Inexpensive single shot rifles

[chaim]

I've come to the conclusion that I've been neglecting rifles for too long and I'm thinking of rectifying that (there are a few rifle catagories that I plan to fill in the near future).

I am considering buying a single shot rifle in .223 or .243 within the next few months (probably early to mid winter).

I'm not a hunter so it will just be for fun at the range. Most likely it will be .223 due to ammo costs.

So I am interested in opinions on the Handi Rifles v. the Rossi/Braztech rifles. Another option (though less likely as I think they cost more) is the T/C Contender or Encore in either rifle or handgun configuration in .223 (hmm, these are modular enough can one set up the same gun to work as a handgun and as a rifle?).

I'm looking for something that is inexpensive, but also something that can get some good performance. I don't really need to be able to switch out barrels (though I guess that would be nice). I do want something accurate. I want to be able to scope it, but decent iron sights are highly desirable.

Also, if I choose the Encore or Contender, how do they recoil in .223 while in pistol configuration? How hard are they to switch out the same reciever between rifle and handgun configuration?

 

[Tropical Z]

The NEF Handi rifles are pretty amazing.I can't imagine .223's recoil being that intense if you go with a Contender.

 

[belton-deer-hunter]

nef

i would have to agree the nef handi riflles come in a wide varity i looked the other day and found a thumbhole stock on a handi .223 it is a really nice looking gun they sell for right around 200 dollars at the local gun shops

 

[vega]

And if you want cheaper ammo they (NEF) also come in 7.62x39.

vega

 

[Flatfender]

And if you want cheaper ammo they (NEF) also come in 7.62x39.

vega

There have been problems with the NEF/H&R in 7.62X39. It has difficulty shooting surplus and Wolf/Silver Bear Ammo. The firing pin doesn't extend far enough to hit the primers on these ammo types. Either the primers are recessed to far or too hard in the case of surplus. Works on the Winchester White box 7.62X39 fine.

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=66528
http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=72895

 

[browningguy]

I shot a friends handi rifle yesterday, he has switch barrels in .223 and 45-70. Consistant 5 shot 1-1.25" groups with the .223 using some of the cheapest bulk reloads you can buy. The 45-70 was about 1", 3 shot groups, using factory 300 gr. Remington loads.

 

[Essex County]

If I was watching my pennies and wanted a .223, I'd skip the single shot and go to the Savage 10 platform or the stevens 200. You might have to do a trigger upgrade but I bet you'd be happier in the long run.......Essex County

 

[Gewehr98]

I'm surprised nobody's chimed in with the Mossberg SSI-One rifle.

I'm a Ruger #1 kind of guy, but they're not particularly inexpensive.

Here's a Mossberg SSI-One in .223 Remington for $299 on www.GunsAmerica.com :

 

[Oldnamvet]

Since the Contender action is the same for the rifle and pistol configuration, you have to be careful about the laws. If you buy a rifle and then put a pistol barrel on it, either with or without the stock (rather than changing to a pistol grip), you can be in deep $%^&# if the local authorities catch you.

As to recoil, I have used my contender in 30/30, 223, .410, 45 Colt, and 45/70. The only one that I thought was a bit too much as to recoil was the 45/70. Sold that barrel and got a .22 hornet.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

I think the NEF is a great way to go. However, I think getting spare barrels is a bit harder since Marlin bought them. Marlin wants you to ship the gun back to them for them to "fit" the barrel. I think the real reason is liability though. Just FYI since the spare barrels have seemed to dry up some.

The Contender in .223 isn't bad out of the pistol. Mine is scoped though so that added weight holds it down a bit. Not a great pistol round though, lots of flash from that short barrel.

Not hard to change from pistol to rifle, just a few minutes to unscrew the pistol grip and put the stock on.

Contenders are sometimes found at a good price so it's an option if you want to buy used. Nice to be able to pick up barrels in your pet calibers.

