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

[Mozella]

There are several reasons to go to single shot; accuracy inherent with a good bolt gun or to comply with rules such as F-Class. And if you're interested in accuracy, that means you'll be hand loading.

Since you already shoot .223 and 6mm, why not build a bolt gun that you could shoot in 600 yd F class matches. A .223 can be fun in F/TR, especially when you beat the .308 guys. Or, how about a 6mm BR Norma or one of the variants of that cartridge for F-open? That way you can use at least some of your reloading gear on your existing rifles too. You may need different dies, but things like shell holders, bolt faces, bullet pullers, measuring devices, and stuff like that will interchange.

I'm a Savage fan. You might consider one of the Savage Model 12 variants. You'll want a heavy barrel if you intend to compete, but if you don't have to carry it very far you might also use it for hunting in which case a magazine with a slip-in single-shot-sled might be just the thing. That way you can convert from target shooting to hunting, assuming the heavy barrel isn't a qualifier. Consider buying a cheap Savage and putting on a new barrel and stock. That can produce a nice match rifle on a budget.

 

[Bully]

There are several reasons to go to single shot; accuracy inherent with a good bolt gun or to comply with rules such as F-Class. And if you're interested in accuracy, that means you'll be hand loading.

Since you already shoot .223 and 6mm, why not build a bolt gun that you could shoot in 600 yd F class matches. A .223 can be fun in F/TR, especially when you beat the .308 guys. Or, how about a 6mm BR Norma or one of the variants of that cartridge for F-open? That way you can use at least some of your reloading gear on your existing rifles too. You may need different dies, but things like shell holders, bolt faces, bullet pullers, measuring devices, and stuff like that will interchange.

I'm a Savage fan. You might consider one of the Savage Model 12 variants. You'll want a heavy barrel if you intend to compete, but if you don't have to carry it very far you might also use it for hunting in which case a magazine with a slip-in single-shot-sled might be just the thing. That way you can convert from target shooting to hunting, assuming the heavy barrel isn't a qualifier. Consider buying a cheap Savage and putting on a new barrel and stock. That can produce a nice match rifle on a budget.

I hunt, but bow only. And, in NJ, no rifle hunting.
I'm also not a competitor. I build for fun. To have fun. So, none of my stuff "conforms" at this point and I don't see that changing.
I just want a cool little rifle that can be shot well, with ammo loaded long. And no worries about mags and such. Nice and simple.

 

[JRS]

A nice little repeater

 

[NorCalMikie]

A nice little repeater

Add a single shot follower and you have the best of both worlds.
All my Savage rigs are either single shot or have adapters added. I'am shooting mostly Wildcats. Head space set on the tight side and no factory ammo available so it works.
Ejector rods are removed and the fired case stays on the bolt head till I pick it off. No chasing brass that way.

You want to try something different? Try shooting a lefty action right handed. Right hand keeps control of the stock while the left hand works the bolt and feeds ammo. That way you never loose control of the stock and no reaching over/across to work the bolt.
From the bench, it's a blast.

 

[willbas]

I got my Big Horn in Single shoot I can switch between .223 and .308 change bolt head and barrel in about 30 min. my next one will a long action I will be able to go from .223. to .300 WM

 

[bsekf]

I just got my 2nd true Savage 110 LA Single Shot (5 1/16 between screw holes). Solid bottom, no magazine cutout in the action. Seems like every barrel I screw on them shoots bettter.

Bill

 

[boltfluter]

My first benchrest rifle was a LH single shot .Wichita set up. Worked just fine as I shoot right handed. Very convenient at the bench and a great shooter. Miss that rifle.

Paul

 

[nmkid]

Most all my rifles are repeater and they have followers installed. ​

 

[GSPV]

If you don’t need the repeater capability, you don’t need it and you’ll have the option of going solid bottom.

