What is a good Single Shot rifle to start with ?

I typically bow hunt, recently while giving Archery classes at my local outdoor club I noticed they needed people to staff a hunting safety course. I volunteered and whilst reading over everything I saw about two pages advocating for Fair Chase of animals. I always wanted to get a nice rifle for hunting so I figured I will go with a Single Shot. My area is Straight Wall only so the rifle has to be chambered for a straight wall cartridge. I like rifles that have wood in them not synthetic or plastic furniture. The rifle will be used to hunt deer. Anyone got any ideas ? I dont like the Henry single shot rifles nor do I like Italian reproduction rifles like Davide Pedersoli. I will reload all my own ammuntition so Black Powder or Smokeless doesnt matter to me. Price limit is going to be no more than say $750. I dont see spending $1k on a single shot rifle or close to that amount. Thanks for all the help.

Given your liking for wood, I wouldn't think twice about it, and get a Henry in either 350 Legend or .44 mag. Personally, I'd go for the 350L.
https://www.henryusa.com/rifles/single-shot-rifle/

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Originally Posted by GrantThompsonIII

I typically bow hunt, recently while giving Archery classes at my local outdoor club I noticed they needed people to staff a hunting safety course. I volunteered and whilst reading over everything I saw about two pages advocating for Fair Chase of animals. I always wanted to get a nice rifle for hunting so I figured I will go with a Single Shot. My area is Straight Wall only so the rifle has to be chambered for a straight wall cartridge. I like rifles that have wood in them not synthetic or plastic furniture. The rifle will be used to hunt deer. Anyone got any ideas ? I dont like the Henry single shot rifles nor do I like Italian reproduction rifles like Davide Pedersoli. I will reload all my own ammuntition so Black Powder or Smokeless doesnt matter to me. Price limit is going to be no more than say $750. I dont see spending $1k on a single shot rifle or close to that amount. Thanks for all the help.

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With what you say here you severely limit your choices ??

If your stuck on a single shot, Ruger No 1 or #3. You won't get either for 750.00. I don't think you going to get much of anything at that price point. Push come to shove, you can always get a Ruger Ranch, slap a Boyd's stock on it and plug the mag to make it a single shot.

I think your price range limits you to Henry, NEF Handy or H&R. Also 45-70,444 Marlin, 38-55 or 50-70. You might find a trapdoor spring field for that but it wiil be on the ratty side, may shoot very well. You could get a Steven 44 in 32-40 with a shootable bore for that.(or maybe 38-55not likely) But you need to keep those at black powder pressures. There are a few other options out the but given your price limits, I don't see you spending more on brass and dies than the rifle. best luck.

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Originally Posted by BLAHUT

With what you say here you severely limit your choices ??

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Yup, My brain skipped right over the point he made about not liking the Henry. No plastic. Good luck finding a Browning Hi Wall for under $750. Looks like we're into a Hani Rifle. Maybe a muzzle loader? Loves me some Hawken.....

A used NEF .357 mag, .44 mag, or 45-70 should be below that price point.

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Given the limitations, I’d look for an H&R.

Welcome Grant ! I looked to see if I could tell what state you are from as I know some of the strait wall only states rules. I agree with TbG a wooden stocked handi rifle would be your easiest rifle to find in a legal caliber for you. I have many but not ready to dispose of them yet. Really the Henry is the nicest rifle that is made now with wood furniture and are available in strait walled cartridges for about $ 500.
If you watch online auctions and go to gun shows and frequent small gun shops that sell used guns there are a few choices you might find but in recent years they have been bought by people like yourself.
I live in Southern MI and we are strait walled only in my area and they are hard to find except the Henry and they go as soon as they are in stock somewhere.
I see you are a new member and wish you Luck in finding what you want !

Jedman

The handi rifle line has several choices to meet your needs. For not too much more you could find a used Ruger #3 or maybe #1. You can often find them on Gunbroker for under 1k.

Don't know where you are but if you know or are a good gunsmith I'd look at Simpson's website. They have a lot of used Scandinavian guns including single shots. Probably can't get your cartridge of choice, though, so some modifications (e.g. a new barrel, or this one lined/rechambered) are likely to be necessary. Get something with a solid action/stock and make it what you want.

If possible, I would hold off until I could afford a Ruger #1 or #3 at the very least. They do show up at LGS or pawn shops for a relatively cheap price. The last one I bought a year ago (LNIB - Ruger 1S, 243 Win with scope) I managed to get for $450.00. You just have to have the finds ready and be PATIENT!

I'm kinda surprised that nobody said get a Encore pick the caliber of your choice 44 mag would be fun a 460 would reach out a little bit more

No plastic
Straight-wall only
Available
Not Italian or Henry
Cheap

This paints you into a very tight corner - probably limiting you to targets of opportunity in the used market.

The Uberti (Italian) Baby Rolling Block in .357 Magnum, available in the U.S. from Taylor Firearms, is possibly the closest to your price point for new. https://taylorsfirearms.com/long-gun...e-357-mag.html

If a guy looks around and doesn't expect to get anything other then a good shooter quality example a trap door Springfield rifle can still be found for under a grand .
But I'd expect to spend closer to the $850-900 range then $750
And be happy spending that ... it's not 1971 and inflation affects everything one way or another .

A single shot Martini like this in 25/35!

https://i.imgur.com/2tDJ9vFl.jpg

Over here in the state's a nicely done martini like that will bring $1500 so fast your head would spin

Personally I would go with a Ruger or Savage boltgun in 350 Legend. Switch the stock out with a Boyds wood stock. If you want you can block the magazine. The rifle with a scope and additional wood stock will be under $750.00.

Probably pick up a good used H&R for under $400.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/956976322

The CVA Scout break open comes in 44 mag, 350 Legend, 444 & 450.

For the regular Scout, I saw on-line prices between $300 and $350.

The Scout V2 runs closer to $400.

Boyd's makes CVA wood stocks, but I only found a product for the Scout V2 (~$160).