What is a good Single Shot rifle to start with ?

[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.

[fastdadio]

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/

[BLAHUT]

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.

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

[Jeff Michel]

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.

[ascast]

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.

[fastdadio]

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

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.....

[Texas by God]

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

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[HWooldridge]

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

[Jedman]

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

[pworley1]

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.

[Wayne Smith]

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.

[stubshaft]

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!

[LUCKYDAWG13]

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

[Bigslug]

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-guns/single-shot-rifles/rolling-block/baby-rolling-block-carbine-357-mag.html

[redneck1]

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 .

[Bad Ass Wallace]

A single shot Martini like this in 25/35!

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

[redneck1]

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

[M-Tecs]

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.

[John Taylor]

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

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

[P Flados]

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).

[tunnug]

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
This, or even a Contender, lot of choices on straight walled cartridges with either.

[M-Tecs]

The Encores and Contenders would be a great choice IF you can find a rifle with a wood stock for under $750. That will not be easy.

[gnoahhh]

Frankly, in this inflationary age we live in it's unrealistic to set a $750 limit on a quality single shot rifle of any make. Even a hardware store-quality break-open rifle will run up to and over that amount by the time a decent scope is added, and then there's the cost of ammo/components. My advice: study the genre as much as you can (education is power), save your nickels until a satisfying rifle can be afforded, and ease into it - even if by so doing sets back your entry into the game by a while. Too often I've seen guys rush into a new (to them) shooting game, doing things half-arsed and on the cheap, only to get discouraged.

[GrantThompsonIII]

A single shot Martini like this in 25/35!

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

Isnt .25-35 a bottleneck round ? Local gun shop by me has a .41 Mag Martini for sale on consignment. They are asking $1650.00 for it. Too much in my opinion, I assume there is a cult following for Martinis but I want a nice rifle to start out with. My grandfather had a nice rolling block in .56-50 CF Spencer when I was a kid one of my narcotic infused relatives stole it for money to buy more "rock candy". He also has a Winchester Musket in .32-40 with a brass scope that was also stolen that night.

[GrantThompsonIII]

Felt I should add an update. A local gunshop has three rifles that were in my price range. One is an H&R 155 Shikari in .45 Gov for $450, one is an 1878 Trapdoor Rifle in .45 Gov for $350 and another is a Krag Rifle converted to single shot .45 Gov and is $750 on the head.

[bigwagon]

I was just going to mention a Trapdoor Springfield. Nowadays these are usually going for north of your $750 budget in good shape, but if the one you saw for $350 is a decent shooter, go for it, especially if you want to play around with blackpowder.

[Texas by God]

Get the Shikari and don't look back. I had one long ago and it was accurate and trouble free. The 45-70 is perfect for your requirements.

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[Edward]

my favorite is a Handi 45/70 in centerfire and all my others are muzzleloaders , none are in your price range /sorry Ed

[koger]

I have seen several Henry's with great wood, in 45/70 and 350 legend go for $500 or less new locally, and used from $400-450. You cant go wrong with a Henry, I have had several of them, all great shooters, and the 45/70 does not kick bad at all with cast bullet load, and will kill deer dead as heck.

[GrantThompsonIII]

Thanks for the replies. I will have the gunsmith look down the bore of the Trapdoor for me to make sure its not a bad bore and to make sure the rifle functions. The Shikari the gunsmith said should be loaded with light loads since it has a cast reciever and can break easily. The gunsmith said the best rifle is the Krag because its has a strong action on par with a Siamese Mauser conversion. I didnt even know Siamese Mausers got converted to .45 Gov. Anyone trust that a Krag is strong enough for .45 Gov the rifle was originally an 1896 Model Krag Rifle made in 1901.

[john.k]

The Siam Mauser conversions are by a large margin strongest .....and can be loaded to equal 458 WM figures.

[M-Tecs]

Felt I should add an update. A local gunshop has three rifles that were in my price range. One is an H&R 155 Shikari in .45 Gov for $450, one is an 1878 Trapdoor Rifle in .45 Gov for $350 and another is a Krag Rifle converted to single shot .45 Gov and is $750 on the head.

Out of those I would pick the H&R 155 Shikari in .45 Gov for $450. I love Trapdoors but originals tend to have large bores and the barrel steel is very soft. The Krag conversation was somewhat common at one-time but they are a very hard sell today. I would not pay anything close to $750 for one unless it was done by a well-known maker whose name and quality of work would justify the price. If it's an issue stock barreled by an unknown builder its way overpriced IMHO.

