Single shot with iron sights. Caliber recommendation?

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cackalak

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Hi, I'm tossing around the thought of getting a single shot rifle. Not sure why a single shot allures me, but it does. Anyway, I'll be using it to plink and hunt deer/elk/other medium game. I will NOT put a scope on it.

What do you recommend for the caliber? I was thinking 270, 308 or 30-06 originally, but considering the shots will be at 50-100 yds, is this an overkill? Should I get, say a 44 or 357 mag? The ammo cost will be cheaper, which is a plus.

I'm assuming a 44 or 357 will be adequate to take down a deer/elk, pending shot placement. Which, by the way, is the main theme behind the singleshot.

Any thoughts welcome.
 
Just my thoughts here,...I think I'd probably go with the .308,....it'll give you more options for longer distances,...be a better elk round than a .44 even at close ranges,...and will most assuredly take a deer at any reasonable range.

You looking at the H&R Handi-Rifle or other?? Careful with those Handi's,..the barrels are addictive creatures and tend to accumulate over time....(Don't ask me how I know......)
 
I'm not a rifle expert. However, I do have and use several single-shot guns.
IF you are certain that you won't use a scope.
IF you are certain that your range won't exceed 50-100yds.
IF you are going to hunt deer/elk for sure.....

I suggest a .45-70 Handi-rifle.
 
Thank for the suggestions. So 308, 30-30 and 45-70 is what I should be considering? I was looking at Handi, Ruger and Rossi. Ruger is the most expensive (by far) out of the bunch at $1200. (not sure what they sell for in stores, though). Handi and Rossi seem to be around $300-400? Any reliability issues with the Handi or Rossi models? I'll spend the dough for a quality firearm, but is Ruger worth 4 times that of the other guns? (I've got a Ruger revolver, so I do know the quality of Ruger firearms).

EDIT: Just searched for some reviews and seems like everyone likes the HR 45-70 rifles. That has really got me intrigued. Price is right at $250-400. Is the 22" barrel on the standard vs. 32" on the Buffalo Classic make much difference? I do like the looks of the BC better, but I also like the smaller size of the standard model as well.
 
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if i were stuck between the NEF/H&R or the Rossi I would go with the NEF every time;
US made, not imported like Taurus/Braztech owned rossi. (plus Taurus and Braztech dont usually inspire thoughts of awesome quality and CS)
 
Thanks, pikid. I am with you on this. I've been reading issues with the Rossi brands, but none thus far of H&R.
 
What do you recommend for the caliber? I was thinking 270, 308 or 30-06 originally, but considering the shots will be at 50-100 yds, is this an overkill? Should I get, say a 44 or 357 mag? The ammo cost will be cheaper, which is a plus.
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The 30-30 will be perfect for your described use; plenty of power (moreso than most handgun rounds), easy to shoot (not much recoil), and at least 25% less expensive than other high-pressure rounds. It's also got a PBR out to 200 yards or better, which 44 Mag and other big-caliber rounds will struggle to achieve.

if i were stuck between the NEF/H&R or the Rossi I would go with the NEF every time;
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I absolutely concur; the Rossi is not nearly the quality of the H&R/NEF. Having said that, the Ruger and Browning falling blocks are superb pieces but also quite spendy.
 
If you are looking at break action,...and good value for the buck,..you won't go wrong with the H&R/NEF Handi Rifle. A 45/70 barrel would be a great bet as well for the game you are talking at 50-100,..probably even more...(not sure,..as I don't do 45/70),..and I am certain that it would sure as heck put them down. From what I read though,..it do have some respectable recoil,.... in the shorter versions at least.

However,...I do have one in the .308. The recoil is very manageable,..I get decent range options with it,..and great accuracy out to respectable distances,..and it can handle a variety of bullet weights and designs.

I agree with rbernie as well on the 30/30.....it'd surely get it done out to 200,....maybe not as versatile as the .308 would be though.

Each to thems own,....ymmv
 
get everything you can out of NEF/H&R, just send in your action and have another barrel mated to it. I'm with the crowd as far as the big-bore is concerned. Get a 45-70 and a decent aperture sight for it. Then if you believe you need another caliber just get a new barrel.
 
The 45-70 is going to kick the snot out of you, unless you load it down. I don't know that I'd EVER call it a "plinking" round. Now, if you handload, it would be perfect! You can load it down to .45 Colt velocities for target shooting and load it up for elk hunting.

If you are buying ammo, I would agree with Thunder173 and go for the .308. There is surplus ammo on the market that is fairly inexpensive, and like he said, it has a broad hunting application.
 
Ruger No.1 at $1200? I have 3 and none cost me over $600 before shipping and handling. If you're limiting your range to 50-100 yards and open sights then .35 Remington is very acceptable with very manageable recoil and abundant ammo.
 
i'm bias towards the ruger #1. they are 3x the gun of the others mentioned. i like the 45-70 if you handload. if not the the factory bullets will be expensive. also, #1's are probably heavier than the NEF / HR option if that is an issue.
any of the cartiges mentioned would be a good choice with the possible exception of the 357 mag.
 
I am a sucker for any drop block, but the 1885 low wall is my favorite.

Here's my latest, picked up at a shop unfired. Paid too much for it.

lowwall-1.jpg


lowwall-3.jpg
 
one of my favorite single shots, a CD little sharps in 44-40. its light,has a tang sight with double set triggers. eastbank.
 

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If I wanted a dedicated single shot in a 'deer' grade caliber I'd avoid the handi-rifle.. unless you get into the 45-70 Buffalo Rifle. H&R's "Buffalo" rifle is only 8 pounds but has excellent sights. It's HALF the cost of a Ruger at $380.

Ruger's Number 1 Medium Sporter weighs in at 7.25 pounds and has a much shorter sight radius, but is designed to be carried around. Locally you can get one here for just under $850.

Handi rifles are odd critters. We have 3 of them in the safe and they've been smithed on a bunch to be good varminters. The triggers were not very good from the factory and all of them (223 and 243) occasionally 'break open' during recoil when you shoot them off a bench. This is just a quirk with these rifles. No amount of smithing has changed that fact. (I suspect the heavier barrel of the Buffalo gun might solve this quirk.)

In big centerfires like the H&R & the Number 1 the cartridge seats a lot closer to your face than in a bolt gun. For me, that means there's a percepable FEEL of concussion when I pull the trigger. A friend's Ruger No. 1 in .300 Win Mag gave me a headache like no other firearm I've ever shot.

CDNN has Winchester low-walls in 45/70 for $800 right now, one of them has a factory tang sight.

Hope the info helps.
 
A .44 mag out of a rifle barrel should be good enough at the range you specified. As to the rifle, I can't suggest one based on experience. My .4x calibre shooting is satisfied by my Marlin 1895 guide gun in 45/70 or borrowing uncles Browning Highwall in same calibre. I shoot cast.

Clutch
 
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