Appeal of the single shot? [Archive] - Alberta Outdoorsmen Forum

sheep hunter

05-23-2007, 05:37 PM

Why does it have to bring anything extra? The fact it has no action does make it a bit lighter and more compact than many factory bolt-action rifles which is much appreciated in the mountains but the fact that it is a great shooting/dependable rifle is all that is required to qualify it as a serious hunting rifle. I like the fit and feel of my Encores and I shoot them well so I hunt a lot with them. Not really sure of the point of this post? What do you think the compromise is??????

I'm not trying to sell anyone on single shots but they sure strike my fancy. If a bolt action is what you like to shoot then that's what you should shoot. A good rifle is a good rifle regardless of action.

chuck

05-23-2007, 05:55 PM

My post is a simple question. No intention of ****ing in anyones cornflakes.

Why does it have to bring anything extra?

It doesn't. I don't think it does, therefore the question. IMHO, a good bolt action does what a single shot will do, and then some. I guess that would be my definition of a compromise.

Like I said, it's a simple question. The TC seems to be the poster child for everyone from Larry Weishun and Brad Waddel to Jim Shockey and has more air time than Paris Hilton. Just wondering what I'm missing.

sheep hunter

05-23-2007, 06:01 PM

It's a great shooting rifle that has the ability to change from several centrefire calibres to shotgun to muzzleloader to rimfire. That's what it does that no other rifle does.

But yes, of course a good bolt action or lever action or pump or semi auto will do what a single shot does. They are all rifles and like I said, if you shoot them well then that's all that matters. As for the Encore, it's the dependability and convertability to sets it apart.

But I'm still unclear of why it has to bring anything extra. If it shoots well for you that's all the reason in the world you need to own it.

The TC seems to be the poster child for everyone from Larry Weishun and Brad Waddel to Jim Shockey and has more air time than Paris Hilton.

That's because TC is concentrating a lot of their promo dollars on television right now.

05-23-2007, 11:52 PM

I'm not sure the reason of theis post either but I will say I love my "Handi" .243. My favorite gun by far. I love the wieght and comfort of it and theres something to be said for having only one shot. You gotta make it count. And with my "handi" I just can't miss.

winchester70

05-24-2007, 12:13 AM

Some guys only need one shot.....:D

shortround

05-24-2007, 12:54 AM

Hey DJ, is that the Handi ultralight? If so, how does it shoot? I heard stories of crappy accuracy with the handi utralights.

05-24-2007, 06:03 AM

No its not the Ultralite. And the accuracy is deadly!

Duffy4

05-24-2007, 09:31 AM

I think I understand the original question. And I would answer it by saying it is mostly just a psycological appeal. As sheep hunter pointed out you can have a single shot in a longer barrel with less weight and overall length but that is really a small advantage. Some of the singles do have the advantage of being able to select diffrent barrels in diffrent cartridges and that is an advantage of sorts.

If I were planning to go on an antelope hunt and had the choice of a single shot in a .270, 280, 7mm mag. or a leveraction in 30/30, I'd take the single shot. If I was hunting white-tails in a bushy river bottom situation, I'd reach for the lever action.

I started out bird hunting with a single cooey 12. And I had to learn to make my shots count and consentrate everything on that one first shot. Now I use a pump or an auto loader. I use up more shells shooting at the air between the birds. But now and then I get doubles and tripples, that are impossible with the single shot.

Robin in Rocky

Redfrogoutfitters

05-24-2007, 11:34 AM

Well I have some single shot rifles. They are Ruger # 1's. I don't think there is an advantage, but the appeal for me is the clean lines, very nice wood and the simplicity of operation.
I call coyotes a lot and don't have a problem getting a second round in for a double.
Check this out:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v50/Redfrog/Quad.jpg

My friend who also shoots a Ruger #1 in 220 swift. got these four on one stand. From 27 yds out to 458 yds.

If a man knows his gear, he can get the job done.:rollin

I own guns with other types of actions, and I enjoy shooting them as well.

Jamie Hunt

05-24-2007, 11:47 AM

I had always thought (perhaps incorectly) That people liked the single shot becouse it handicaped them a bit. Kinda of like shooting a long bow over shooting a compound.
I never thought of the weight issue

Jamie

sheep hunter

05-24-2007, 11:53 AM

I've never once considered a single shot a handicap. I just shoot mine because they shoot well. I don't see there being any handicap over a bolt. I can honestly say I never think about needing a second shot when I pull the trigger.