If you are just jacking around for fun, a solid bottom won’t really be that big of a help but won’t be a hinderance, either. It will be simpler and slightly cheaper to bed. No cost for bottom metal, obviously.

I’m with the poster above on the cartridge. A 243 is a nice hunting cartridge. You’d learn a lot more on a 6 BR, 6 Grendel, or 6 PPC. Components and load data are quite sufficient. Don’t need more than sufficient. Brass might be a little more expensive. Nothing else will be.

 

[tmwinds]

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

John Whidden would be surprised that a .243 won't win any competitions or set records. Google John Whidden 243 for a list of wins and national records.

 

[Phil3]

I did not think a single shot would much appeal to me, but I was wrong. I like the simplicity of it and dead reliable chambering. Mine is right bolt, left port, so can easily see the port, making loading easy. Also, I removed the ejector because I do not want to lose expensive Lapua brass or have to hunt for it. Easy to fish out when I can see it sitting there. Also, right hand operates bolt, and left hand handles loading and unloading. I have mixed feelings on this. All that said, I do like it. No mags to buy carry, no loading sleds in mag feed actions, no feeding failures, it is like the revolver of rifles, but even simpler. I have mag fed rifles, but am truly happy I built a single shot.

Phil

 

[JFrank]

I'm a fan of trued single shot R700 from NSS, very reasonable on price. 308 bolt face is hard to go wrong

 

[GSPV]

John Whidden would be surprised that a .243 won't win any competitions or set records. Google John Whidden 243 for a list of wins and national records.

Yes. In prone long range. Not off a bench at short range. Apples and oranges.

 

[tmwinds]

Yes. In prone long range. Not off a bench at short range. Apples and oranges.

I didn't see the part about building a SR BR rifle. I think it said a fast twist .243 repeater. I think Mr. Whidden has proven that a .243 can be super accurate, off hand or prone, or in his case, standing on his head.

 

[GSPV]

I didn't see the part about building a SR BR rifle. I think it said a fast twist .243 repeater. I think Mr. Whidden has proven that a .243 can be super accurate, off hand or prone, or in his case, standing on his head.

He has two repeaters. He’s asking about a single shot. Far away the most common application is shooting from some kind of rest. Once you get to shooting off of a rest, in general, the 243 is going to give way to more inherently accurate cartridges.

Like I said, I’ve shot a buttload of 243. Was my only centerfire rifle for 20 years. Love it. Highly recommend it for many applications. Actually did so just this week. Just not as the best cartridge for shooting paper at casual distances.

I *thought* I knew how to shoot a rifle until I got my first benchrest setup. It taught me more in the next couple of years than I had in the three decades prior.

That’s the reason that most people here jump to recommend a 6 BR to people. It’s just hard to beat as a vehicle to step up one’s game.

 

[DHuffman]

I've got several, mostly Savages. Everything from on old J model intermediate, a short, a long and a 3 screw target. Will have a new Borden drop port in a new build very soon.

I have some repeaters for hunting but find myself using them less and less.

 

[Steve Ladino]

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?

Don't own an AR rifle and therefore may not realize their shortcomings but my imagination says how about an AR in a heavy BR stock ? Or would this be something already out, ie: precision rifle ?

 

[243winxb]

The question is: who has a single shot, how do you like it, and do I need one?

A 40x in 243. I like it.

With no magazine cut, the action may be stiffer? Better to support a heavy bull barrel.

Trimmed the ejector spring. No chasing brass.

 

[DogBuster]

For me..Savage heavy table gun p/dog rigs....the only way to fly

Either the older 4.27" or newer target action series 4.4"

Stiffer action......heavier barrel works well......no ejector in bolt face

Easily set up yourself with only a few tools...aftermarket barrel of your choice

pic #1 is 204 Ruger (for sale) pic #2 is 20 Vartarg

 

[ratbuster]

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

Depends what type of competition. John Whidden does very well with a 243. The higher velocities are also helpful when the competition is long range and there are no wind flags.