Single shot 12 gauge worth it?

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The_Next_Generation

The_Next_Generation

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Hey guys,

I saw a single-shot break action 12 gauge for sale at the range today for only $75. It seems to be in pretty good shape, no pictures, sorry.

I was told it was a 60s-70s era shotgun. It has a 3" chamber and a full choke. Oh yeah, and a 30" BBL :D

I was thinking it would be a cool "elmer fudd" piece, that would see some use for clay games or the occasional hunt.

So what do you guys think?? I am selling an old paintball gun for $165 so I figured that would cover the cost of the gun.

- TNG
 
"Want, have, feel good." We seem hard-wired for this. Within reason, I say "Go for it."

Such guns work. They go boom. They work. They are cheap. They eat almost any shell made or handloaded. They feed people and defend them too.

Most Trap guns for the single target events are basically the same thing, with better ergonomics, better execution, and often far more "bling".

Want to annoy the crap out of Trap guy with a new $15,000 Kreighoff? Beat him in Singles with a $75 duck blaster. (I was neither of the gentlemen, but observed it. Epic!) "Wanna try _my_ gun? I won't tell anyone you did."
 
Duck blaster it is guys! You confirmed my beliefs :D

I'll post pics when I get it home. (Who doesn't enjoy a bit of single-action gun porn??)
 
Yep.

Full choke isn't gonna pattern with steel shot worth a hoot.

And the gun isn't steel shot rated anyway if it is that old.

Nontoxic shot for migratory birds wasn't a Federal Law back then, and nobody had ever heard of steel shot.

rc
 
It would make a decent slug launcher for deer... a Jeremiah Johnson mountain man retro (you might need to lop off the full choke, though, to get best accuracy).
 
Go for it singleshot shotguns in 30 " full are getting hard to come by any more shooting the cheap promotional loads will open the pattern up some, they are solf lead shot and deform some which makes for a more open pattern. walmart winchester cheapy slugs shoot great in my fixed full choke single shot turkey gun with a load it likes it ought to be a reach yonder gun
Roy
 
The only clay game it will work for is trap singles. If that is all you are shooting, then it will work, although it will have the balance of a pig on a shovel and am trigger to match
 
A 20 gauge with IC or Modified choke would be more useful for most hunting, but if this one is calling to you, get it. Nothing like rambling through the woods with an old single shot to reduce hunting to its basics.
 
my first gun was a h&r topper 88 in 12 g with mod choke chambered in 3 " . the recoil with 3" magnum loads is brutal when only wearing a t-shirt, i know this for a fact. they are simple,light(adding to recoil), and mine always goes bang with no issues. the only issue ive heard of with them is a transfer bar malfunction. maybe just the newer ones ? you can check it by pulling trigger and holding it while lowering the hammer at the same time with your thumb while broke open. look for the firing pin to come out. if it does, your golden! btw ..... i still have it and it looks like new still,not bad for a 30 year old warrior ;) i want and older one in 12 g 3" mag with a full choke for turkey myself
 
The era is worth that and the choke doesnt matter after you lop a foot off the barrel. It is a simple action that just goes boom every time.
 
I am the proud owner of a Wards 12 gauge single shot, for which I paid the handsome sum of $75 or $80- it shoots well and it is a challenge to try and "double" on clay targets with the gun-
 
Everyone needs at least one beater single shot...

I have two 12's and a 20', and they are 'go to' for varmints, or bunnies in the garden...

I don't cry if they get wet or scratched, or if they lay on the ground for a bit while I take care of business...
 
I've got an OLD H&R Topper Model 88 - My first gun I bought - 410 single shot break action - Nothing fancy - just bead on the front, full choke === Best damn squirrel or rabbit gun I had. I sold it to a buddy for his sons, and regretted it. So after a 10yr Hiatis i've got it back. Long story short for that price -GET IT and don't look back.
 
I have both a 12ga full choke and a 20ga w/modded choke.
they are right much single purpose shottys. the 12 mag full is better at range of course, several different uses for it but both it and the 20 go down the river w/me. I've nailed several 'yotes at near 50 yds with 3" #2 turkey shells with the 12ga. beaucoup crows and wild dogs.
I've always got my AR7 w/me also. I'm fond of my break-opens. I know enough about them to say that a practiced shooter w/the 12 would be a formidable foe if being attacked and he is behind cover or protecting a building/home or such.
 
I have 2 old single shots...

First one is an old Stevens 12 ga i bought back in 1958, when I was in high school. It has a full choke and is the best Turkey gun I have. At age 71, it hurts to shoot it , but it does the job. Another one I bought later is a 20 ga Winchester model 37. I like them and use them when I can because of their simplicity. Snoop
 
snooperman said:
First one is an old Stevens 12 ga i bought back in 1958, when I was in high school. It has a full choke and is the best Turkey gun I have. At age 71, it hurts to shoot it , but it does the job. Another one I bought later is a 20 ga Winchester model 37. I like them and use them when I can because of their simplicity. Snoop
Click to expand...
Winchester model 37 in .410 great little shotguns. Kills the Hell out of Rabbit & Squirrel.
 
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