Break open action - VS - Bolt action in accuracy

[powderbrass]

As a relatively new shooter, I was just curious if there is any difference in accuracy between a Break open action and a Bolt action rifle. I have a Bolt action .22LR (marlin 80DL) and it is very accurate out to about a hundred yards or so. I work with a guy that wants to sell me a break open action 30-30. I've learned a lot from this forum already, so I figured I'd post this thread to get some input.

 

[Don't Tread On Me]

I have a break action 17HMR. It is a sub-moa gun. That tells me that action is very capable. I consider the break action to not even really be an action at all. You're just putting a bullet into a barrel..and the receiver works as the breach face. There are no lugs or things to line up etc.....

 

[gbran]

Powderbrass

What make/model does he want to sell you and at what price. What do you want it for? How will you use it?

NEF breakopen's are pretty cheap new. You can afford to buy a good scope and maybe even a trigger job with a pretty economical total package cost. The NEF's are pretty accurate, some amazingly so. Keep in mind however, that the venerable 30-30 in any rifle is not a match cartridge.

Need more info from ya.

 

[LooseGrouper]

The way I see it, "break open" rifles and other single shot types (falling block, rolling block, etc) have the potential to be as accurate as anything. The key to accurracy is a lack of variation. With simple action types there are less things to change between shots, all else being equal. It just depends on how well the rifle was built and how uniform the ammunition is. The trigger and ergonomics will affect practical accuracy.

My dad has a Handy rifle in .308 that outshoots my Browning BLR in the same caliber.

 

[Charles S]

A single shot break open rifle will be as accurate as any hunter needs. I have a Thompson Center Encore that, with certain barrels, will shoot sub minute of angle.

That being said a break open rifle will never win a bench rest competition at the higher levels. There are many reasons, but the main reasons are the bolt action is a more rigid action, the action leads to a more easily free floated barrel (more consistency), and a much faster lock time.

I love my single shots, but for absolute accuracy, the bolt reigns supreme.

Charles

 

[powderbrass]

Thanks you all. I really appreciate the knowledgeable info. I don't know the make/model yet. He mentioned that he wanted to sell it to me, but I should have asked for specifics. I do know that he wants $140 for it.

 

[RangerHAAF]

A single shot break open rifle will be as accurate as any hunter needs. I have a Thompson Center Encore that, with certain barrels, will shoot sub minute of angle.

That being said a break open rifle will never win a bench rest competition at the higher levels. There are many reasons, but the main reasons are the bolt action is a more rigid action, the action leads to a more easily free floated barrel (more consistency), and a much faster lock time.

I love my single shots, but for absolute accuracy, the bolt reigns supreme.

Charles

Ditto:
I have a T/C Encore in 308 and it will shoot 1-1 1/2 MOA at 100 yards but the Ruger M-77 Stainless that I used to own would consistently shoot quarter size groups at 100 yards easily outshooting the Encore. I wish T/C would somehow accurize its rifles to shoot better. I prefer the break open action to the bolt action but I do acknowledge that the bolt action is superior in accuracy.

 

[Essex County]

Anyonne who feels that the 30-30 doesn't have "match Potential" should find a Remington 788 so chambered. A friend had one years ago and with proper handloads it gave my 700 in .308 fits............Essex

 

[powderbrass]

Ok. Got the REAL info on the rifle :banghead: . It is actually a .243 Browning 1885. It is a falling block slingle shot. I decided not to buy it due to lack of trust for this guy. I have more confidence in the single shot rifles now due to the excellent feedback I got from this thread. Thanks again y'all.

 

[Scoupe]

Ok. Got the REAL info on the rifle :banghead: . It is actually a .243 Browning 1885. It is a falling block slingle shot. I decided not to buy it due to lack of trust for this guy. I have more confidence in the single shot rifles now due to the excellent feedback I got from this thread. Thanks again y'all.

Well, an 1885 is about the cat's meow when it comes to single shot rifles. You can get a more modern design, but you can't do much better than the 1885 overall.