Best single shot?

J

Jmiverson

Regular
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Regina
I would like to find an older, used single shotgun. Trouble is I don't know my way around the older models, so which ones should I choose from? A .410 would be sweet, but a 20 or 12ga will also do just fine. Thx for any input
 
I wouldn't recommend anything larger than a 20ga unless you've got a tough shoulder, stick with the sub gauges and you'll be fine.

Is there any particular reason you want a used/older gun? You can pick up a new H&R single shot for around $130...
 
It really depends on your use? If its just a chicken/partridge gun, a .410 or 20G will work fine. Large birds, small game, buckshot, slugs, you might want to consider a larger bore.


Having that said, an ounce of shot out of a 12G, 20G, 16G, or 28G shotgun given the same weight of shotgun, will be equal shooting in energy and recoil. (.410 cannot get an ounce of pellets)
 
I don't think there's anything wrong in the slightest with modern single shots. I know a lot of people who shoot slugs swear by the h&r single shot slug guns for example.

I have an old cooey single 16 that's the better part of 100 years old and is still fetching game today without failures - but I have to admit, she kicks like a sunuma##### :)
 
I guess I should specify that caliber isn't really my question but rather the reliability, function of the shotgun itself. which models have served everybody best?
 
I like the older guns and most of them were walnut and steel, not hardwood and alloy.

Foxer--just so you know Cooey did not start making shotguns until 1948 so your gun is at the most 63 years old if it was built the first year of production.
 
id buy a H&R if you plan on modifying it theres a but load of stuff out there for them as for stocks ect and the older guns just should not be messed with
 
If you want style aya and ithaca and lefever made some very nice singles. They may be slightly heavier but reliability and pride of ownership is there 100 percent. But if you're looking for a cheap bush gun avoid any older singles that have a plastic part on the forend that mates to the reciever on lockup. Its a ##### when they break. Hnr cooey cil they are all decent work horses. Even baikals
 
Another vote for Cooey.... my model 84 has taken countless game.... from grouse to deer to yotes.... at the end of teh day slap some chainsaw oil on the outside with a rag and pull a piece of oil soaked clot hthrough the barrel and you are good to go for teh next hunt!...
 
Its not a very pretty gun, but I bust every single clay thrown with my Baikal 12G single. its a bit heavier making it even easier on the shoulder. plus, its cheap. got mine for $100... used of course but in great condition. I don't think I'll be selling that gun any time soon and I wouldn't hesitate for a second to recommend it to anyone looking for an inexpensive gun where you wont be worried about it getting bumped.
 
ibloom said:
Its not a very pretty gun, but I bust every single clay thrown with my Baikal 12G single. its a bit heavier making it even easier on the shoulder. plus, its cheap. got mine for $100... used of course but in great condition. I don't think I'll be selling that gun any time soon and I wouldn't hesitate for a second to recommend it to anyone looking for an inexpensive gun where you wont be worried about it getting bumped.
Click to expand...

That's a good option now too.... I see they actually make a synthetic single shot with a crossbolt safety.... that would be an awesome first gun for somebody..... although I prefer wood stocks

Baikal izh-18m-m
 
For me, Iver Johnson Champion, Harrington Richardson Topper or the old Winchester 37 Steel Built. They are the best of the old singles in my opinion, walnut stocks and all steel hinge parts. If you hunt around you can still find good tight examples for less than $150. Head and shoulders above ANYTHING new manufactured.
 
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