Single-Shot Rifles: A few questions....
Okay, here goes...
While looking for a deer rifle recently, I had the brilliant brainstorm that instead of playing $500+ for a rifle, I'd get a single shot, probably a T/C, and save myself a bunch of money AND be able to buy barrels for different calibers. Then I found out how much they cost.
But I digress. Question number one: Bolt actions are well known as being "more accurate" than semis, etc (yes, I know this is part myth). How do the single shots rate, accuracy-wise, in general?
Number two: Which is stronger, bolt-action or single-shot? (Assume I'm talking about holding together under hot loads, even though I wouldn't risk it).
Number three: Other than Thompson/Center, who makes a good (hopefully less expensive) single shot rifle that has an interchangeable barrel system.
Number four: For those familliar with the T/C Encore and Encore Pro-Hunter: What are the real differences between the two? Do the barrels and accessories interchange? (I'm drooling over the "flex" stock, but I don't know if I need to pay the extra for the Pro-Hunter).
Number five: Does the Encore have an extractor or ejector? How hard will it be to hold onto my spent cases for reloading?
For those who have read this far, thanks for sticking with me. The copious amount of whiskey I've consumed tonight has probably made me a little difficult to understand
While looking for a deer rifle recently, I had the brilliant brainstorm that instead of playing $500+ for a rifle, I'd get a single shot, probably a T/C, and save myself a bunch of money AND be able to buy barrels for different calibers. Then I found out how much they cost.
But I digress. Question number one: Bolt actions are well known as being "more accurate" than semis, etc (yes, I know this is part myth). How do the single shots rate, accuracy-wise, in general?
Number two: Which is stronger, bolt-action or single-shot? (Assume I'm talking about holding together under hot loads, even though I wouldn't risk it).
Number three: Other than Thompson/Center, who makes a good (hopefully less expensive) single shot rifle that has an interchangeable barrel system.
Number four: For those familliar with the T/C Encore and Encore Pro-Hunter: What are the real differences between the two? Do the barrels and accessories interchange? (I'm drooling over the "flex" stock, but I don't know if I need to pay the extra for the Pro-Hunter).
Number five: Does the Encore have an extractor or ejector? How hard will it be to hold onto my spent cases for reloading?
For those who have read this far, thanks for sticking with me. The copious amount of whiskey I've consumed tonight has probably made me a little difficult to understand
0
-
I too had the same questions. The TC is way to costly for me.
I will answer question #3.
I bought a NEF New England Firearms owned by the Marlin Company.
It is basically a Harrington & Richardson with some modifications.
If you buy a heavy receiver (starts with serial #SB2) you can interchange all barrels of every caliber imaginable.
Oh yea its a fraction of the cost of a TC. I know its not as flashy and the quality is not as nice, but it gets the job done.
I have 50 cal muzzle barrel,
.223 bull
.243 bull
30-06 with muzzle break
45-70 with sights
20 guage rifled.
Look into it before going TC.0 -
Mosberg also made a single shot rifle (with interchangable barrels) a few years back. They were not a big hit and can be found for around $300-$350 on occasion.I understand they may have had some accuracy issues.
The bolt action is the strongest action.
Encore has an extractor and have been known to bend and cause extraction problems. (not common but it does happen)
I have heard than either NEF or H & R extra barrels may require fitting to your reciever which requires the gun to be sent in. I'm not sure how predominent that issue is.0 -
quote:Originally posted by nyforester
I too had the same questions. The TC is way to costly for me.
I will answer question #3.
I bought a NEF New England Firearms owned by the Marlin Company.
It is basically a Harrington & Richardson with some modifications.
If you buy a heavy receiver (starts with serial #SB2) you can interchange all barrels of every caliber imaginable.
Oh yea its a fraction of the cost of a TC. I know its not as flashy and the quality is not as nice, but it gets the job done.
I have 50 cal muzzle barrel,
.223 bull
.243 bull
30-06 with muzzle break
45-70 with sights
20 guage rifled.
Look into it before going TC.
My buddy has one cept his is the H&r Ultra in .223 "Same thing only different" (Cheech Marin) I like it. have often considered one for myself...0 -
I'm a big fan of single shot rifles. I own more of them (.22's mostly) than any other type of gun.
IMO the accuracy "myth" is largely due to a state of mind.
If you only have ONE SHOT, you will generally tend to take the time and make the effort to make that one shot COUNT.
Whereas w/a repeater, your subconcious knows that you may have another chance. And hence a tendoncy to hurry your shot and become sloppy.
