1. And the man or woman who hunts with one is confident and likely competent. 1. Field & Stream may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. Here’s the average shot groups with different types of bullets (shot from 100 yards): While shot group is one thing, the accuracy out in the field has been positive. A Bonnier Corporation Company. Single-shot rifles are great for all purposes, from hunting to home defense, as long as you have the right gear. Single Shot Rifles We have a wide variety of single shot rifles for sale in many calibers and designs. The ambidextrous Swing Hammer is even better. The trigger shoe is also curved and has a solid placement. Here’s all you need to know before making your purchase. The top lever makes a clean-breaking action that pops the spent casing up to a convenient level for the shooter to manually remove. After selling it I was told that I should have removed the forend and relieved the pressure around the barrel by simply removing some of the wood and that would have solve the problem. Yet, even this can be changed if you don’t want rounds flying all over the place. It’s a toggle that slides forwards and backwards behind the receiver and catches well with or without gloves. Custer's troops were equipped with these breech loading, single-shot rifles at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. A gun you can sling over your shoulder and head out into the woods with. Single shots often look good, feel good and, if properly built, handle beautifully. However, if you go with a larger caliber 45-70 Government, the soft pad will hardly make any difference. Which leads us to the final question…. While the Single Shot Rifle is simple and safe, Henry could have done better with the trigger. If you’re looking for the best single shot rifle for the money, I recommend getting the Henry Single Shot. Ruger No. Ruger No. The perfect gun to take with you under the rear seat of the truck for an impromptu shot at... CVA Hunter Compact Single-Shot Shotgun. Absolutely beautiful gun with incredible tiger striped walnut as opposed to Ruger’s straight grained boat paddle. HOLLAND & HOLLAND - RUGER #1 ACTION SINGLE SHOT SPORTING RIFLE 500-465. 1H. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. 1 isn’t cheap — MSRP coming around at $1,900. I sold it after I got frustrated with trying to get it to shoot. Stripers Forever Calls for 10-Year Ban on Harvesting Striped Bass, 6 Things Salt Water Fly Anglers Can Learn from Plug Fishermen, The 6 Best .30/30 Winchester Hunting Loads, Best Day Pack for Camping, Hiking, and Hunting, 5 Great Lures to Catch More Prespawn Bass. Then the Thompson Center Encore Pro is for you. And since this rifle is reliable on ejecting a spent round – thanks to a massive ejector spring – you won’t have to worry about adding on an extra couple of seconds removing the round. When shooting this weapon, I’ve found the Single Shot to be smooth in practically every way from the action to the feel. It was one of the worst shooting rifles I ever owned. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. They looked so cool and I just had to have one. I hope you enjoyed my best single shot rifle guide. 1. Unfortunately, there aren’t many mid-priced, single-shot rifles out there for someone willing to pick up the one-round challenge and who wants a gun that can be passed on to future generations. So chambered, these rifles shot faster and farther, and with the cartridge's 40-grain roundnose bullet they hit harder than any of the previous versions. Best Deer Rifles. Sometimes, beauty and elegance. To reload, simply take out the spent shell, insert another round, snap the single hinge pin action back in place, and cock the hammer. The metal components of the Single Shot have a matte-blued finish while the brass pieces are actually composed of sturdier-than-actual-brass Brasslite. AT THE TIME THIS WAS BUILT IT WAS THE ONLY RIFLE HOLLAND HAD BUILT ON THIS ACTION. A shotgun for waterfowl or a military weapon that will take out the target with minimal aiming necessary. The recoil is a bit heavy. As the name implies, the Henry Single Shot rifle takes only one cartridge. Single-shot rifles and shotguns seem to fall into two categories these days. Extremely competent. .45 Caliber Air Rifles, AirForce Texan LLC PCP Air Rifles, Ambidextrous Air Rifles, Animals 131 to 200lbs Hunting Air Rifles, Single Shot PCP Air Rifles, Sniper Air Rifles 505 date3/24/21 Top to bottom: Pedersoli rolling block replica, Traditions Vortek, Traditions Outfitter, Ruger No. In fact, some have described it as ‘soul-crushing’. Being too small and dull, it’s best to get something that is larger and brighter if you are going to be hunting well into dusk or in the dark. While the hammer spur is sturdy, it is a little thin which can make for a sore thumb over time. For those of us who hunt whitetails, wild hogs and black bears where the range is short, the Henry Single Shot in .350 Legend is an excellent choice. A much less