Some discussion here.

https://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?120858-Krag-Action-45-70


The trapdoor may or may not be a good deal based on condition. Is it an unmolested rifle or a cut down carbine? Lots of Trapdoor info here https://www.trapdoorcollector.com/

Only the H&R is easy to put optics on.

[Mk42gunner]

My only beef with H&R's is if they have the transfer bar (it tends to break at inopportune times).

The Shikari should be fine with factory level loads. You really don't need more power than that for whitetail deer, no matter what the internet or gun rags say. Just keep the range reasonable.

Robert

[FrankJD]

IMHO, just save/spend the money and get a Henry single shot in .45-70 and be done with it. It offers everything you'd want in a modern single shot, and more.

[marlinman93]

Personally I think finding a "nice single shot" for under $750 is a dream that wont happen unless you got really lucky. It's been years since any nice single shots sold for under $1200 or so, other than a rare lucky find came around.
I'd keep my eyes peeled for a Rolling Block rifle as they generally might be easier to find under $1000 and be decent. But even a nice Rolling Block will often bring twice your maximum price, so it's going to be a lucky find, and you'll have to be in the right place and time to grab it.

[eastbank]

307119 ruger # 3 in 45-70 can be loaded from mild to wild, the one i own has been a super shooter with just about any load i put thru it. this three shot group was shot from a bench rest at 100 yards, load was 50 grs imr 4198 and a 300 gr honrady bullet for 2000 fps. they used to be had at fair prices. but have been going north for some time, i paid 500.00 for mine with a older 3x leupold scope.

[ulav8r]

Do some searching about Krag bolt lug cracking. If not cracked it might be ok with trapdoor loads but highly suspect for heavier loads. The Shikari would be fine with trapdoor loads such as Remington factory loads. The trapdoor would be fun if in good condition.

[Wayne Smith]

I would not touch a Krag original in 45-70. They are not strong enough for that cartridge, not as strong as the Trapdoor. I agree, the Shikari but limit it to trapdoor loads - it will hurt on both ends with more.

[Jeff Michel]

I'd find another gunsmith... To put the Krag and a Siamese Mauser in the same category strength wise is not only wrong it's dangerous. Navy arms made 45-70 conversions back in the seventies and they are in a class equal to or exceeding any load you can pretty well stuff in them. ANY load book worth a hoot will point this out. Put a load like that in the two locking bolt Krag, be sure to make arrangements to have someone stop by to check on you around dark.

[gnoahhh]

The larger rim diameter will impart more bolt thrust than a .30-40, given equal chamber pressures, so that would be the only reason to re-consider the .45-70 in a Krag. The U.S. Krag, even with its one locking lug, is stronger than you might think - certainly ample for the 40K psi .30-40 ammo it's intended for. Even if the bolt lug breaks off (not likely unless some jaspers have been abusing it with over-pressure loads) there's the big safety lug on the side of the bolt that'll stop rearward movement and re-direct it off to the side away from your head.

The late Michael Petrov conducted a destruction test on a U.S. Krag, by employing Bullseye powder in ever-increasing amounts until the receiver shattered and the bolt exited to the right. I apologize for not remembering the exact quantity of Bullseye it finally took to make it come unglued, but it was in excess of 20 grains as I recall. And mind you, he used a bolt that he'd ground the locking lug entirely off - employing only the safety lug on the bolt......

[popper]

CVA scout and change the rail to a picatinny. Boyd's wood if you want. Bergara barrel and good trigger.

[Rapier]

Do not forget the TC carbines, Encore and Contenders. Perfect for a straight wall case.

Plus the 357 Super Mag (Max) You can buy a 357 Mag single shot and run a reamer into it to change it to a SM. They shoot cast well with a 12 or 14 or 16 twist barrel.

