Thanks Bill.

Hand guns are restricted. Even if I had the licensing, I'd only ever be able to take them to the range...and only if I had a seperate permit to transport it.

I've been looking online at what's available and it seems the best thing to do (which I can't confirm until it actually gets here) is what many of you have recommended...get some spare parts, learn this particular unit inside and out, then make the best of it even if it's finicky.

The ammo debate seems to be a hot one on the internet too. Everybody has their favorite it seems. One tip I found which makes sense is that they seem to feed jacketed/plated rounds better than just straight lead. Also, there seems to be some agreement that it's the magazines which cause loading problems...if they're not in JUST right, they won't feed very reliably. I've also heard that the Henry rifle and magazines are improved over previous designs.