper option.
-For the money, they are hard to beat!
Rating for this Austin & Halleck product: 5
Author of this review on Austin & Halleck Black Powder: Nate Scott
Date: 2005-01-27
Usefulness Rating: 4.30435 out of 5.
23 reader(s) voted.
This Austin & Halleck Black Powder review brought to you by Hunting & Fishing Gear Review!
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