Hunting Rifles or Target Rifles

[Calhoun]

Do any of you guys out there actually use single shot rifles for hunting or not? You see a lot of the big shots on TV using T/C's etc but in the real world I don't know a soul who actually uses one for hunting!! I have several T/C encore barrells & I love to shoot them but they are strictly for the range as I always grab the 30/06 for hunting!!! Interested in hearing your views especially the outfitters!!

 

[Thunder head]

I am not a big rifle hunter so i don't use firearms that much.
I do enjoy taking my muzzle loader on occasion when i need a change of pace from bowhunting, especially for pigs. I also like to take my grandfathers old single shot Target master .22 squirrel hunting. If you miss its quite a challenge to reload and keep track of a rapidly escaping tree rat.

 

[Mike70560]

I used a 416 Remington Ruger No. 1 on my one trip to Africa. I killed two bufs and some plainsgame.

With practice you can become very proficient shooting a number 1. My PH had absolutely no problem with me using the single shot.

Ultimately the No 1 was used out of necessity. It was the gun I owned and I was comfortable shooting it. Being left handed I was somewhat limited on choices. With that being said, next trip I will use a double K-gun and left hand CZ 550.

 

[Calhoun]

Mike.. I never had to much problem using them - as My first gun my dad bought me was an old Stevens 20 gauge single shot. I used that from the time I was 11 until I was 16 & bought a double barrel 16 gauge Savage 311. I don't mind using them, single shots, It's just I prefer another shot as a back up that's why I opt for my bolt action or my double barrel shotgun!! Maybe someday I will take 1 hunting as I have used T/C in hand guns for hunting & It is the same principle!!

 

[DUGABOY1]

Mike.. I never had to much problem using them - as My first gun my dad bought me was an old Stevens 20 gauge single shot. I used that from the time I was 11 until I was 16 & bought a double barrel 16 gauge Savage 311. I don't mind using them, single shots, It's just I prefer another shot as a back up that's why I opt for my bolt action or my double barrel shotgun!! Maybe someday I will take 1 hunting as I have used T/C in hand guns for hunting & It is the same principle!!

CALHOUN, I have several Ruger No1s, and have hunted just about everything with them. The three rifle types I like most are #1 S/S double rifles, #2 CRF Bolt actions, and #3 fine single shots.

A back-up shot is no problem with a No1, if you have doubts about that, check out Mike's website, and on the Africa area, film of him handleing that 416 Rem No1!

 

[peter weismann]

the smallest I ever had build was a .14HORNET based on a RugerNo3.
I did not use this and it is lost now.
What I used had been my .14x50R in a Blaser K70, .25x50R in the same rifle, .25x57R-Imp in a Blaser K77 UL, 6.5x68R in the same rifle, 9.3x64 in a K77, .338Gaby in such one, .25x68 and .338x57R-Imp in Ruger No1, .30-06 in TCR and RugerNo1(short, full stock), .222, .22x50R, 5.6x52R in cheap BRNO, .22-250 in 1885HiWall (Browning).
This are true single shots, maybe I have more. -Oh, I have some mor, that I did not use yet.
Than, I have a couple of combinations, where one or two shot-barrels are included and since I use almost only the rifle barrels, they might be considered single shots too.
Oh yes, I use and like the use of single shots.
In my daily hunting, except for testing, I use nothing else but single shots and am extremly happy with that.
The way we hunt, gives you no chance for a fellow up shot. The one you have ist the one that counts. I use to load all my bolt actions with only one round also, whenever I use them at home.

 

[Die Ou Jagter]

I have hunted Pronghorn with a #1 in 25-06, Whitetail with #1 9.3X74R, Hogs with #1 450/400 and am taking the 450/400 with me to Africa for Lioness this fall.

 

[GWH]

I own a few big bores (bolt action) and will pick up a Ruger no 1 tropical in 375 H+H in the next year or so when they become more readily available. I am of the opinion that a single shot is the ideal rifle for most hunts (culls excepted) as any hunter who plans on taking more than one shot at an animal has perhaps missed the point of the hunt.

 

[RAdkins]

I have used single shots exclusively for the past 20+ years. This included a trip to Namibia for plains game. Took six animals with six shots. Was told by the PH that I would not take a Mountain Zebra with one shot as they are tough animals. I have to admit that the zebra was the only animal that got back on his feet after being hit, but went down again in about ten feet. Everything else was DRT. Caliber for this hunt was .338-06 with 210 grain Barns XLCs at 2750fps.

 

[RayAtkinson]

I have use the Ruger No. 1 on ocassions for all sorts of hunting including DG..I have no problem with a single shot hunting rifle in todays field. You always have another couple of hunters to back you up. I have not had to deal with a charge when using a SS but I believe I could handle it. It makes one think about making a perfect shot for sure.

 

[nztimb]

The only single shot I have now is my Rem X R 100 in 20 VarTarg and I have a puuch on my belt for spare ammo. It is not unusual to take 30 or more rabbits on an outing and have also taken it out after goats and I dont find the ss to be any detriment to that. Technique and practice will overcome the percieved disadvantages to a ss although I have to admit that the hunting I do with mine dosent include anything that might get a bit annoyed if the shot placement wasn't perfect.

Von Gruff.

 

[PrivateGunCollection]

There is a reason many single shot rifles are called "stalking rifles". While I have yet to hunt in Africa, here in the states I equate stalking with skill. I'm a huge Merkel K1 fan as it swings up perfectly, feels great and lets face it, looks outstanding! My friend is selling two and I'm drooling over them. In my humble opinion if you hunt with a single you are apt to place your shot better thus a one shot kill.

BTW in the WVA / PA woods or heavy brush I'm a lever woman ;-) Actually guys I don't own a single bolt action. I'm also into handguns and well a 454 with a 12" will take down just about anything here

Pretty!!! Oh for you guys... manly singles!

Amy

 

[Hogpatrol]

I have an upcoming plains animal hunt in SA and I am using a single shot inline smokeless muzzleloader. I've practiced with it under many different conditions, over a hundred shots, over the last year in preparation. It is scoped and accurate out to 300 meters. MV is over 2700 fps with a 200 grain .400 SST. It is devastating on deer size game and my PH doesn't see a problem with me using it.

 

[Mannlicher]

This is my favorite single-shot: Kipplaufbüchse from Franz Sodia , Ferlach, Austria, 7mmRM and second barrel in .243 Win, 2,5-10x52 Zeiss and 6x42 Zeiss riflescopes - built in 1983.

Mannlicher