[Jeff Michel]

Perhaps you are correct, still the several examples of cracked lugs I've personally seen, tells me it's more than a coincidence and likely to occur under "normal" usage. At the end of the day will you ask if it's worth the chance to save a couple bucks. There certainly isn't any guarantee with any firearm. I ran into an acquaintance a couple weeks ago, a knowledgeable reloader and shooter, just got released from the hospital, he was injured when all NINE locking lugs and the handle sheered off of the bolt of his 788 Remington. The bolt entered his left cheek and buried itself in his neck and came to rest against his scapula. He showed me the radio graph, He is one lucky guy. If a 788, known to be an incredibly strong action can come apart, then I'd have to ask myself. If a re purposed rifle with a historically questionable metallurgy, barreled in a non original caliber by someone that may or may not know what the are doing and likely someone I don't even know, a prudent course to take in the interest of parsimony? Some will undoubtedly say yes and that is certainly their business. For my part, this was a cautionary tale provided to invoke thought, nothing more. I will say I have seen more than a few gun come apart for different reasons, some stupid, some poor quality/workmanship and it has made me a bit edgy to walk that thin line. I hope that the OP acquires a rifle that will satisfy his needs and lets the forum know of his final selection. Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

[HWooldridge]

Perhaps you are correct, still the several examples of cracked lugs I've personally seen, tells me it's more than a coincidence and likely to occur under "normal" usage. At the end of the day will you ask if it's worth the chance to save a couple bucks. There certainly isn't any guarantee with any firearm. I ran into an acquaintance a couple weeks ago, a knowledgeable reloader and shooter, just got released from the hospital, he was injured when all NINE locking lugs and the handle sheered off of the bolt of his 788 Remington. The bolt entered his left cheek and buried itself in his neck and came to rest against his scapula. He showed me the radio graph, He is one lucky guy. If a 788, known to be an incredibly strong action can come apart, then I'd have to ask myself. If a re purposed rifle with a historically questionable metallurgy, barreled in a non original caliber by someone that may or may not know what the are doing and likely someone I don't even know, a prudent course to take in the interest of parsimony? Some will undoubtedly say yes and that is certainly their business. For my part, this was a cautionary tale provided to invoke thought, nothing more. I will say I have seen more than a few gun come apart for different reasons, some stupid, some poor quality/workmanship and it has made me a bit edgy to walk that thin line. I hope that the OP acquires a rifle that will satisfy his needs and lets the forum know of his final selection. Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

That sounds like a massive overload. He should have a good lawsuit pending if he was using factory ammo.

[Baltimoreed]

A .310 Cadet in .357 or in the original caliber. Mine is a rechambered .32-20/310 cadet but I’ve been able to cobble up loads for it.

[7br]

If you are a hunter Ed instructor, contact Thompson Center. They used to have a program where you could purchase one firearm per year at distributor cost.

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[Jeff Michel]

That sounds like a massive overload. He should have a good lawsuit pending if he was using factory ammo.

Probably never know for sure, he claimed it was a "squib" that lodged in the barrel. Every barrel I've ever see with a bullet lodged in the barrel followed by another round, either split the barrel or bulged it if it was a low powered round. I never saw the rifle but he claimed the barrel was unharmed. I'm in the overload camp on this one, but it isn't a factory mistake for sure, more like "Hoist with his own petard" reload. I didn't ask too many questions due to peoples knack of becoming defensive. But I'm just speculating at this point.

[rockrat]

Contender or an Encore. Getting one in your price range might be difficult, but should be doable. The Shikari isn't D&T for a scope base, at least mine aren't. They do shoot well and with Trapdoor level loads, they don't kick that much.
The NEF rifles would be a good choice if you can find one. Saw one at Cabelas , in 45-70, a few weeks ago for $399. Almost bought it, but I have my Shikari's and a NEF "Buffalo rifle" barrel for one of my NEF actions, so I am set on 45-70 and let someone else get the deal.

[GrantThompsonIII]

Contender or an Encore. Getting one in your price range might be difficult, but should be doable. The Shikari isn't D&T for a scope base, at least mine aren't. They do shoot well and with Trapdoor level loads, they don't kick that much.
The NEF rifles would be a good choice if you can find one. Saw one at Cabelas , in 45-70, a few weeks ago for $399. Almost bought it, but I have my Shikari's and a NEF "Buffalo rifle" barrel for one of my NEF actions, so I am set on 45-70 and let someone else get the deal.

I definitely wont be using a scope, iron sights only for me. I just aint a big fan of them.

[Beerd]

Grant,
Have you considered a muzzle loader?
..

[Jal5]

The NEF OR HR rifle in 45/70 would be in your budget. Love mine.


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[SoonerEd]

If your state requires the rifle to be an exposed hammer, the ruger #1 would not qualify.