Single-shot bolt action rifles.

[Rob]

Why aren't more single-shot bolt action rifles available from the major companies?

There seems to be a demand for single-shots and also a demand for accurate bolt action rifles but you don't see many single-shot bolt actions. There are a few, but most of these are heavy barrel varmint or target type rifles. I am thinking more about a handy lightweight and accurate all-purpose hunting rifle, one that is not a lever activated falling block or a break open.

 

[OkayShooter]

My guess, it's not what people want. Look at handguns and how many got accessory rails on them.

But most repeaters can be used as a single shot.

 

[257Wby]

Single shot followers are available for most bolt action rifles and can improve single feeding.
Score High is one brand .

 

[elKrusto]

I would think that there would be no market for a single shot bolt action rifle. The bean counters likely wouldn't waste the money building something that one in a thousand consumers might want.
If a guy wanted that, why not just load one cartridge in a repeater? Sure, a solid bottom on the action might increase accuracy, which is not needed as most bolt actions are plenty accurate for hunting situations....
Isn't the attraction to single shot rifles that the actions (Ruger #1, Winchester 1885 etc) are much shorter, allowing a longer barrel to be installed and still having a rifle the same OAL as a bolt action with a shorter barrel? (I realize nostalgia and asthetics are an attraction as well)

 

[MiG25]

Why aren't more single-shot bolt action rifles available from the major companies?

There seems to be a demand for single-shots and also a demand for accurate bolt action rifles but you don't see many single-shot bolt actions. There are a few, but most of these are heavy barrel varmint or target type rifles. I am thinking more about a handy lightweight and accurate all-purpose hunting rifle, one that is not a lever activated falling block or a break open.

Single shot bolt actions went out of style in the 1880's. But, single shot followers are available.

 

[dan belisle]

Single shot bolt actions went out of style in the 1880's. But, single shot followers are available.

Remington's 40x disagrees. In reality, they work well for target rifles, some kinds of varminting, but most hunters want repeater capability. - dan

 

[South Pender]

I love 'em. The ones I've been interested in have typically been built on better actions, built to higher standards, and feature match-grade barrels and, in some cases, match triggers. Here are four of mine. The Wichita Classics are built on Wichita's own action and match barrel. The triggers have been tuned down to about 8 oz. The Dakotas are built on the Nesika action and have match barrels and Jewell triggers.

1. Wichita Classic .22 PPC:

2. Wichita Classic .243 Win.:

3. Dakota Varminter .222 Rem.:

4. Dakota Varminter 6 PPC:

 

[Hitzy]

Had this little HVA made in the 20's, this one was made in 30-30, they made them in a few other chamberings as well.

 

[Canuck65]

Hmm. Folks building or buying a hunting rifle, generally wouldn’t want a single-shot bolt. Folks building a target rifle generally wouldn’t want a mass-produced action.

That’s my guess.

 

[blakeyboy]

Definitely don’t want one in 6.5 Grendel, 10 rounds minimum. Spray and pray.

All joking aside it’s especially nice to be able to stay in scope and send more with a bolt gun with recoil levels that allow you to watch everything in scope. I ran a single for awhile and not likely to do again but break action type...bolt would be better with ammo in shell holder you could likely get pretty quick. Speaking from a hunters perspective here. Bench fill yer boots.

 

[Leeper]

I have a light hunting rifle I built on a single shot Sako 579 action. It's a 260 Rem. With no magazine, I was able to make the stock slim and comfortable to carry in the mid-section. In use, it's no different than my Ruger No.1. It's certainly a workable concept.

 

[dan belisle]

I love 'em. The ones I've been interested in have typically been built on better actions, built to higher standards, and feature match-grade barrels and, in some cases, match triggers. Here are four of mine. The Wichita Classics are built on Wichita's own action and match barrel. The triggers have been tuned down to about 8 oz. The Dakotas are built on the Nesika action and have match barrels and Jewell triggers.

1. Wichita Classic .22 PPC:

2. Wichita Classic .243 Win.:

3. Dakota Varminter .222 Rem.:

4. Dakota Varminter 6 PPC:

Those dakotas are very pretty. Thx for sharing. - dan

 

[Rob]

I have a light hunting rifle I built on a single shot Sako 579 action. It's a 260 Rem. With no magazine, I was able to make the stock slim and comfortable to carry in the mid-section. In use, it's no different than my Ruger No.1. It's certainly a workable concept.

That sounds great. Just what I was originally writing about. Any chance of posting a photo?

 

[kayaker1]

Messed around with a friend’s Musgrave RSA actioned sporter in .25-06 in the 90’s. Friend in South Africa has one in .308 that is his go-to hunting rifle. The RSA actioned .308 target rifles were fairly common many years ago, you see the odd one in Canada too.

Quite a few were fit with lighter barrels, sporter stocks, and in a variety of chamberings.

 

[Buckmastr]

Those dakotas are very pretty. Thx for sharing. - dan

Yep x2

I like accurate varmint rifles but I don’t see any upside in a single shot unless it’s an accurate range toy or gopher rig. Which is totally understandable.

 

[MilitaryCollectorMark]

Think it has alot to do with guys liking having multiple rounds available incase they miss? One thing going for a single shot, learn to make your shots count

 

[DGY]

We should really call them something else than single shot lol cause as long as you have rounds with you you can keep feeding them and keep shooting!! I hunted with Ruger no1 for years and never really thought I was limited to a single round! My new riffle being made is a “single shot” and I will carry it as much as I can for everything from sheep to bison! And a bolt action single shot would be way faster o reload than a Ruger no1 or break action or the rotary action I’m getting!! So I would be confident with one!

 

[Thirsty_Fox]

I love single shots, but I think break-action single-shots make more sense than bolt-action as they are shorter, simpler, and inherently ambidextrous.

If they're already going through the trouble to make the bolt, it's hardly a step further to allow it to feed from a box magazine, which is going to sell more than without. There's no real advantage to having a bolt-action without magazine apart from the charm and different approach to shooting with it.

I also think part of the appeal of single-shots is they tend to be old-timey classics, so maybe making a new model with no historical value might not sell well.

 

[dan belisle]

I love single shots, but I think break-action single-shots make more sense than bolt-action as they are shorter, simpler, and inherently ambidextrous.

If they're already going through the trouble to make the bolt, it's hardly a step further to allow it to feed from a box magazine, which is going to sell more than without. There's no real advantage to having a bolt-action without magazine apart from the charm and different approach to shooting with it.

I also think part of the appeal of single-shots is they tend to be old-timey classics, so maybe making a new model with no historical value might not sell well.

Solid bottom single shot receivers are more rigid, and theoretically at least, more accurate. BR competitions seem to back this idea up. - dan

 

[BigUglyMan]

Why aren't more single-shot bolt action rifles available from the major companies?

There seems to be a demand for single-shots and also a demand for accurate bolt action rifles but you don't see many single-shot bolt actions. There are a few, but most of these are heavy barrel varmint or target type rifles. I am thinking more about a handy lightweight and accurate all-purpose hunting rifle, one that is not a lever activated falling block or a break open.

Because they would sell 3 every year. I bet the number of hunters that want a single shot bolt action rifle across Canada could all fit in a minivan.