Single shot?

[Rexster]

HOOfan_1 summed it up very well, regarding the three main types of single-shots.

I also like the responses of 9mmepiphany, CraigC, S. Hill, and roklok.

My favorite rifles, of the ones I own, are my two Ruger No. 1 single-shots. One is .375 H&H, the other .45-70. There is another at a nearby dealer beckoning me to do some trading to get a layaway started, in order to get a somewhat late Christmas present for myself. I dream of buffalo hunting one day with them, and no, I am not kidding. (If going to Africa, I would also bring the .375 turnbolt rifle.) A Ruger No. 1 is not only elegant, but handles like a fine shotgun, except perhaps for the heavy-barreled varmint version.

For the sake of familiarity, I am even thinking about building a "tactical" rifle around a No. 1! I have already acquired a pre-owned take-off gray laminated wood stock set, from a No. 1, that coupled with a matte-refinished rifle chambered for a flat-shooting cartridge, and a rugged optic, could be all the long-range "social engagement" rifle I will ever need. (I have .223/5.56 AR/Mini carbines for close-up fighting.)

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

Browningguy, I was not saying that one would be more accurate with a single shot as much as I meant one would tend to make a better shot choice. If you have it in your mind that you will only get one shot, you would tend to make the best choice in shots that you could. And most single shot actions are indeed inherently more accurate by design. Granted maybe not much with todays technology and CNC but anytime you eliminate a moving part with solid action you increase efficiency of the workload. Simple physics there.

 

[XxWINxX94]

Why Single-Shots?

Because I only need 1 shot......

On a serious note, I believe they are simple, straightforward, and reliable, which are all key concepts in the design of a gun.

IMO, they look pretty cool too!

 

[sappyg]

heavy as they are (relative to a repeater/ bolt gun of the same length) i just plain like them.... insert ruger #1 here.
i like the compactness. it matters to me. they are no more accurate than a bolt gun IMO. i would more likely pass up 1/2 the shots i have taken on game were i carrying a single shot but that is more a matter of where and how i like to hunt.
last time i went hunting i only carried one bullet with me. it wasn't because i was more confident in me or the rifle. i just didn't need more if that makes sense.

 

[Jonny V]

the kind of person who would go out hunting with a single shot is much different that someone who feels they "need" follow up shots. The single shot rifleman is much more likely to be extremely careful about his shot placement, and may pass up shots that would cause those armed with repeaters to open up (repeatedly).

Going with a single shot is (in fact) a bit like fly fishing (as outlined above). It takes commitment. It's not a "kill at all costs" thing, it's much more about the control, timing, and artistry. Anyone comfortable enough to go with a single shot, is more than likely, and expert rifleman. People who worry about 'follow-up shots' generally are not.

 

[T.R.]

This is a Savage model 219 from the JFK era of early 1960's. It's hammerless design makes for a real beauty in my eyes. Balance is superb!!

The 26 inch barrel seems much shorter due to the short action. Chambered for 30-30 PO Ackley Improved, this rifle delivers ballistics that equal 300 Savage.

30-30 is a KEEPER!

But I wish Savage would re-introduce this beauty of a rifle rifle in 338 Marlin Express!

TR

 

[joshk-k]

I have an H&R with barrels in 20 gauge both rifled and smooth and also in .30-30. It would cost be approximately $100 to get another barrel, in almost any caliber I wanted. That's like having a whole new rifle for a hundred bucks. Awesome. Simplicity cannot be understand either. They are so straightforward. I feel confident that I could hand that gun, set up with a 20 gauge barrel on it, to almost anyone and they'd be able to shoot it with negligible instruction.

JOsh

 

[bigalexe]

Single-Shot (bolt-action) forces me to slow down and go through proper mechanics. Makes me a better shot.

Semi-Auto leads to magazine dumps, reinforces bad habits.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I really don't know why I like em. I just do I guess.
I only have one at the moment, a Handi Rifle in .280 Rem, but I would LOVE to have a Ruger #1 and will when finances allow. Not sure what caliber to get, but it's on my list. Saw one in .243 the other day for $600 and it looked brand new. Would have bought it had the funds allowed. I think they're awesome.

