Falling Block vs. Break Action
- Thread starter 1899
- Start date
There is nothing wrong with break open actions.
If there was shotguns wouldn't not have used them.
The difference however is that in basic physics when you fire it a break open action is always trying to push itself open on it's own pivot point.
Over the years the locking mechnisms have got stronger to the point where rifles like the T/C rifles are quite capable of magnum pressures but as a basic design they aren't as strong as a bolt action.
Falling blocks, more specifically those like the Farquarson/Ruger No.1 or the Browning have a breech block that drops down and is therefore perpendicular to the direction of recoil.
As such it is near well impossible to push the action open when the cartridge pushes back on the breech.
In terms of advantages break-open guns can be collapsed easily and many have interchangable barrels.
Most modern-break opens also are very accurate too and as I said before some are quite up to the most extreme cartridges.
For those who like light portable rifles they can also be made lighter and shorter because the action itself is very compact.
They do tend to like rimmed cartridges, hence the reason why many European companies chamber their break-open single shots, doubles and drillings in rimmed cartridges but T/C, H&R/NEF and many others chamber rimless without any problems and most European break-opens are available in 30-06 too.
I guess the advantage of falling blocks like the Ruger No.1 is that they can be loaded within an inch of their life.
They're super strong, often very accurate and are happy with rimmed or rimless cartridges.
In the long run a break-open gun can cost you as little or as much as you wish.
There's certainly no reason to avoid buying one for fear of poor accuracy or lack of strength.
Just ask the guys who own copious H&R/NEF rifles.
If there was shotguns wouldn't not have used them.
The difference however is that in basic physics when you fire it a break open action is always trying to push itself open on it's own pivot point.
Over the years the locking mechnisms have got stronger to the point where rifles like the T/C rifles are quite capable of magnum pressures but as a basic design they aren't as strong as a bolt action.
Falling blocks, more specifically those like the Farquarson/Ruger No.1 or the Browning have a breech block that drops down and is therefore perpendicular to the direction of recoil.
As such it is near well impossible to push the action open when the cartridge pushes back on the breech.
In terms of advantages break-open guns can be collapsed easily and many have interchangable barrels.
Most modern-break opens also are very accurate too and as I said before some are quite up to the most extreme cartridges.
For those who like light portable rifles they can also be made lighter and shorter because the action itself is very compact.
They do tend to like rimmed cartridges, hence the reason why many European companies chamber their break-open single shots, doubles and drillings in rimmed cartridges but T/C, H&R/NEF and many others chamber rimless without any problems and most European break-opens are available in 30-06 too.
I guess the advantage of falling blocks like the Ruger No.1 is that they can be loaded within an inch of their life.
They're super strong, often very accurate and are happy with rimmed or rimless cartridges.
In the long run a break-open gun can cost you as little or as much as you wish.
There's certainly no reason to avoid buying one for fear of poor accuracy or lack of strength.
Just ask the guys who own copious H&R/NEF rifles.
I think reloading a falling block would be marginally faster (for me anyway) but i'm sure the break action shotgunners might well disagree.
I remember seeing a video online of a guy holding extra rounds for his #1 in between his fingers, sticking out sort of, and reloading and firing really fast.
You also can't reload a break action without dismounting the rifle.
Damn you catnthehat why'd you show me that #1A...
I remember seeing a video online of a guy holding extra rounds for his #1 in between his fingers, sticking out sort of, and reloading and firing really fast.
You also can't reload a break action without dismounting the rifle.
Damn you catnthehat why'd you show me that #1A...
Do you reload it with your left hand? Or do you break it open, and let your left hand swing down with the forend and hold it up that way?
I guess I spoke hastily when I said you "can't", but it sounds awkward to me...
Whereas with the falling block, the action of reloading begins and ends much like a lever action, with inserting the fresh round in the middle.
I guess I spoke hastily when I said you "can't", but it sounds awkward to me...
Whereas with the falling block, the action of reloading begins and ends much like a lever action, with inserting the fresh round in the middle.
- Location
- Hillbilly shack in the boonies
Falling block , all the way
Strong action
Frank
Strong action Frank
I purchased a TC Encore with a 50 cal. BP barrel and a 270W barrel. It is light, short, flexible in that you can add barrels till the cows come home and appears to be well made. They will handle most (they apparently don't take to the short magnums) cartridges from 22 Hornet to 375H&H ... so I guess they are strong enough for most hunting purposes. The exposed hammer certainly tells you when it is cocked so is a good safety feature for newer shooters. They are compact, shoot VERY well yadayadayada and with a Choate folding stock pretty good pack gun. I like it a lot. BUT I still think the Browning and Ruger single shot falling blocks are nicer and a lot more "elegant"...fwiw (ps I don't own a Browning or Ruger .... yet)
- Location
- Ft. Mac. Alberta
I lie 'em all!
Falling blocks are too cool for school however, and open hammered falling blocks are the ultimate!
PSST! Hey Silverado, wanna try that 1A tomorrow?
Cat
Falling blocks are too cool for school however, and open hammered falling blocks are the ultimate!
PSST! Hey Silverado, wanna try that 1A tomorrow?
Cat
350tracker
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Interlake Manitoba
Having had both I would have to add that the break action is easier to clean because it can be taken apart. I would dare take the Ruger #1 apart. One thing I don’t like about the break is at the range. After every shot the rifle has to be reset to shot were as the #1 is similar to about action and can stay in place to reload for the next shot. They are both good action but the #1 gets my vote...
