Browsing new HFT500 vs s/h FTP900

[Phil Russell]

Every now and then I browse various sales ads to try and keep abreast of current prices. Tonight looking on GunTrader I noticed that for the price of a new HFT500 you can get a s/h FTP900. OK ... +/- a little cash either way but the prices are very similar.
So: which would be the people's choice? Is a s/h FTP technically much better than the HFT500? Assuming you bought one or the other and set it up to suit you would you really notice much difference between them? Maybe one or the other has more adjustability but balance that against the fact that once adjusted to suit you, you are not likely to change it ......
What would you go for?

Cheers, Phil

[Captain_Black]

Depends on what you want it for?
I know with a 10 x 40 x50 scope & a bag rider fitted the HFT500 is just under the 10.5 lbs weight limit for L/R in Benchrest.
I would imagine the FTP900 would be much heavier.
There isn't anything between them accuracy wise.
The FTP900 is no longer in production.
I'd be buying an HFT500.

[ptdunk]

In my opinion the more vertical pistol grip of the 900 is better than the 500.
I think it has a better trigger too…Heavier though, so better for target, maybe less-so for hunting.

Matt

[S Hebby]

No contest in my opinion. The FTP900 is more refined with a match grade trigger unit and regulated power delivery.

[MTA123]

The Hft500 is a lot more reliable and doesnt need loads of bits removing to make it usable.

[Jesim1]

Depend how you want to go, I've had a few of each over the years and prefer the FTP900, but there is nothing in is accuracy wise, I just feel the HFT500 is a start point and I'd rather have the higher end one second hand for the same money, although your probably paying more for the stock than anything else, and most people remove that shroud anyway