punishing recoil for the shooter. The barrel on this beauty measures 28 inches long. Contents. The recoil is light, the report is mild, and ammunition costs … Looking for a hunting rifle? I like that they included a generous fiber optic iron sight. The Ruger No. A single shot is to rifles what a fly rod is to a trotline. If you’re the kind of hunter who only needs one good shot, these are the guns for you. Shooting and discussing four classic single shot rifles. Henry Single Shot Rifle: Best Single Shot Rifle for the Money, 2. At 100 yards, I scored about 1” groupings. Neither promotes great accuracy. If you’re looking for a highly versatile rifle that is reliable and accurate, the Thompson Center Encore Pro Rifle is for you. With traditional iron sights, a dove-tailed brass-bead on the front and adjustable folding U-notch at the rear, the Henry Single Shot is ready to go out of the box. One rifle I am surprised you didn’t mention was the Browning 1885 low wall. Mine came at about 7 pounds. Out of Stock. The 28-inch fluted stainless barrel gives each bullet the range and velocity I need to hit my target before it gets away. It’s shorter than the average rifle, allowing me to carry it upright through trees. So even if you hunt in the harshest climates or weather conditions, this gun will remain rust-free. At one end of the single-shot spectrum, you have the “budget” guns that are certainly functional, but utilitarian in appearance. The Ruger No. Hunting with Single Shot Rifles By Randy D. Smith. Due to this, they don’t deliver the stopping power that is necessary for self-defense on long … Pedersoli 1874 Sharps Long Range Single Shot Rifle .45-70 Govt 34 Barrel 1 Round Case Hardened Receiver Walnut Stock Blued S.788-457 Springfield Trapdoor Rifle with breech open. ROSSI SINGLE-SHOT ROSSI SINGLE-SHOT: Gauge/Caliber: 12, .410 (3”, 3 1/2” chamber)/.22-250 to .44 Mag; Barrel: 22”, 23”, 24”; Weight: 6.25-7 lbs; Stocks: Synthetic, wood, laminate ; Sights: Bead front (shotgun), adjustable rear (rifle); Features: Break action; Finish: Blued; Capacity: Single-shot; MSRP: $117-305 ENGRAVED STEEL TRAP DOOR GRIP CAP. As for their craftsmanship and quality they were as solid as they back in the 80’S when they used a tang safety. The stock also features two additional recoil absorbing innovations: A Limbsaver recoil buttpad which cushions the shoulder and a comb of the FlexTech® material to lessen the felt recoil on the cheek. But again, everyone feels recoil differently. And with that, it’s easy to lift and hold in a prone, sitting, kneeling or standing position comfortably. This makes hunting on a horse easier since it is flat and won’t have the chance to get caught up in something. 1. Another great feature is there is no bolt handle protruding from the side. Made from gorgeous oil-finished walnut, the stock is sturdy and made to last. It doesn’t give quite as good of groupings as something like the best 300 AAC Blackout rifles but still provides consistently good groups. This rifle is an ultra reliable, classy-looking piece of American-sourced and made material. 1, not only a great action but also a gorgeous rifle. Single Shot Shotguns or Rifles. One feature of the Single Shot line is that the action must be closed to cock the extended rebound hammer. It retails for around $800. Most of the time, game is taken with the first shot and that is the end of it. Henry made this weapon to last using as few moving parts as possible and adding on a lifetime guarantee for the purchaser. This two shot weapon is the ultimate game getter, and the bottom 410 barrel is a bit more potent than the top rimfire barrel. People seem to lean away from single due to the fact that they want the advantage of a follow-up shot but my experience is that you’re percentages decrease way more on the follow-up shot no matter what gun you are shooting so, just make the first one count! But that’s not all. If you are looking for a rifle to complement your Linebaugh single action revolver or Ruger Bisley single action revolver, then the Ruger No.1 in .475 Linebaugh/480 Ruger is your rifle. For those long treks through thick, brushy country, the barrel is shorter. Pages in category "Single-shot rifles" The following 28 pages are in this category, out of 28 total. Out of Stock. It has a strong hardened brass receiver that can be finished in either brass or black steel and is capable of handling larger magnum rounds. You can’t interchange the barrels. I purchased one in a 7mm mag. The Henry Wisconsin Single Shot Shotgun is a medium weight, solid, single-shot rifle. In fact, I tested everything, including: accuracy, handling, ergonomics and so much more. All I have to do is remove two screws and a pin, and I can transform this gun from a muzzleloader to a shotgun or even a centerfire rifle. I hope that eventually an adult sized .22 LR makes it into the mix of their new single shot rifle line. The 9 Best Single-Shot Rifles and Shotguns for Any Budget 1. For those states that require straight-walled cases for deer hunting with a rifle, the .350 Legend is a very good option for shorter ranges, especially if you want to hunt with a single-shot rifle. The Henry Single Shot is one of the best break-open rifles around. The Ruger No. A single shot rifle is not as limiting a factor as many hunters might think. For the most part I have stayed with bolt action rifles all my life, with the exception of one lever action , two single shot high wall rifle designs, and one lone autoloader. Here’s why the Ruger No.1 is the number 1…. I’ve exhaustively tested ALL the best single shot rifles on the market. Why’s it cheaper? 