Single Shot Actions: Who Runs One and Do I Need One?

[Bully]

I currently have 2 projects in the works, a fast twist .223 repeater and a fast twist .243 repeater. I'm thinking that mid next year I should start a single shot build. I'm a fan of overbore calibers so it'll probably be something like a 22/47Lapua or some such. However caliber isn't important at all. The question is: who has a single shot, how do you like it, and do I need one?

 

[R.Morehouse]

If you are going to shoot bench rest type matches or prone F-class i would suggest a single shot action.......

Regards
Rick

 

[hammerjack]

Stiller Predator V

 

[Fast14riot]

I use a repeater action with a Davidson adapter epoxied in place, in a single shot 40xb stock for prone and varmint matches. Why not throw a follower in one of your repeaters to see if it works for you.

 

[Bully]

I use a repeater action with a Davidson adapter epoxied in place, in a single shot 40xb stock for prone and varmint matches. Why not throw a follower in one of your repeaters to see if it works for you.

I've shot an AR single shot. It does work for me. Not an issue. I like the idea of being "forced" to take it slow. I'm also, as I get a bit older, am enjoying bringing less to the range.
And it's kind of funny, I brought it up to a friend of mine and as soon as I did all the single shot actions in the classified's disappeared.

 

[22DASHER]

If it is just for plinking or varmint shooting I would build it on a custom repeater action. Why not have the versatility built right into the action if needed? I do have single shot actions on very heavy varmint rifles but I do wish they were repeaters because then when I decide to change the built I won't be limited. And you can still shoot them as a single shot if wanted. Obviously BR or F Class is a different story

 

[Fast14riot]

I originally wanted a true single shot action for my 260AI build, but came across a deal for the one I got that I couldn't pass up. $15 for the adapter and 3 spots of JB weld and it's now a SS. I shoot some matches that I have taken it too slow with single feed and left shots unfired. A small timer (cut the speaker wire if shooting matches) can help train you to keep the right pace.

 

[mongo chicago]

Love the single shot actions. I have 3 Ruger #1s. All customized somewhat. LOVE them. The two in 6mm Rem. are my prairie dog guns. The 6.5x55 is for anything bigger. I also have a Win. 1885 Highwall - heavily customized - in 22 mag for short range prairie dogs. Unless I'm in combat or an N.R.A. match, that's all I need.

 

[6MMsteve]

I currently have 2 projects in the works, a fast twist .223 repeater and a fast twist .243 repeater. I'm thinking that mid next year I should start a single shot build. I'm a fan of overbore calibers so it'll probably be something like a 22/47Lapua or some such. However caliber isn't important at all. The question is: who has a single shot, how do you like it, and do I need one?

if you want to change bolt heads get the Savage single shot, F12 Palma if you can find one summers, short action you can change bolt heads and shoot the short mags, and 300win mag also, but a stiller I think does the same thing, or if you have the jack buy a Borden if I was buying and had the money Borden is the way I would go

 

[Ray B]

I had CP Donnelly build up a 1909 mfg 1885 High Wall several years back. The old high wall doesn't adapt well to rimless cartridges so I had it chambered for 22/30-30 Ackley Improved. there is a write-up of it in Handloader Magazine about 25 years ago. It was a great shooting rifle and once the process was determined, forming the brass wasn't a problem. Ballistics were very similar to the 22/250.

 

[6MMsteve]

I have 2 Sav 110 models that I shoot they work fine for me, I just take a pc of 0.070 metal sheet and slide in the grooves on the mag hanger and I have a single shot. or you can epoxy up the mag well and fine tune to a single shot, I shoot off the bench at home all the time so a single is fine for me, plus I can seat my bullets way long or way short.

 

[Shynloco]

I currently have 2 projects in the works, a fast twist .223 repeater and a fast twist .243 repeater. I'm thinking that mid next year I should start a single shot build. I'm a fan of overbore calibers so it'll probably be something like a 22/47Lapua or some such. However caliber isn't important at all. The question is: who has a single shot, how do you like it, and do I need one?

Bully,
If I may suggest, the .223 is a good idea to pursue, however IMHO the PURE .243 IS NOT. I would strongly recommend you re-consider and go with a 6mmbr. It is a much more accurate cartridge than a PURE .243 which is a great caliber for hunting, but doesn't cut it when shooting Benchest. AS far as the repeater aspect goes, it all depends on what discipline you plan to pursue. And I shoot both single shot and well as repeater calibers but STRICTLY off the bench. My two most accurate shooting rifle are a 30BR (Remington 700 Single shot) and my Savage 6mmbr which is also a single shot. But my repeaters also shoot very nice groups all off the Bench. I must defer to others on this blog as to what's best in other disciplines of shooting. But also remember if you want to compete, there are weight restriction and other specific rules that may well govern the rifle you are permitted to shoot.

