single shot rifles

Bigfuzzy · Jan 30, 2017

for those of you that have & shoot them. thinking of buying 1. looking for a ruger #1 or #3 or something similar. want small cal. 6mm or under. not a collector, I am more of an acquirer. how much should I expect to pay? like I said not a collector so a few dents or dings will not bother me. that being said I don't want 1 that is beat all to hall unless cheap enough to refinish. I am just looking for a starting point to start saving for.

thanks

bilall · Jan 30, 2017

My experience with a single shot rifle:
A few years ago when ammunition was so scarce, I decided to get a single shot .223 rifle to save ammunition (One shot at a time was better than 30 in a magazine. My habit of blowing through 30 round magazines was not practical with the ammo shortages).
My under $400 budget would only allow me to choose between a CVA Hunter or a H&R Handi-Rifle. Since I could not find the discontinued H&R, I bought a CVA Hunter in .223 new for $189 with scope. I know this model is not on your list, but I just wanted to say the single shot rifle turned out to be a great purchase for me. It changed the way I look at target shooting. It's amazingly accurate for a .223 and just plain fun to shoot one round at a time.
I hope you can find the Ruger or a similar rifle and have as much fun with it as I have with the CVA.

Dayman · Jan 30, 2017

I bought a H&R handi rifle off a member here a few years back. Nice little rifle .223 with an additional .410 barrel. Fun and accurate. I paid 150 or so for it. I believe if you do get a handi and want additional barrels they have to be "fitted".

bilall · Jan 30, 2017

Bottom line - you can spend from under $200 to over $1000 and still have a bunch of fun with one of these!
It's too bad that H&R discontinued their Handi. It had a reputation for being superb for the price. Now prices for used ones have gone up to the $400-500 range.

Bigfuzzy · Jan 31, 2017

thanks, will look into cva

bilall · Jan 31, 2017

If you are near an Academy Sports, the normal price for a CVA Hunter with scope in .243 or .223 is $229. Larger calibers are higher. They still have it on sale for $189-199 from time to time.
.243 without scope is normally $179.
Note that the .223 and .243 are "Compact" models, 35" overall with 13" length of pull and 20" barrel. Be sure the 13" length of pull is not too short for you. I'm 6 feet and it works fine for me.

Dayman · Jan 31, 2017

Didn't realize the H&R was discontinued (seems like I remember a new one at the lgs a few years ago, may have been consignment. It was also in some pistol caliber .357 if I recall.). I learned how to safely walk through the woods with a single shot. Another great reason to own one as well! I will note that it does not like to extract steel case ammo. So I quit shooting that real quick

bigfutz · Feb 26, 2017

How about a Thompson? Those are known for caliber swapping, though I don't know how they are priced.

bilall · Feb 27, 2017

Never shot a T/C rifle except for a muzzleloader. I have shot a T/C Encore pistol in several calibers (interchangeable barrels) with and without a muzzle brake and loved it. Very accurate and easy to handle.

Johoevasmatrix · Mar 20, 2017

I got a handi chambered in 300 blk out. Put a full size can on her and she is wicked quiet. Had if for almost 2 years. I have 20 rounds through her. Guess I don't shoot her much.