1 has a crisp and light trigger. I’d recommend the Riton RT-S Mod 5 3-9x40mm. I don’t like how the trigger break is around 6.5 pounds. Lever Rifles, Single Shot Rifles. Finally, the most popular variant of all, the .22 Long Rifle, made its appearance in 1887- thanks to the J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company, which began to chamber a number of single-shot rifles for this cartridge. Most single shot shotguns and rifles are designed with chambers for .22 LR cartridges or 20-gauge shells for shotguns. a softer shooting experience. Keep in mind that the rifle features Weather Shield coating. But sometimes you want an old-timey break-open piece of solid wood and steel in your hands that can challenge you and cause you to be careful and deliberate when making the shot. Without any additional sighting assistance, this rifle averages grouping under 1.3 inches. CZ Redhead Premier Review: Best Budget Over/Under Shotgun? Which means your gun is 50x more corrosion resistant than plain stainless steel. “You tend to make that first shot count,” says Glenn Soroka, the New Zealander who makes the rare, expensive and gorgeous Soroka falling-block, single-shot rifle… Set Descending Direction . Best of all, the gun comes with one 410 barrel and a rifle barrel in either .22 LR or .22 Magnum. HENRY Single Shot Rifle Steel - H015-450 $504.99.450 BUSHMASTER SINGLE SHOT 1 22" BARREL NOT SPECIFIED LBS. The original long range hunting rifles from the 1800's had to be accurate, powerful, and easily maintainable-- the best design to accomplish these goals was the single shot rifle. 26" BARREL WITH 1/4 RIB 1 STANDING 1 FOLDING FLIP UP NITE SIGHT. Depending on the caliber you choose, this gun could kick a little or a lot. All you’d have to do is make an adjustment on the ejector spring, and your cartridges will be captured at the safety bar, and not fly out. Springfield Trapdoor .45-70, 22" Barrel $1,683.66. If you’re looking for something a little easier on your wallet, the muzzleloader FX version of the rifle retails for around $649. Out of Stock. 2. 1. All of these are proven picks that are reliable and accurate. First are what I think of as "premium grade" single-shots. Almost no creep which means a more precise and accurate shot. Thompson Center Encore Pro: Best Single Shot Rifle for Deer Hunting, Henry Single Shot Rifle: Best Single Shot Rifle for the Money, Thompson Center Encore Pro: Best Single Shot Rifle for Deer Hunting. The plus side though? Just make sure to purchase Henry’s additional hammer extension. 52 Items . By the end of this guide, you’ll find the perfect single-shot for you. .338 Lapua vs. 6.5 Creedmoor: What’s The Difference? The rimfire top shot makes it easy to touch a target at a distance and gives you a precise option for medium range shooting. Single-stroke air rifles function when the user consistently pumps the rifle before every shot. Most models come with a comfortable pistol grip, but the .44 Rem Mag and the .45-70 can be customized with a straight grip. Sharps Small Betsy Rifle … If you’re pressed on time, here’s a quick list of the best single-shot rifles: Sometimes you want a gun that you can “spray and pray.”. The stock is comfortable and reaching the safety is easy. But, Hornady seems to be the most accurate round for the Ruger No. All in all, the Ruger’s accuracy really depends on the round you choose as well as patience and trial and error. Meaning you typically won’t hit anything overhead. The 4 Best .300 AAC Blackout Rifles [2020 Update], Ultra-reliable (Simple design, high quality craftsmanship), Enjoys a reliable, light and well-handled rifle, Looking for accuracy while hunting big or small game. If you’re a beginning hunter looking to get into the game, you can’t go wrong with the Henry Single Shot. With extra features to reduce felt recoil, I can rely on this gun to give me (and my shoulder!) 1 is a solid rifle that won’t let you down. Today there are quite a few single-shot rifles, but it seems to me they fall into four categories — five if you count bench-rest-type bolt actions that are solid where the magazine would be, but we're not going to include those here. Ruger’s robust falling block is stout enough to handle heavy recoiling rounds such as .375 H&H Magnum, . The rifle is available in more than 20 different centerfire cartridges, a plus for a hunter (like myself) who hunts different game in different seasons. 