Blakeinator2

05-24-2007, 03:22 PM

Bolt or single don't make a difference to me for coyote calling...once the first shot is off i generally miss all the rest anyhow.;)

I did manage to get my first double this year with an auto-loading .17 hmr (Rem 597). Female stopped at 80 yrds for a front end shot and i caught the male running about the 3rd shot as i swung through him pulling the trigger and he went down. I swapped out magazines and had a look to see if anything was moving...the male got up and tried to trot a few more yards even though he was lung hit so i swung through him and on shot #2 he went down for good(that was fun...may sound terrible but only thing better than shooting a coyote one time is shooting him again...and again if you get the chance). The female went about 10' feet on boiler room shot. A month before that i would have had another double at the same range if i had that gun instead of the CZ American .204 that i had...coyote was out of sight by the time i had the gun cycled and back on the scope...it was close but the little auto-loader doesn't even move at the shot...the .204 doesn't move much at the shot either but it sure does when you gotta cycle that agricultural action in a hurry. Open country no prob, 100 yrd coulee action...good luck with a bolt or a single shot for the double.

If i'd been carrying that combo the past few years i'd probably have scored a few more doubles like that as but i set up in areas that give me 0-100 yrd opportunities for the most part...i kill 90% of my coyotes under 130 yrds so i'd have given up a few longer ones to do it(but probably had more fun with the little gun;) ). If in the open a light recoiling accurate auto-loader in small centerfire would be awesome imo. I think coyote calling has the perfect recipe for light recoiling auto-loaders....as the recipe is "small fast targets that don't stop moving and often come in multiples". I can see why the 'murricans' like those little black rifles...so would i.

For big game...single shots work great(self defense though might want more than one...probably why bolts are good alround choice...can do it all sort of thing?). I found a way to be almost as quick as a bolt with some NEF single shots. I would use an elastic to hold a couple spare shells around the eyepiece of the scope...its a two handed affair but with practice you can be surprisingly fast(right hand pushes eject button while left is going for a round on the scope and a short movement with left hand its in the chamber(as its right under the scope) and left hand back to forearm and closing gun while right hand is pulling back hammer and boom(faster than it sounds).

A nice slick cycling bolt gun like a tikka though is really fast for a bolt gun. My CZ bolt is a slug when your in a hurry compared to the tikka. So i can see the single working okay on coyote multiples more in the open country but the bolt probably best alround and the auto-loader the one to give you best chances for multiples on coyotes over the long haul in all situations.

My two cents.

Blake

Okotokian

05-24-2007, 03:29 PM

hmmmmm I think a single shot is irresponsible (an opinion, just an opinion. Don't freak out). Ethically I think you should be capable of a quick follow-up shot if needed. The only advantage of a single I've seen mentioned here is weight.. how much weight? a couple ounces? Man, hit the gym if those three ounces have you huffing and puffing. :b LOL

sheep hunter

05-24-2007, 03:36 PM

No, I'm going to freak out Oko...that could be the stupidest thing I've ever heard said on this board. There is no guarantee of a second shot with a bolt, pump, lever or semi and it's the first shot that counts. I'll guarantee I've never lost an animal because I was shooting a single shot. The load time to get a second round in is amazingly short and truthfully, if you need a second shot you likely screwed up the first and shouldn't have taken it. That's what seperates the responsible from irresponsible hunters. So I guess muzzleloaders and archery gear should be totally outlawed then?

Man, think about what you say before you post!

As for your other comments you obviously haven't got a clue about serious mountain hunting and the real test of an ethical rifle is one that shoots well and that you shoot well...not how many bullets you can spray out of it in a short time.

Still shaking my head!

So by your reasoning then Oko....something like an AR would be the most responsible of all hunting rifles? Definitely a lot quicker follow up shot that a bolt action.

RockyMtnx

05-24-2007, 04:18 PM

Yikes I guess your classing single shots, bows, crossbows, muzzle loaders all irresponsible since they only have one shot. That is the craziest thing I have ever heard.
I would have to say that it would be irrespirable if you have to depend on your second or third shots. Make the first one count.