But do consider NOT building that PURE.243. I have a good friend who made that mistake and is now having to spend the extra money in having his rifle barrel changed/chamber to a 6mmbr or a 6.5 Creedmoor, that after he shot my Savage 6mmbr after spending alot of time and money trying to make that new .243 shoot what anyone would consider NOT a good group when comparing it to other well established calibers used in competition. Even his Gunsmith who is an accomplished shooter himself and wins competitions left and right, put together handloads for my friend's and those couldn't keep up with my 6mmbr. Don't waste your money on something that won't give you the best results. Ask yourself, how many PURE .243 do you see being shot in state and national level competitions????? (ZERO that I'm aware of) Why do you suppose that is?

Alex

 

[Bully]

Bully,
If I may suggest, the .223 is a good idea to pursue, however IMHO the PURE .243 IS NOT. I would strongly recommend you re-consider and go with a 6mmbr. It is a much more accurate cartridge than a PURE .243 which is a great caliber for hunting, but doesn't cut it when shooting Benchest. AS far as the repeater aspect goes, it all depends on what discipline you plan to pursue. And I shoot both single shot and well as repeater calibers but STRICTLY off the bench. My two most accurate shooting rifle are a 30BR (Remington 700 Single shot) and my Savage 6mmbr which is also a single shot. But my repeaters also shoot very nice groups all off the Bench. I must defer to others on this blog as to what's best in other disciplines of shooting. But also remember if you want to compete, there are weight restriction and other specific rules that may well govern the rifle you are permitted to shoot.

But do consider NOT building that PURE.243. I have a good friend who made that mistake and is now having to spend the extra money in having his rifle barrel changed/chamber to a 6mmbr or a 6.5 Creedmoor, that after he shot my Savage 6mmbr after spending alot of time and money trying to make that new .243 shoot what anyone would consider NOT a good group when comparing it to other well established calibers used in competition. Even his Gunsmith who is an accomplished shooter himself and wins competitions left and right, put together handloads for my friend's and those couldn't keep up with my 6mmbr. Don't waste your money on something that won't give you the best results. Ask yourself, how many PURE .243 do you see being shot in state and national level competitions????? (ZERO that I'm aware of) Why do you suppose that is?

Alex

Only one issue that you skipped over: I'm not a competitor. I'm building this rifle for a few purposes one of which is to simply have a good time with easy to find components and tons of load data. Again I have several other reasons and if you're curious, feel free to PM me. Nothing nefarious, just a few things that I don't need on the interwebs right now.
Now to start the search for a single shot 700 action with a standard boltface.

 

[onelastshot]

Love the single shot actions. I have 3 Ruger #1s. All customized somewhat. LOVE them. The two in 6mm Rem. are my prairie dog guns. The 6.5x55 is for anything bigger. I also have a Win. 1885 Highwall - heavily customized - in 22 mag for short range prairie dogs. Unless I'm in combat or an N.R.A. match, that's all I need.

The Ruger No. 1 is tough to beat; mine is a Mauser 7x57 and it's a great all around rifle and cartridge. It's my go to deer rifle and I've shot a truck load of deer with it. If you handload there's a 101 different bullets and load possibilities that will cover you from varmints to large game.

 

[hoz53]

Only one issue that you skipped over: I'm not a competitor. I'm building this rifle for a few purposes one of which is to simply have a good time with easy to find components and tons of load data. Again I have several other reasons and if you're curious, feel free to PM me. Nothing nefarious, just a few things that I don't need on the interwebs right now.
Now to start the search for a single shot 700 action with a standard boltface.

you could try northland shooters supply, greg taylor , PTG if you havent allready

 

[T 700]

Budsgunshop.com has single shot Remington 700 actions

 

[Bully]

Budsgunshop.com has single shot Remington 700 actions

Good to know. Thanks. After the holidays I'll most likely post a WTB and see what happens.

 

[JRS]

If you are going to use it for hunting, plinking or having fun shooting, a well made repeater gives up nothing to a solid bottom action. Strictly BR competition is a different story. Look at the actions used in Hunter Class BR. They give up nothing to the rifles used in VFS.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

I prefer single shot actions and have killed most of my elk with them. I dont feel the need for a repeater most of the time. I have killed multiple elk on the run with a single shot. I like the way they feed, very smooth, and you wont beat up your bullets running out of the mag. Thats important if your shooting game with Bergers. Heres my 30-28 Nosler, single shot.

 

[Bully]

^^^ Beautiful Rifle @Alex Wheeler . Feel free to share the details on it.
BTW, if I ever head back out your way, I'll for sure be dropping by.