Many will argue that this can be overcome. But I believe that for the majority, and I include myself from experience, your subconcious human nature will often prevail.
I trained my daughters on single shots (only gun they own). And it's fun to watch them by far out-shoot their BF's who were brought up w/modern semi-auto's.0 -
With the NEF, you have to send the reciever back to the factory to have a new barrel fitted... TC barrels are plug-n-play.
NEF still cheaper tho...0 -
Like most have said, in your price range NEF is the way, only way really, to go. I, or my son [:D], has one receiver and a 243 and 7mm-08 barrel. Both good shooters and have taken lots of deer. The 243 has an ejector and the 7mm-08 has an extractor. Somewhere along the line they went to all extractors. That is a good thing IMHO, as his 243 will throw the cartridge over your shoulder! The barrel accessory program is good. For about $90, including shipping, you can get a new gun in about any caliber. Just make sure you start with an SB2 receiver, and if your initial purchase is a centerfire rifle, it will be. T/C does not require their frames to be sent in. You can just "plug and play" with them, but their tolerances are lots smaller than NEF. Thus the cost! I would highly recommend an NEF. Don't fall for a Rossi! They are junk and have been promising a barrel exchange program for years, but have yet to come out with it. The Handi's, along with the Stevens, are about the best deal out there today for the average "joe." Good accuracy out of an inexpensive package.
ONE MORE THING...if you buy a 243...GET THE BULL BARREL! For some reason, and NEF knows this, the regular barrel 243 has a bad tendency to offer up flyers.0 -
I love single shot rifles. I have several types, falling block, rolling block, bolt and break action. All are accurate enough. Don't scrimp on quality. Buy cheap and next year you will be buying again. Next year the one you wanted this year will be at a higher price.
JM0 -
Wow. Lots of good answers to one, three and five so far. Much appreciate. To recap so far then:
Number one: I'll probably never know the difference between the inherent accuracy of a bolt-action and a single-shot.
Number three: NEF and T/C (although expensive) look like the ways to go. I guess I didn't realize NEF was owned by Marlin. Good deal [:)]
Number five: The Encore most likely has an extractor, so I won't be chasing my brass all over hoot and holler.
Funny with the single shots: Just after I posted this, I ended up watching Quigley Down Under for the first time in probably ten years or more [:D]0 -
Ive got a H&R I 25-06 that shoots better than I can. I bought it because of the price. Ive got around $225.00 in the gun and about $200.00 in the scope. Its a great rifle I dont like the New England Version but the H&R dont look bad. 0 -
TC's guns are amazing, and they make them right here in my town! they are amazingly acurate, I was told by an employee at TCarms that they will shoot a .5" grouping or better right out of the box. I was, and still am looking into buying one. I talked with an employee and he said that they could make me one with all basic components for about $600.00 and some change, thats not bad for a firearm that accurate. Have you ever handled one? I picked up an Encore with a 28" barrel and I think it was the most balanced firearm Ive ever held.
I garantee that if you get one you will NOT BE DISSAPOINTED.0 -
quote:Originally posted by USMChuck
TC's guns are amazing, and they make them right here in my town! they are amazingly acurate, I was told by an employee at TCarms that they will shoot a .5" grouping or better right out of the box. I was, and still am looking into buying one. I talked with an employee and he said that they could make me one with all basic components for about $600.00 and some change, thats not bad for a firearm that accurate. Have you ever handled one? I picked up an Encore with a 28" barrel and I think it was the most balanced firearm Ive ever held.
I garantee that if you get one you will NOT BE DISSAPOINTED.
I'll keep that in mind. I definitely want a T/C someday, just don't know as it will be a starter rifle. Oddly enough, I haven't actually handled a T/C yet, which is funny, because my FFL is a big handgun hunter, and he uses BIG Smiths and T/Cs. Guess it's time for a trip to Jays Sporting Goods.... [:D]0 -
If I got the T/C I would start with a pistol. Then you can add a shoulder stock & longer barrels. If you start with a rifle it isn't legal to convert to a pistol. I have the older Contender & several barrels including 30/30 & .45/70 rifle barrels & a shoulder stock. 0 -
Look up Brown. They make or made a quality single shot.
Then there's the Winchester single shot by Browning and the Ruger single shots.