The first shot is the one that counts. After that its usually a hail marry.

packhuntr

05-24-2007, 05:38 PM

Ya, i dont shoot the single shot large cal rifles{dont own one}. I will say, I grew up shooting a single shot everything, and knew how to use em. Fat and hair all over the place fellas. I could get two shots off with my old 12 bore Cooey, as fast as anyone could rattle three through a slide. And thats no lie. I would practice with empties for hours. I would often dump doubles on late jumping sharptails, and huns. Ducks were the same. Id get too excited at that age on geese in the blind though, and always picked one out way away from the lead bird{where i knew no one else was throwing lead}, and dumped one every time, guaranteed. Isnt that what hunting is all about, a well thought out, well executed game plan, for a close guaranteed and ethical one shot harvest. Sounds good hey, gotta love it when a plan comes around like that. I hope thats the story on my 2007 hunts. I wont lie, i have and will continue to ship a follower on game if the opportunity is present. I disagree with people who are too busy admiring their shot, when they should be cycling another round for finishing work, if the first doesnt nessesarily go as planned. And honestly, who really knows. And game gets away. I have watched it happen. Knock another arrow, cycle another round, whatever, stay in the game. Its hillarious, anyone ever watched someone with all the time in the world on a follow-up, get excited, short stroke the bolt on a bolt action, and fire on an empty chamber. My point is, practice for perfection, but be proficient with your equipment.
edit: i think ive been flogging a dead horse.

keep a strain on er.

Duffy4

05-24-2007, 06:09 PM

I hunt with a bow and with a muzzleloader so I'm no stranger to the concept of making the first shot count. But "the best layed plans of mice and men"...sometimes a second or third shot is nessasary. When it is I like to have a quick one.

A couple years ago I was hunting deer with my Savage lever action in .300 sav. I saw some wolves chasing white-tails in a cutblock. I got set up and called with a fawn disdress call. Two wolves came running at me. I shot the first one at ~ 80 yards and then dumped the close one at 40 steps. The first one got up and stated legging it for the bush, through spruce and pine planted saplings. I cranked that lever and shot at him every time I saw some hair. My savage holds 6 shells when full and it was empty when the two wolves lay still.

If I would have had a single shot I would have probably shot the closer wolf and closed the action on my finger trying to get it loaded for the farther wolf.

I would have been happy to have shot a single wolf and would not have thought I was "handy capped" with the single shot. However the way things turnned out with the levers "fire power" was about as much excitiment as I could stand.

I can just imagine someone nearby hearing those quick 6 shots. They surely thought I was in a war and was missing everything.

Robin in Rocky ( I have a couple levers, a pump, a couple semiautos, a couple singles and several bolt guns)

7 REM MAG

05-24-2007, 06:37 PM

if your dont like the single shot format but want multiple barrles go shoot/buy a blaser 23 factory chamberings and 3-4 shot magazine and the bolt is made of 8 locking lugs that are way stronger than any bolt action on the market, i know people that load way above max. loads and his friend accidentally shot one of his hot loads through his "ordinary" bolt action and got powder burns because of the less superior quality

sheep hunter

05-24-2007, 06:54 PM

The Blaser is a cool rifle for sure but still not the versatility of the Encore. With that said, I'm all for everyone shooting what they prefer and shoot well but to say that users of single shots are irresponsible and unethical is ludacrous. If that's what I chose to shoot and I shoot it well it's anything but irresponsible and unethical.

Okotokian has us banning semi autos and single shots...I wonder what is next. I used to wonder what side he was on.....I don't any more!>: >: >:

Jamie Hunt

05-24-2007, 07:01 PM

Oko, please correct me if I am wrong.
Didnt you just start hunting?

Thanks
Jamie

Lazy Ike

05-24-2007, 08:33 PM

I bought an old single shot cooey off my kindergarten teacher when I was 11ish. The first couple of times I went shooting with friends when I was 15 or 16 I felt undergunned going up against their nylons and pump 22's but I always killed more gophers and used way less ammo. If you pull a trigger on an animal with the idea that you're going to need a quick follow up shot, don't pull the trigger.

sheep hunter

05-24-2007, 08:52 PM

If you pull a trigger on an animal with the idea that you're going to need a quick follow up shot, don't pull the trigger.

Amen!

Duffy4

05-25-2007, 12:05 AM

When I squeeze the trigger I am hoping I will connect with a clean one shot kill. I do not "plan to need a second shot".