1 Winchester Model 70 30-06. Rounds go in smooth and nothing gets stuck. Overall, the Ruger No. Easier access to the hammer equates to a quicker shot for the hunter. It debuted in late 2017, and offers a challenge: One shot to hit your target. In my mind, this starts with the Ruger No. Fisherman Catches New Record Brown Trout with a 32-Plus-Pounder! I also owned one of them in a 260 Rem. Weighing in at about 7-8 lbs, this rifle is light enough to carry around while still remaining sturdy and reliable. Debating the Thompson Center Encore Pro Rifle? Single-shot firearms are firearms that hold only a single round of ammunition, and must be reloaded after each shot.The history of firearms began with single-shot designs, and many centuries passed before multi-shot repeater designs became commonplace. Just remember that certain rounds tend to group together better (see above paragraph on accuracy). All rights reserved. The thoughtful craftmanship of this rifle is what you would expect to see in a higher-end single shot. Yes, it is a single shot rifle, but the old saying, “One shot, one kill.” is very possible with the Ruger No. This is not a comprehensive exploration of all the single shot rifles ever made. Despite a factory-specified pull weight of 5-6 pounds, the trigger in my test rifle required 9 pounds of pressure. These are our recommendations for the best single shot shotguns: Browning BT-99 Micro; ATI - NOMAD SINGLE SHOT SYNTHETIC STOCK; Rossi Single Shot Tuffy .410ga 26" CVA Scout V2, Single Shot, .45-70 Government, 25" Fluted Stainless Barrel,Konus 3-9x40 Scope,1 Round Item currently sold out 4.7 out of 5 star rating (3 reviews ) The overall length of the rifle is 42.5”. While it is supposed to come factory set somewhere between 5 and 6 pounds, most users said their rifle came out closer to a whopping 9 pounds of pull weight. Somewhere between a fully modern and classic aesthetic, the Targis Hunter rifle features a single shot break action mechanism. Best Single Shot Shotguns Rossi Single Shot Shotgun. If I throw on a quality optic, I’m sure I can go up to 300 yards with solid accuracy. Just pick one based on your need and budget, and take it out for a spin. It doesn’t matter if you shoot with your left hand or right hand — you’ll be able to easily handle the rifle as it’s made for both sides. You can get a great 7.62×39 rifle for less, but this is very affordable if you’re just looking for a single shot. 1. Lewis and Clark had their military flintlocks, the mountain men had their percussion Hawkens, and the buffalo hunters had their cartridge-firing Sharps. Depending on your choice of model, you can expect to pay anywhere between $379.99 and $519.99 for the Henry Single Shot. The centerfire single-shot rifle has an extensive history among hunters looking for a dependable and accurate game-getter, without having to spend more than necessary for good quality and basic function, and for 2017 we’re introducing our brand new line of break-action one-shooters to carry on that history. Years ago my dream rifle was a No. Gun makers like Savage and Ruger offer entry level and high end target rifles, while Henry Repeating Arms offers an affordable .308 lever action rifle, and a nice single shot. The Best Heated Jacket For Fishing, Hunting, and Working in Extreme Cold. The shock-absorbing chevrons of synthetic material on the stock flex upon firing. If the shot is missed or the hit is marginal, however, it takes valuable moments to reload and attempt a backup shot… At one time Ruger had some of the most beautiful furniture found on their guns but nowadays it’s just plain and boring. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Though the chrome-moly steel barrel is drilled for a scope add-on, I’ve found a scope unnecessary and even annoying as the scope tends to interfere with the firing mechanism. The Thompson Center Encore Pro Rifle is extremely accurate. Ruger’s robust falling block is stout enough to handle heavy recoiling rounds such as .375 H&H Magnum, . The fore-end and buttstock are nicely checkered for a firm hold. Even better is the Quick Load Accurizer and its decreased rifling at the tip of the muzzle. What about deer hunting? What I don’t like is that you’ll have to take the scope off to be able to use them. It’s a good mid-priced rifle, fitting right between the cheaper budget-oriented options and the pricey classic replicas. You won’t regret it. If that sounds good to you, give it a try: The Ruger No. Photo by Randy D. Smith. Let me know by leaving a quick comment down below. I may earn a small part of the sale from links to any products or services on this site. The Thompson Center Encore Pro is a top-rated rifle that boasts accuracy, reliability, and versatility. 2. In the latter case, the Henry Single Shot rifle is what you’re looking for. This list may not reflect recent changes . This gun is one of the most affordable single shots out there that gives you a whole lot more than you pay for. The Henry Single Shot is one of the best break-open rifles around. 