Which way to go

[Trophy Tom]

I have gone the H&R handi route and now I'm looking for some other type of single shot rifle to play with. Calibers will be something on the lower recoil scale. Comparison is 30-30 recoil or less. I've looked at some in 32-20, 25-20, 32-40, or even wildcats like 218 ack bee or similar. What I don't know is what action to look for for $1000 or less.
We can rule out the ruger #1 & #3
I guess my choices are
Falling block
Rolling block
BSA martini
Stevens
Remington
What would you recommend and why.
Thanks


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[marlinman93]

My personal choice with a $1,000 cap would be the Rolling Block. But not sure why the Ruger #1 is out, as they can be found under $1,000 quite often used.
The Rolling Block original Sporting Rifles will almost always over $1,000, but the Italian clones can be found under $1,000 often. One in .38-55 or .30-30 will be mild recoil, and make a fun shooter too! I personally love Rolling Block rifles in sporting models, and my next one looks like it will be .40-70SS based on a .405 Win. short brass chambering, with a .410" bore GM barrel. I'll be into it about $1,000 when it's all completed.

[Nobade]

You can buy the basic Uberti Low Wall rifle in 32-20 for somewhat less than $1K from Buffalo Arms. Nice little rifles and well proportioned, not too heavy. The fancier ones are more money but you get cool features like a pistol grip and double set triggers.

-Nobade

[GhostHawk]

Baby Rolling block in .357 would be my choice. I just can not yet justify spending that much for one. Yet.

[pietro]

.

IMO, it'd make a difference, based upon whether or not you'll want to scope it easily.

I actually prefer a single-shot rifle not on your list - a T/C TCR-83 w/DST's (or TCR-87 w/single trigger) break open.





I've had them in several different mild chamberings (besides .30-06 & magnums) - like the .243 Win & the .22/250 Rem.

They are a handy, lightweight hunting rifle (I'm not a target shooter, yearning for pinpoint accuracy)

I've bought/sold several over the years, for $600USD-$800USD - well within your budget.

.

[sharps4590]

One like this Bartels stalking rifle on an Ideal action and you won't do any better than the 8.15 X 46R. Very similar to the 32-40 and easily made from 30-30 brass. Hornday has the dies.

[MT Gianni]

Contenders would fit your requirements but may look to modern.

[Fishman]

Henry has some new single shots out

[Jedman]

The small martinis can be a lot of fun. They are a little awkward to load if you scope them but almost nothing else feels as slim and well balanced in hand.
They work well with most rimmed cartridges 30-30 size and smaller.
I am currently building one in 256 Win Mag.

Jedman

[ulav8r]

That T/C TCR-83 looks good, but I would prefer a falling block if doing much shooting from a rest. It could be any of a number of designs old or new, with cartridges from mild to wild. Depending on the cartridge, a rolling block could also be a good choice.

[Trophy Tom]

Do BSA martinis have a safety on them ?


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[Nobade]

No.

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[dverna]

I do not like break open rifles so they are off my list. Agree with GhostHawk on the Baby Rolling Block in .357 but they seem a tad expensive to me.

[PaulG67]

I've been very happy with my TCR-87 for many years. Had to resort to making barrels for it as they are very difficult to find.

[Lance Boyle]

I just bought a used Uberti in 38-55. It was less than your cap. I will have to buy a better sight though, I don't buckhorn. I prefer flat rear sight blades. I will be getting some kind of vernier. I like the looks of barrel mounted ladder sights even though they're not popular.

Rifle should arrive at the shop today!

ETA I am also not a fan of hinge actioned rifles. Tjhey're fine for hunting accuracy but the hinge bearing surface will wear out. Too much Mobile metal for me. Better suited to shotguns and patterns.

[country gent]

The rolling blocks can be a lot of fun and pretty nice when done up. A high wall or sharps type action can be interesting and accurate. the Martinis cadets are neat little rifles and work very well for a nice walking style sporter. The bigger martinis are a piece of history and could do a bigger sporter style rifle. One of the uberti high walls in 30-30, 38-55, or other lighter calibers would be suitable. A low wall in pistol calibers or the lighter rifle calibers 22 hornet 218 bee also could be enjoyable. Handle as many different styles as you can and work from there. Watch the auctions and shops in your area along with gun shows for bargins. I have seen number ones here in decent shape sell here for $650-$700 occasionally. The cadets can be found sporterized reasonably priced also. Most falling blocks rolling blocks are in larger calibers and rebarreling up the cost considerably.

[rr2241tx]

BACO had a bunch of 1885 rifles made by Miroku over the years in pistol cartridges, black powder cartridges, and modern high power cartridges. Really nice examples in the caliber of your choice can usually be found for less than your budget. The Traditional Hunter versions come with a Marbles tang sight.

[GhostHawk]

I suspect your best option will be to hound Henry rifles to put out some good single shots in some good calibers.

I looked at CVA but the only one that really interested me was the .44 mag.
And I already have a H&R in .444Marlin that can do everything a .44 can do plus a bunch more. So I found some more brass and have been shooting .44 mag loads in .444marlin brass. Lots of fun, light recoil, low noise, and a good whump on the far end.

Instead of buying powder burners I have been buying Airguns. Hatsan Rifles and Beeman P17 single pump pneumatic pistols.

As age creeps on me getting around gets harder. But a short walk to my basement lets me keep my shooting eye sharp. Price is good, ammo if you stock up now on Crossman Premier Hollow Points is about 1.2 cents per shot.

Means I can shoot all day long for a dollar.

Still single shots, My 2 Hatsan's are the 135 QE Vortex and the Striker Vortex. Both in .22 caliber. The striker shoots 14.3 gr pellets between 750 and 800 fps. The 135 gets them up to 1000 fps.

And with a couple of bags of rubber mulch and a box you can shoot year round.

YMMV But I found my new line of single shots. Ohh did I tell you? Hatsan is made in Turkey. Some of their rifles, the nice ones, have turkish walnut stocks to die for.
I mean 150$ striker and a wood stock that is worth most of that.

Yeah, not glossy, some kind of dull finish that shows the grain. Doesn't feel plastic like varnish. Not sure what it is, just know I love it.