The interchangeable barrel feature is enticing but I prefer a drop block action because it's less disruptive in reloading for follow up shots.0 -
quote:Originally posted by gruntled
If I got the T/C I would start with a pistol. Then you can add a shoulder stock & longer barrels. If you start with a rifle it isn't legal to convert to a pistol. I have the older Contender & several barrels including 30/30 & .45/70 rifle barrels & a shoulder stock.
Good point....although I really don't have any desire to hunt with a single shot pistol....but you never know, especially with me [:D]0 -
Single shot is my favorite also. I'm not a snob or have alot of money but have accumulated 5 Ruger #1's over the years. 4 of the 5 are very accurate, sub-moa, the other one 1.5" at 100yds. Still okay, but they are getting spendy and you can't just change the barrels of course. T/C is a very versatile more economic alternative.[:)] 0 -
quote:Originally posted by heliman
Single shot is my favorite also. I'm not a snob or have alot of money but have accumulated 5 Ruger #1's over the years. 4 of the 5 are very accurate, sub-moa, the other one 1.5" at 100yds. Still okay, but they are getting spendy and you can't just change the barrels of course. T/C is a very versatile more economic alternative.[:)]
I've heard alot of good things about the Ruger #1, my only thing against it is one of the biggest reasons I wanted to go single-shot was for the versatility of multiple calibers. Then again, maybe one day, I'll have one of everything0 -
Started with single shots and have returned to them with great pleasure. Belt drive autos are great for duck and other fast moveing birds, but give me a heavy barreled shotgun with rifled barrel and good red dot scope, well Im only gona need one shot to kill a white tail. Have a 12 ga and 25-06 single to date, just gave one away to start a youngster hunting. 0 -
Good deal. Agree with only needing the single shot, and I salute you for bringing a new'un' to the sport. Seems sometimes that our numbers are dwindling.... 0 -
quote:Originally posted by dakotashooter2
Mosberg also made a single shot rifle (with interchangable barrels) a few years back. They were not a big hit and can be found for around $300-$350 on occasion.I understand they may have had some accuracy issues.
The bolt action is the strongest action.
Encore has an extractor and have been known to bend and cause extraction problems. (not common but it does happen)
I have heard than either NEF or H & R extra barrels may require fitting to your reciever which requires the gun to be sent in. I'm not sure how predominent that issue is.
I do not agree. A number of years ago, John Campbell wrote an article about a test that was conducted using an original post-1900 manufactured Winchester Model 1885 high-wall chambered for 30-06. It took a 300% load before the sidewalls began to distort, and even then, the action was able to still operate. Try subjecting any make/model bolt-action to a 300% load and see what happens[:0].
The modern manufactured Browning or Winchester Model 1885, and the Ruger No. 1, are all extremely strong actions, and they will easily handle any cartridge you want to try shooting.0 -
I know the Ruger #1's are supposed to be one of the strongest actions around.... 0 -
I am a T/C man, If you want a rifle that will last longer than you will buy a T/C.
NEF handi rifles are not even in the same class. apples and oranges.
it is a toy gun in my opinion. not for the dedicated hunter/shooter. they are for the ocassional get out and make some noise kinda shooter. The 22/410 model that i had an oportunity to play with did not impress me. the quality is not even comparible
T/C has been making the Contender rifles for longer than i've been alive. They are limited in there ability to shoot the magnum cartriges. Thus the Encore, designed to pick up where the Contender fell short. will take magnum cartiges up to 375H&H mag. Then there is the Pro Hunter designed to take the new and some of the old super MAG's.
contender/encore prohunter barrels do not interchange. there are some makers that will make any barrel you want for the Encore that prolly shouldn't be used due to the pressures of the particular Round.but could be dropped into a pro easily.
there is an article in this months Precision Shooter titled playin with wildcats? or something like that. It has some good info as far as how to get the accuracey out of a break open rifle. As well as the author rationization as to why the T/C line of guns are the best all around gun period.
Knight is makeing a new rifle with interchangeable barrels can't remember the name. but definatly will not be less than the T/C
In the End you get What you Pay For, I recommend one of the the T/C systems (Contender/Encore/ProHunter) you will not be disapointed0 -
I'm in the process of converting from bolt guns to a single shot. I studied it for over a year and opted to go with the Encore and I love it! The pro hunter barrels will fit on any Encore frame but they (like all Encore Barrels) will not fit the Contender frame. 0 -
quote:NEF handi rifles are not even in the same class. apples and oranges.
it is a toy gun in my opinion. not for the dedicated hunter/shooter. they are for the ocassional get out and make some noise kinda shooter.