Just like when I go driving my truck down some less traveled back roads I do not "plan on getting stuck". I do like to have a cable, jack-all, tire chains and stuff along with me incase I do get stuck. And in some hunting situations I do like to have a "reapeater" in my hands in case I need another shot.

In many situations a fellow with a single shot is "handy capped" or at a disadvantage over a fellow with a "repeater". However there are situations when that is not the case.

Robin in Rocky

cmfic1

05-25-2007, 12:17 AM

I'm with the rest on what has been said about the single shot being "Unethical".....sheesh!

I dont know alot about the Encore, but I can tell you for certain that a Ruger #1 weighs a pile more than any of my Bolt actions, so weight savings in that regard are out.

I used to Hunt a bunch with 2 different Ruger #1's, one in 25/06 the other in .375 H+H, I liked the Rifles alot, and I currently own one in .416 Rem. Mag. They are typically a little more accurate & like it was stated earlier the looks are IMO very aestically pleasing as is the functionability of the action.

The .375 I had, I used for a few years Guiding in B.C. & the YK, with a bunch of practice I could get off the 2nd shot with it as quick, and at times quicker than some of my pals could do with their Bolt Actions. If I can do it, anyone can, therefore the follow up idea can be thrown out.

In fact, if I didnt have a plethora of Rifles already, or if I were a new comer to Shooting and/or Hunting I could easily see myself, grabbing a TC Encore & Hunting the World with the Myriad of configurations that is available with having one.

But I really couldnt see myself as being a "One Gun guy" ever again.....Too many Guns, too little time!!!

ps, I'm with Sheep, I pull the trigger each & every time like it is the only shot I'm 'gonna need, anything less than that attitude IMO is unethical!

winchester70

05-25-2007, 12:27 AM

I don't have any single shot rifles but I'd use one on gophers and coyotes but NOT on a grizzly hunt.:eek

Yeah Yeah the old mountainmen of days gone bye did but they didn't know any better.

cmfic1

05-25-2007, 12:33 AM

I'd use mine on a Grizz hunt, heck I would even use it on Cape Buff, or any other DG for that matter.

In my eyes, it wouldnt matter if it were a Single shot or a .50 BMG....Whatever Game I hunted with it, I would surely have enough confidence with my Rifle to do so!

Rifle14

05-25-2007, 12:39 AM

Single shots definitely have their place in terms of beginning hunters. For novices learning to shoot, there's nothing better, for a couple of reasons. First is safety. After they shoot, they can't accidentaly fire another round like on a semi (always loaded) or if they forget they racked the bolt/pump/lever in their excitement afterwards. 2nd is, as others have said, learning to make the first shot count, knowing you probably won't get (and shouldn't need) another. I shot my first 4 or 5 deer with a Ruger #1 falling-block 6mm, which taught me good habits and to have confidence in my equipment. I still use it a couple times a season, when I want a change from the 25-06 bolt action.

winchester70

05-25-2007, 12:40 AM

I'd use mine on a Grizz hunt, heck I would even use it on Cape Buff, or any other DG for that matter.

You sir have bigger b@!!$ than me.....I salute you..:lol

sheep hunter

05-25-2007, 12:55 AM

I did use mine on a grizz hunt with no one backing me up and I'm anything but brave...just confident in my shot!

Andrzej77

05-25-2007, 12:57 AM

I read nice story about how to became good shot and one of the authors mentioned that he became good shot due to use of single shot at very early age. When his Father let him go for partridge hunting with his 22 he gave him ONE 22 short round only... so kid went to the barn took some barley and formed line outside barn wall hole and waited till Huns came to pick on it. Than when their were all lined up he would fire his only round...getting 4-5 birds at times....
I shot double barrel shotgun lots before coming to Canada with good success but when I switched to pump I MISSED more..
I think that we need to concentrate on first shot and having three make us less selective on first opportunity....After saying this I could not brag about shooting three triples and a double on 12 consecutive shots on field duck shoot if I would use single shot.(There was no limit to # of ducks you could shoot in this country)
I started my boys with single shot 20 gauge shotgun to teach them good habits.
For my big game I use bolt with clip but I try to make each shot count.
In my bear hunting history I shot three times at black bears
and got all of them

Andrew

Tree Guy

05-25-2007, 01:08 AM

Wooo Hooo! One last battle!:D Can I play?

I hate to sell out a past ally....but personally I'm a single shot kind of guy.