2. The trigger of the Henry Single Shot is probably the greatest flaw in the design of this gun. It features a Quick Load Accurizer which aligns the projectile with the barrel’s rifling. This is the number one cause of decreased accuracy. This system guarantees greater consistency in terms of accuracy, which makes rifles that use it a great choice for target shooting. 1 requires no magazine and can take a variety of rounds. Or if you simply want the best overall single-shot, then get the Ruger No. Rolling Block John Bodine .45-70, 30" Octagonal Barrel $2,096.51. The rifle weighs only 7-8 pounds, so it’s a great piece to carry all day. With a 22-inch barrel plus a length of pull around 14 inches, the overall length of the gun ends up being about 37.5 inches in total. I am really glad to hear they finally put a reasonable trigger in their rifles! The only caveat that I’ve experienced was the front sight. This translates into what I found to be an easy loading and reloading experience. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, you might want to try a 30-06 rifle like the Winchester Model 70 Featherweight. If you do want a scope, make sure to use one that fits a Weaver 82 type base. (Of course, you still need to clean your gun after each use. The Single Shot does include swivel sling mounts which make for a convenient way to carry the 7.1-pound rifle. That’s a little high for a hunting rifle. As such my first choice in a deer rifle has to be the Winchester Model 70 Featherweight, chambered in 30-06 Springfield. The single-shot rifle was an important part of the history of the American frontier, from the time of Lewis and Clark through the epoch of the mountain men, to the post-Civil War buffalo hunters. 22,500.00. Henry Wisconsin Single Shot: Best for Hunting. The Ruger No. 1 varies with the bullet. The dual-directional top lever is easy to work and convenient for both right and left-handed shooters. However, the extra movement, noise, and time that they require make them a less suitable choice for hunting. In my opinion, you get much more than you pay for with this little rifle and it makes a great first gun or classy addition to the experienced marksman’s collection. The synthetic stock is stylish and functional. A gun that takes you back to another age where man and mountain are one, giving and taking in equity. NEAR NEW CONDITION. Uberti 1874 Sharps. I love how the barrels are interchangeable. Colt and other manufacturers are flooding the market with AR style .308’s that continue to be sold at ever lower and lower price points, while venerable old favorites like M-14 style .308’s are also still made. Big game hunting with this rifle consistently proves that it is accurate, as you won’t have many wounded or lost animals to deal with. You no longer have to worry about a scope restricting access to the hammer since the hammer can be positioned in three different ways to accommodate any hunter’s shooting style or dexterity. SBFG 19026. It breaks cleanly at 3 pounds with no pull or creep. Is the 6.5 Creedmoor The New King of Cartridges? The accuracy of the Ruger No. X-Caliber Rifle $929.00. The stock of this rifle boasts FlexTech recoil reduction technology. 1 loads quickly and smoothly. While this gun will take down the animal, it isn’t as accurate as it could be due to a heavy-weight trigger (which I’ll cover more down below). Copyright © 2021 Field & Stream. Low Pressure and Prime Conditions Make 2021 The Best Year to Book a Bucket-List Fishing Trip, Hang the Perfect Treestand Now for Big Bucks Later, Fisherman Catches New Record Smallmouth Bass, 10 of the Biggest Whitetail Shed Antlers Ever Found, Including Three World Record-Size Deer. This versatility makes it perfect for those who hunt year-round or who hunt in multiple states with differing firearms restrictions. Just don’t forget to check up on that front sight. If you go with a lighter 30-30 cartridge, the rubber recoil pad will be more than enough. No matter the condition — whether it’s blazing hot or freezing cold — the rifle will still be standing and ready to go. The 9 Best Single-Shot Rifles and Shotguns for Any Budget 1. I’ve shot over 500 rounds and hiked dozens of miles, and still haven’t run into any issues with it. Add to Cart. A second sample rifle had an average trigger pull weight of 6.75 pounds. Cartridge Single Shot Rifles; View as Grid List. I’ll just say that the recoil isn’t as gruesome as a .460 Wby. Available with matte finish on steel frames and a highly polished finish on hardened brass frames, these elegantly simple rifles … You do not pay anything extra and your purchase helps support my work in bringing you more honest gun reviews. 1 is the best overall single shot. In fact, Ruger is known for creating top-notch rifles like the American Ranch. Uberti 1874 Sharps. That’s gun maintenance 101 after all). It measures in at 36 inches, with the barrel coming in at 26 inches.