Single Shot/ Bolt action

[bratch]

I'm wanting to pick up a varmint (.243/25-06) gun for fun. I have been looking at the HR rifles having heard good stuff and having a .410 I've been happy with. But a bolt action repeater (Savage/Rem/WIn) also calls to me. The price of the HR is very attractive but a decent bolt action can be had for a bill or so higher. So I come seeking opinions. What are your experiences and thoughts?

I plan on getting a bolt action 308 to add to my collection soon.

 

[Art Eatman]

Generalizing and realizing most of my varmint hunting has been for coyotes: If you miss the first shot, forget the second. You're talking a small, 30mph going-away blur. Prairie dogs are a different matter; if you miss, they hide--but come back out soon.

Seems to me a single shot would work as well as a repeater, for all that I've always been a bolt-action guy.

Art

 

[OH25shooter]

I'm waiting as well. Spotted an ad for the "new" single shot Savage Varmint model 40 in 223. Haven't heard or read of anyone handling the new rifle. I think a single shot would be a bit more challenging...got to make the first shot count. I did handle a Ruger #1 and thought it was a little too heavy to lug around a field all day.

 

[cdbeaver]

I have two single-shot varmint rifles. Like Art said, there isn't much opportunity for a second shot if you miss with the first. If prairie dog shooting is your thing, you don't need a repeater, anyway. One miss and the target is down the hole.

The bolt action is very likely inherently more accurate than the falling block (Ruger No. 1) or break-open (H&R Handi) types, but not necessarily by much.

Sorta like horse racing. Put your money on the one you like best.

 

[nipprdog]

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