 

[peptoe]

My Handie rifle in 45-70 is nice and lite, it carries and balances perfectly in my hands especially in that thick stuff. I hunt in the Oregon coastal range, so shot's are very close in. It's also a cheap rifle that I don't have to worry about getting scratched or a bit rusty from the rainforest.

 

[FLNT4EVR]

Single shot rifles are fun.They are solid,easy to carry all day in the woods,accuracy is well within whats needed for hunting,and they are very simple to maintain and operate. When you use one you tend to be more patient and wait for your best shot.If needed, anyone who is familiar with their rifle can get off a follow up shot a lot quicker than one might think.Anyway,I like mine and will continue to use them.

 

[rbernie]

Single shot rifles usually carry better when walking afield and, due to their ergonomics, are often faster to shoulder and faster on target than other designs.

I have conducted timed exercises with a number of my rifles, testing to see which rifle gets me a killing shot offhand at a 50yr stationary target within the least time. The Ruger #1 rules the roost; it simply shoulders and 'points' better than my other rifles, and as a result I can get serious lead into a 6" circle at 50 yards faster using it than any other rifle of mine.

 

[red1973]

Reliable. Safe. Less expensive (some are). A little lighter. Nostalgia. Reminds me of my first gun. Challenging--makes you make the first, one shot count.

 

[tubeshooter]

I have one single shot - a Savage 24 in .22/.410 made back around '69 or '70. It's my only inherited gun.

I don't know why it's as fun as it is. More fun than it should be "on paper". Maybe it's the act of loading every single round...


I also appreciate the simplicity and safety.

 

[goon]

My brother just picked up a Baikal single shot in 7.62x39mm. I can't really argue that it has any more utility than a repeater, but there is something about it that is very cool. I can understand why he bought it and I think it will make a good deer rifle.

And my favorite kind of shotgun for hunting is a single shot.

 

[Dr T]

On Number 1's: I echo Roklok's sentiments with tow additions: Strength and Pointability.

My handload for my No. 1 RSI 30-06 is hot: 2650 fps from a 20 inch barrel with a Hornady 180 gr. Interlock in front of H380. I would be very wary of using my load in a bolt gun (or my T/C Encore 30-06), but in the No. 1 it shows no sign of excessive pressure.

The RSI is only about a yard long and points like a good bird gun. It is a wonderful gun for hunting the brush and senderos of our ranch in West Texas.

 

[StretchNM]

Strength, function, and classic appearance.

 

[BP Hunter]

I used to hunt with a Thomspon Center Encore in .270 winchester. I loved the weapon and have harvested a good number with it. Though I can reload quite fast with it, I just enjoy the extra "work" in making sure of my shots.

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

my single shots are Ruger No.1s because they are such a beautiful firearm. they defini tely are not loaners, if I did have a single shot loaner it was an NEF in .22-250 but it was innaccurate and had a tendency to break open when I shot..got rid of it. my next Ruger #1 will be in .308. my most accurate #1 is the .22-250 varmint rifle, so easy to put a round thru a hogs ear at 300 yards....

 

[robertbartsc]

I don't hunt in areas that allow a hunter to take more than one shot very often. ...basically, you miss and the game is gone.

 

[Bill B.]

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.

I feel the same way even though I own only one of the Ruger No. 1's in 30-06. To me its a timeless classic and one of the finest rifles made. I was honestly shocked at the accuracy of my Ruger No. 1 as it shoots under MOA which is another big plus.

 

[ColeK]

Question #1. I have been wondering why would you chose a single shot rifle?
Answer: Because I like SS rifles.

Question #2. Are they more accurate than other action types?
Answer: No not really but they can be.

Question #3. Is it just because its different?
Answer: That is part of it.

Question #4. Or just for people new to rifles?
Answer: SS's are great training rifles.

IMO people that use SSRs are very delibert people and are very sure of their ability to make one shot kills.

My youngest son once asked me why I had gone to using SSRs.
I asked him how many times in the 20 years that he had been hunting deer with me had I needed more than one shot to kill a deer.
He thought about it a few seconds then said three.
I said no, it was five.
Out of now many?
About 90.
Why do I need a repeater?