I grew up hunting rabbits as a kid. We would sell them for $2 a pair (cleaned and frozen) to the local French community. They loved Rabbit pies and it was a bit of a traditional Christmas dish. If you didn't hit 'em in the eye, you were ruining meat and reducing the amount you could make (big bucks for a 10 year old!)

I have taken that philosophy with me my entire hunting life. 90% of the deer I have taken have been with head/neck shots! That might explain why I only have one head on the wall, but that was never the reason I hunted. I have never been a 'spray and pray' hunter...never will, and will never hunt with one (That is not aimed at you Blake, you are working a different game with the predators and). They make me nervous as I've had too many GD bullets whiz over my head over the years due to that 'style' of hunting! Hell, it was so bad one time I even shot BACK! :evil

I understand the role and convience of repeaters. They just make sense. However I do know the my last 10 deer were taken with 12 shells!;)

Hunting bear country is a bit of a different story, and having 'options' is nice, but after reading the thread on it, a repeating firearm is only ONE option. IMHO

Tree

sheep hunter

05-25-2007, 01:29 AM

This isn't a sales job to convert the bolt action guys. Heck, I own a pile of bolts as well but I'm not taking kindly to be called an unethical hunter because I shoot a very accurate single shot. For all of you expounding the virtue of a second shot, just think about all the animals that you have shot. Typically they drop on the spot, run quickly away not allowing for a second shot or stand wounded, allowing plenty of time to work a bolt or slip a second round in a single shot. How many times has an animal paused the exact amount of time it takes to work a bolt but not that extra second it takes to slide another round into a single? Come on guys, think about it. Anyone that has hunted big game extensively with a single realizes just how idiotic this arguement is. We are likely talking a one second difference in load time here.

If shooting a bolt is what you enjoy....do it but no need to bash fellow hunters just because they choose a single. You reached a new low Okotokian.

Jamie Hunt

05-25-2007, 01:42 AM

just think about all the animals that you have shot. Typically they drop on the spot, run quickly away not allowing for a second shot or stand wounded, allowing plenty of time to work a bolt or slip a second round in a single shot. How many times has an animal paused the exact amount of time it takes to work a bolt but not that extra second it takes to slide another round into a single?

True.. Never thought about it in that way.
Is it a pain to reload while lying down? I know my O/U is a bit of a pain from the ground.

Good stuff
Jamie

Okotokian

05-25-2007, 10:52 AM

No, I'm going to freak out Oko...that could be the stupidest thing I've ever heard said on this board.

LOL are we gonna get into that again? Throwing insults back and forth again? I'll pass.
SHeesh guys, I didn't mean to "sink to a new low" or "bash" anyone. I apologize if I ruffled anyone's feathers. I'll have to be more gentle and delicate with my opinions. Jamie, as to your question, I'm new to big game, have done upland and waterfowl for some time. Small varmints etc since my teens. Perhaps its my bad shooting, but I HAVE had to take a second shot at a winged duck before.

So by your reasoning then Oko....something like an AR would be the most responsible of all hunting rifles? Definitely a lot quicker follow up shot that a bolt action.

I don't think it would be any less ethical. I've learned from the sensible folks here and don't get too upset about the color of the gun. :D
Seriously, Have a good day Sheep.

sheep hunter

05-25-2007, 11:19 AM

Jamie, as to your question, I'm new to big game,

Your inexperience shows!

LOL are we gonna get into that again? Throwing insults back and forth again? I'll pass.

Think you started it by calling me unethical and irresponsible.

Anyhow, bashing and putting down other groups of hunters because of their choice of weapon does little to further the cause of hunting. Comments like yours do nothing but feed into the hands of the antis. Saying that all hunters that used single shots were irresponsible when they are anything but does damage to the hunting community as a whole

Rather than being more gentle with your opinions, get an informed one before you pass it along. Sorry but crap like this really ****es me off. Hunters bashing other hunters for no other reason than their own ignorance. Stop and listen and learn before spouting off with damaging statement about your fellow hunters. There is a lot to be learned by a newbie like you on this board. Heck there's a lot to be learned by an old timer like me. Just because you don't partake doesn't mean it's wrong!

Jamie Hunt

05-25-2007, 01:31 PM

but I HAVE had to take a second shot at a winged duck before.