The Encore will allow you to go to larger calibers than the Contender. Wasn't an issue in my mind though since I don't need that much abuse

 

[vega]

There have been problems with the NEF/H&R in 7.62X39. It has difficulty shooting surplus and Wolf/Silver Bear Ammo.

I hope NEF will do something about it since it was designed to shoot that round.

vega

 

[Crosshair]

Where do you get a 7.62x39 NEF rifle? I don't see that anywhere on their site.

 

[kentucky_smith]

I vote handi-rifle. I have one in .223 that I use for Coyotes. The trigger's a bit harsh, but overall a great gun. Especially for the 199 I paid for it.

 

[fallingblock]

chaim - My Baikal IJ-18MH is a good 7.62X39 single shot....

In my experience, the Baikal is far superior to the H&R product.

The Baikal has a hammer forged barrel as well as an internal hammer (with cocking indcator) and a decocking function to allow carry of a loaded rifle uncocked. There are scope mounting grooves on the monoblock, which I have used to mount a Williams FP sight.

The Baikals are very rugged rifles which can be improved at little cost into a very reasonable single shot rifle.

Remington appears to be offering them for a RRP of $223 - $195 as part of its "Spartan" line:

http://www.spartangunworks.com/spr18_nickel.htm

http://www.spartangunworks.com/spr18_blued.htm

http://www.baikalinc.ru/eng/prod/rifle/izh18mn/

 

[berettashotgun]

Paid $155 (each) for the handi rifles I bought my young boys. 243 and was amazed at the accuracy with systamatic reloading. The best first deer rifle for the price, or triple the price, I can think of. Easy to get sub MOA with the 243 in the handi rifles. Think they are gonna get used this november. Friend has a kid that needs to go deer hunting and she is going to need a good deer gun. Come on November

 

[Flatfender]

Where do you get a 7.62x39 NEF rifle? I don't see that anywhere on their site.

NEF/H&R has complete guns but I don't have a model #.

But - NEF/H&R has several barrels that are not listed on the website. 204ruger, 500S&W and the 7.62X39

7.62X39 barrel part #R03490, $82 plus $15 fitting plus $10 shipping.
You have to send in your SB2 Reciever to H&R/NEF

More info from the Marlin owners group
http://www.marlinowners.com/board/viewtopic.php?p=79922

 

[chaim]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In my experience, the Baikal is far superior to the H&R product.

The Baikal has a hammer forged barrel as well as an internal hammer (with cocking indcator) and a decocking function to allow carry of a loaded rifle uncocked. There are scope mounting grooves on the monoblock, which I have used to mount a Williams FP sight.

The Baikals are very rugged rifles which can be improved at little cost into a very reasonable single shot rifle.

That looks interesting, especially the nickel. Do you know about the accuracy? I know the HandiRifles are extremely accurate, how do these compare?

 

[fallingblock]

The Baikal I have will shoot 2" groups at 100 meters...

With the Williams aperture sight.

That is on one of my 'good' days.

With a scope and younger eyes it might do better.

The Baikal action is a very rugged design - modeled on the pre-WWII French
"Simplex-Express".

The decocking feature allows the user to lower the internal hammer onto the rebound position - from which re-cocking requires only a lift on the operating lever. There is also a crossbolt safety.

They are very popular "knock-about" rifles in New Zealand, due to their low price and durability.
If you have a chance to have a look at one - it is at least equal value to the H&R (of which I've owned two) and has features unavailable with the H&R.

 

[Onmilo]

I have yet to handle or even see a Baikal other than the print ad pictures.

The NEF-Harrington Richardson rifles are pretty decent but you don't need a cannon breech to shoot .223s.

The Thompson G2 Contender Carbine is just plain sweet but can't be considered inexpensive.
The Encore is just too clunky to be chambered in .223, this gun is better designed for .243 class cartridges and larger, much larger, stuff.

Forget the Rossi/BrazTech rifle.

 

[Michael Courtney]

The Contender is a better bet for an accurate rifle (almost guaranteed), but the Handi Rifle is a very good and proven choice in its price range.

Michael Courtney