Single shot?

[crazyivan]

I have been wondering why would you chose a single shot rifle?
Are they more accurate than other action types?
Is it just because its different?
Or just for people new to rifles?
I see savage sell a single shot for varmites.

 

[brandon_mcg]

reliability and safety come to mind. Less moving parts decreases the chance that something may go wrong. this goes along with ease of maintenance as well

 

[Rollis R. Karvellis]

With a bolt action, some people fill that the sold bottom adds rigidity to the action.

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

More strength, added reliability, and honestly, if you think about it, you are more apt to make a better shot on game with a single shot since you know it will more than likely be the only shot you will have. I have a few of them and every one of them are pretty much tack driving machines. A well made single shot is, by nature of its design, going to be more accurate. No bolt to have to worry about. Basically just a barrel and action. Eliminate as many moving parts from the action and you get added reliability.

 

[tunnug]

The reason I started collecting single shots was to allow friends/relatives that didn't have guns to come along on hunts with them as loaners, since they don't own a hunting rifle it gives them a chance to hunt and gives me peace of mind in that they can be safer with a single shot that would have to be cocked with the hammer when ready to shoot.
Once my collection started to grow I saw how much fun it is to have different calibers without breaking the bank, I now have them in .243, .270, .308, 25.06, 30.06.

 

[justgoto]

When I was looking at new rifles I considered a few single shots because they were so cheap... I usually only take one shot a day so a single shot would serve me well.

 

[HOOfan_1]

Single shot bolt = rigid action
Single shot Rossi or H&R or T/C = affordable and or flexible (changing calibers very easy)
Single shot Ruger No. 1/ Winchester 1885/ Browning B78 = BEAUTIFUL

 

[Hardtarget]

My best reason for my single shots is training and starting my grandchildren in shooting. Safety and control is paramount. They'll grow into the levers and semis soon enough.

Truthfully, I like single shots for just standing there plinking and talking. I have three single shots now. Great way to dig through a brick of .22s!

Mark

 

[Bud Tugly]

One huge advantage to break-open guns is safety. When you're standing around in a group or walking in the field just to get somewhere the sight of the broken open gun is positive proof that it's in "safe" mode. That's especially important for young excitable hunters but also useful for those more experienced.

In most hunting situations you're unlikely to get a good clear second shot, anyway, and knowing you've only got one teaches discipline in shot selection and placement. Another plus is that they're usually a bit cheaper than a repeating gun, but not always.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I think of a single-shot rifle, for hunting, the same way I think of a twin-lens reflex camera . Something that takes some skill to use for someone who has learned how to use it and who is willing to take the time to do it right. Someone willing to pass up a shot for the perfect shot.

For paper punching, the single-shot is a more dedicated platform...plus if you are developing loads for accuracy, you'll be waiting a minute between shots anyway.

The other thing I liken the single-shot rifle to is smoking a pipe. There is the enjoyment of the ritual

 

[DNS]

Its about as primitive as a modern centerfire cartridge shooting can get I suppose.

I've no desire to go black powder or bow hunt but I really like singles.
Just wish I'd found out how much I love 'em sooner.

Hmm, maybe we need a pole to see if its an age thing?

 

[JohnD13]

Single shots in a hunting situation make you take more care about the shot you take. They won't make you a better hunter, or a better shot, but they will make you think before you squeeze the trigger. I like them and use them in cartridge guns and balckpowder guns too. It's a challenge that makes my hunting more enjoyable.

 

[loadedround]

I collect and shoot Ruger #!'s and have done so since I was able to afford them. I just admire the classic looks of these rifles in the same way a collector may look at a vintage Model 70 or a Model 12 shotgun. A single shot rifle will make you a birtter shooter, since you normally will pass up a marginal shot for a clean one. Single shots are accurate, but not more so than a good bolt action.

 

[cleardiddion]

I'm rather fond of single shots because they are reliable, force accuracy from the shooter, and are easy to stow/carry.

 

[NCsmitty]

Single shots in a hunting situation make you take more care about the shot you take.

I have used and taken deer with my Contender single shot and have never felt under gunned at anytime. Becoming proficient with a single shot at different ranges will enhance your confidence at crunch time.
I do believe that hunting with a single shot does make you a better hunter, and puts the game at a disadvantage because of your skill level.



NCsmitty

 

[Armored farmer]

Simplicity. H&R Handirifle/Ultra-lite slug gun
1) ease of load/unload
2) short oal
3) rugged reliable action.
4) exposed hammer for safety
5) economically priced

 

[Coyote3855]

^This^ My .17 HMR H&R Sportster is very accurate, cost less than $100 used, is short and easy to manipulate inside my truck, and has accounted for hundreds of ground squirrels on my property.

 

[GunTech]

Nostalgia. And the mystique of one shot at a time.

 

[JFrame]

While not exactly a "rifle," my TC Contender pistol with 14" SS .22LR match barrel kind'a shoots like one...

Anyway, what all the others have said -- reliability, safety, ease of maintenance, short OAL, etc.

I spent some time at the range sighting in a new scope for the Contender, and economy of shooting skyrocketed to the top of my list. After what seemed like an eternity of pleasurable shooting, I looked down at my table and saw that I had expended maybe 50 shots -- tops.

I am really getting into this single-shot thing -- I'm already thinking I need .22 WMR and .223 barrels for that Contender...

.

 

[CraigC]

Because for some folks, how they do something is just as important as what they do.

 

[LeverGunJunkie]

+1 for kbbailey's reasons. That's why I bought my NEF .223.

 

[Armored farmer]

One huge advantage to break-open guns is safety. When you're standing around in a group or walking in the field just to get somewhere the sight of the broken open gun is positive proof that it's in "safe" mode. That's especially important for young excitable hunters but also useful for those more experienced

^^this too^^
It's pretty nice to pop open to check/clear if the barrel has been stuck in the mud.

 

[S. Hill]

I think that the answer will vary more depending on the TYPE of single shot you are talking about. (I know that these are sweeping generalities.)

Bolt action single shot - usually selected for higher accuracy potential. (benchrest rifles, et al)

Break-open - usually selected for economics and safety with an added bonus of barrel interchangeability.

Falling / rolling block - usually selected by a sportsman who loves the "artistry" of firearms and hunting. It is kind of like fly fishing with a split bamboo fly rod. BTW, these are not less complicated than other types of actions.

Each is willing to trade a fast 2nd shot for the benefit stated above.

 

[roklok]

I like my Ruger #1 for two main reasons, the beauty of the rifle, and the fact that it is significantly shorter than a repeater of the same barrel length. This is an advantage when hunting in thick cover.

 

[browningguy]

I hunt with an 1885 Browning in 45-70 on occassion. I like the look of single shot rifles such as the 1885, and also the Ruger No. 1. They don't make me any more accrurate than shooting a bolt gun or semi auto though, I think we need to get mythbusters on that old story.

As mentioned, in bolt guns the reason is to have a solid bottom receiver for more rigidity, and hopefully shave a few 100th's of an inch off a group. Which is no small thing to the bench rest crowd where you are chasing every bit of accuracy you can get.