Haven’t we all.:p
Sometimes more than 1 extra... I had a mental breakdown on my whitetail this year. (as Rackmaster can back up)
I still catch myself muttering what a stupid idiot I am over that.
Single shots are ok with me. I still think it adds another challenge to our sport. As you age with this sport you might find yourself looking for new ways to do things. Myself I got into rattling a bit this year. I didn’t overly care how big of a deer I got, but I wanted to see if I could do it. (IT WORKED!!)
:eek :eek :eek :eek

In the coming years I want to see if I can learn to call moose and perhaps get back into Muzzleloading. Many different things to discover in this passion we call hunting. You just have to keep a open mind to everything. Some you will like, some you wont. But you have to be open to trying it.
Next time you are at the AHEIA gun club, spend a extra $20 and get Bob Gruszecki's book. They have it for sale there.
You will find many interesting thoughts in that book. Well worth the time to read and think.

Good luck Oko.. Its a great sport with great people, just watch the judgmental stuff. Its a big hunting world and people do it differently all over the place.

Jamie

05-25-2007, 01:41 PM

I use a bolt repeater when I hunt. I could care less what other people use, it's their choice. But, I wonder, if a s/s carrier was to run into a Griz in the back country, would he be second guessing his choice in sporting arms?

sheep hunter

05-25-2007, 01:48 PM

Blakeinator2

05-25-2007, 02:03 PM

"Single shot doesn't mean that's all you get. It just means you have to open the action to put another shell in."

:rollin

Awesome. Now if that doesn't sum it up then nothing will. Too good.

B:lol

sheep hunter

05-25-2007, 02:10 PM

If folks are truly that concerned about getting a quick second shot off a bolt is a lousy choice too. I'd be looking at a double or semi auto or even a pump. Bolts are pretty slow in comparison. I'm not putting bolts down at all, I love mine but their second shot advantage over a single isn't much. Truthfully, when I look in the cabinet for what rifle to take that day, the action is the last deciding factor.

No doubt a single puts you at a disadvantage over a pump when shotgunning but we are talking about centrefire rifles here and were comparing bolts to singles. In my opion, both are great choices for big game hunting.

chuck

05-25-2007, 04:05 PM

Well, like I said, I was not intending to start a fight, just trying to understand the lure of the single shot from another more appreciative prospective. I just personally can't understand the excitement.

I prefer the bolt action for it's ruggedness, adaptability, site platform, accuracy, and looks (among other things). I think it's a better weapon for a big game hunter and I'm entitled to that opinion. As are those that hunt with the single shot. We all know the end result is pretty much the same.

Chuck

sheep hunter

05-25-2007, 04:22 PM

No doubt the results are same...on that we can agree but I wouldn't say that a bolt action did any of things you listed better than a single shot other than of course your personal preference for looks. Most single shots, especially the Ruger #1 and Encore are inherantly accurate...much more so than most bolts. These two rifles are also very rugged. Less moving parts means less to break. Single shots like the Encore are also inherantly safer as they must be cocked to shoot. I'm not sure what you mean by adaptability but I know of no bolt that can adapt to centrefire, muzzleloader, shotgun and rimfire. And as for site plane, that is different with every rifle but from a long time Encore shooter I can attest that they are very quick to acquire a target with. The only thing a bolt does better is that it holds shells in a magazine. It does loads of things equally well and is a fine hunting rifle too but better than a single for the reasons you listed....definitely not.

You seem to be making a lot of assuptions for someone that has never spent time with an Encore. There's no need to diss them because a few guys on television promote them. They are fine rifles. But as you say the end results are the same.

chuck

05-25-2007, 05:56 PM

but I wouldn't say that a bolt action did any of things you listed better than a single shot

Where did I say that it did?

What assumptions am I making?

700TI

05-26-2007, 09:21 AM

It's happened many times to me mackay and I've never questioned my choice. I've run into them with muzzleloader and bow in hand too. Not saying things couldn't go wrong but not something I worry about. I leave old grizz alone and he doesn't bother me. I've actually hunted them with single shot as well and was never concerned. It's still the first shot that counts. You wound a grizz at close range and with anything short of a full auto you aren't likely to get a second in him anyhow.

Single shot doesn't mean that's all you get. It just means you have to open the action to put another shell in.