Well...let me give you MY opinion. I love Handirifles. No, they aren't in the same class as a T/C. Price them and you will see that. But they shoot. And mine shoot straight. Guess I'm not a "dedicated hunter/shooter". Nevertheless, between my son and I (they are really his guns), last year we put over a 1000 rounds combined through the 243 and 7mm-08. I know, because I footed the bill for 54 boxes of ammo. [:(] Got 3 left. Just understand that to be a "dedicated hunter/shooter" you don't have to lug around a $500-$600 gun. I have some of those more expensive guns. My "go to" deer rifle before we got into Handi's was a Remington 700 in 270. Great rifle. Just something about a single shot appealed to me. For the money...you cannot beat a Handi. Same thing with a shotgun. I shoot a Winchester 1800, son shoots a Browning Sweet 16. And I have a couple of NEF shotguns that get lots of use in the squirrel woods. Since they aren't a Citori, guess we are just occasionally getting out and "making some noise" with them also.0 -
I have to put my 2 pennies in on this one. I have an NEF H&R SB2 that has an heavy barrel chamber in the 308 Win. GREAT RIFLE. I did not like the stock that was on it but I replace it with an laminated camo stock set, which by the way looks good on the rifle. Then I top of the barrel with an Tasco Whitetail classic scope. I got the stock set from NEF them self and I had an buttstock round holder. Wife like it so much she took it away from me. [:D] That what happen when you make something good. If you want an pic of it, just e-mail me at ROBERTWainright@msn.com and put in subject H&R308.
spec.40 -
quote:Originally posted by Bert H.
quote:Originally posted by dakotashooter2
The bolt action is the strongest action.
I do not agree. A number of years ago, John Campbell wrote an article about a test that was conducted using an original post-1900 manufactured Winchester Model 1885 high-wall chambered for 30-06. It took a 300% load before the sidewalls began to distort, and even then, the action was able to still operate. Try subjecting any make/model bolt-action to a 300% load and see what happens[:0].
Thank you Bert. Saved me the trouble[:D]
Clouder..0 -
quote:Originally posted by theboogeyman
I know the Ruger #1's are supposed to be one of the strongest actions around....
Therein lies my problem. I have three single shot 45/70s & I need to keep the ammo seperate. I load lead bullets only for my 1873 trapdoor & Jacketed bullets for my Ruger #3 to keep them seperate. That leaves me so far using only the trapdoor loads in my T/C 45/70 barrel since I am certain it is not up to the #3 loads. I could load for the T/C but I want to be CERTAIN there could never be a mix-up. I suppose I could load jacketed bullets for the T/C & use them in the #3 but only after I was certain I had gotten rid of ALL the #3 loads I have.0 -
quote:Originally posted by iluvguns
quote:NEF handi rifles are not even in the same class. apples and oranges.
it is a toy gun in my opinion. not for the dedicated hunter/shooter. they are for the ocassional get out and make some noise kinda shooter.
Well...let me give you MY opinion. I love Handirifles. No, they aren't in the same class as a T/C. Price them and you will see that. But they shoot. And mine shoot straight. Guess I'm not a "dedicated hunter/shooter". Nevertheless, between my son and I (they are really his guns), last year we put over a 1000 rounds combined through the 243 and 7mm-08. I know, because I footed the bill for 54 boxes of ammo. [:(] Got 3 left. Just understand that to be a "dedicated hunter/shooter" you don't have to lug around a $500-$600 gun. I have some of those more expensive guns. My "go to" deer rifle before we got into Handi's was a Remington 700 in 270. Great rifle. Just something about a single shot appealed to me. For the money...you cannot beat a Handi. Same thing with a shotgun. I shoot a Winchester 1800, son shoots a Browning Sweet 16. And I have a couple of NEF shotguns that get lots of use in the squirrel woods. Since they aren't a Citori, guess we are just occasionally getting out and "making some noise" with them also.
sounds like you got some good one's. My father went with the handi and has regreted it ever since. it has been a piece of junk since day one he is on his second factory replacement and it is also junk. first one the triger assembly was misaligned or something would bind and the hammer would not fall.
doesn't need be a citori, less your going to put 10000 plus rounds a yr through it. My red label is going to hit 10,000 for the yr this month and probably 40,000 plus for its life and shows no signs of coming apart. I have an 870 exspress that has 20,000plus through it and it still a good gun but showing signs of lossening up a bit.0 -
The Handi-Rifle is just ugly. I like purty guns. 0 -
Wow, lots of good information here...thanks guys [:)] 0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
29 comments