I know of 2 brothers who were charged by 2 grizzlies during rifle season. They both had bolt actions. When the bears charged both of the hunters emptied their guns. 1 bear died at the scene and 1 bear was wounded, never to be found. Even by the wardens the next day. After investigating the sight and interviewing the brothers, 4 270 shells were found on the ground, unfired, and 3 7mm spent cartridges. One of the brothers just cycled his gun while panicking and the other shot the bears. His last shot had both bear and brother in his scope.
I think they are happy they had repeaters, especially the guy with the 270.
This happened about 20 years ago and was in the news. I also heard it first hand from the 7mm shooter.
I'll think I will choose repeaters when in the grizzlies living room. Antelope hunting, might be another story if I had a singleshot.

Dick284

05-26-2007, 09:29 AM

They work very well, ask my buddy and his son:
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b28/Dick284/460103.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b28/Dick284/Dave06buck1.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b28/Dick284/Daves2005buckmod.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b28/Dick284/Dads2005MD.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b28/Dick284/IMG_0436.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b28/Dick284/IMG_0474.jpg

And my daughter likes her's too:
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b28/Dick284/IMG_0875.jpg

Rackmastr

05-26-2007, 09:54 AM

If you cant do it with a singleshot, you can do it with a bolt action....plain and simple.

If you're worried about bear protection only, well I would say that could be your argument if it makes you feel better in the bush. I hunt with a bow in the mountains....doesnt bother me.

Make the first shot count....and the rest is just gravy and personal preference.....

Outdoor_Ed

05-26-2007, 08:26 PM

I love my single shot rifles. So far my muzzle loader barrel has worked great. I have taken whitetail, muledeer and moose.

I bought a 25-06 barrel from Sheep Hunter and it is slick. The reload time is lightning fast compared to the muzzle loader.
Can't wait to use it this fall.

chuck

05-27-2007, 10:47 PM

For all of you expounding the virtue of a second shot, just think about all the animals that you have shot. Typically they drop on the spot, run quickly away not allowing for a second shot or stand wounded, allowing plenty of time to work a bolt or slip a second round in a single shot. How many times has an animal paused the exact amount of time it takes to work a bolt but not that extra second it takes to slide another round into a single? Come on guys, think about it. Anyone that has hunted big game extensively with a single realizes just how idiotic this arguement is. We are likely talking a one second difference in load time here.

I wasn't going to argue the quick second shot angle, but I think it has merit. A practiced man with a bolt action rifle is awful fast with the second shot. I've shot numerous animals a second time even when the animal was well hit with the first shot. Just because, and I've never considered it the wrong choice.

To see what a guy that knows what he is doing with a bolt action rifle can do, pick up Lancaster's "Hunting the Canadian Wilderness and Beyond II". In that video/dvd, a friend of mine, Allen Day (hunting with the late Bob Fontana), shoots a grizzly at point blank range, quickly manipulates the bolt and shoots it again. Pay attention to how quickly he does that, and note the fact that that rifle never leaves his shoulder, and Allen never takes his eyes of the bear. You won't see it all, but you'll hear it. He is very effecient with a bolt gun, and it comes from simple practice. It isn't rocket science.

It is also important to note, that the rifle Allen was shooting is a finely tuned and refined rifle. It was built by D'Arcy Echols, an accomplished hunter in his own right, and I have been fortunate enough to shoot that very rifle. It is fabulous in both operation, and target aquisition.

Now to be fair, a single shot can also be made into a fabulous handling hunting rifle. I have held a nearly completed Hagn based single shot in D'Arcy Echols shop and it was awsome in every regard.

Going back to the "one shot is it" hunters out there. Pick up the latest copy of RIFLESHOOTER (May/June 2007) and read Terry Wielands "Last Page" article. Interesting.

Chuck

sheephunter

05-27-2007, 11:00 PM

I'm not against putting a second round in a standing animal that has been hit and have done it with bolt and single shot. My point being that there's never been a case in my experience where I lost an animal because of a single shot. I can't even think of a case where a bolt would have allowed me a second shot that the single didn't. I'm sure there are cases for others but I'm sure there are cases where a semi would have been quicker than a bolt too for some. Each to their own. Are you missing something not shooting a Encore as you asked oroginally? Nope, other than you are missing out on shooting a fine hunting rifle but as there are thousands of those in all actions, you can't shoot them all. The safety factor is something no one has commented on yet though. With a round in the chamber they are safer...there is no arguing that!