Which Single-shot rifle would you choose?

I am currently contemplating a made to order single shot, I've tried several Rugers and a couple others, they were ok but I want light weight, excellent trigger, take down capability and return to zero QD scope mount, and interchangeable barrels. So that leaves only three major manufacturers - Merkel, Krieghoff, and Blaser. I'm currently leaning towards the Merkel K3
 
Never had a high end hinge action but liked the k1 that I owned. Those I have handled and the K1 itself are very lightweight and absolutely made for hunting. This has nothing to do with the action but I don't think you're in the market for a handi rifle.

I give a lot of thought to a euro single shot as a mountain rifle. The barrel swapping and takedown features that come with higher end models are very appealing.

I like how the ruger no 1 reloads and they are also well designed in terms of carry. Do not approach the euro singles in this department or weight.

I can't speak to the really classy stuff.
 
holzmeister said:
Blaser K98 Ultimate Carbon..... ######y

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Looks like a Mossberg. :)
 
Falling block for me. Have been wanting one in some sort of medium bore for awhile now(9.3x74R?), likely going to be a #1 based on my budget and what I'm willing to pay for a rifle that probably won't get used all that much. I just think overall they are nice looking and neat action at a reasonable value.
 
They don't compare with the European singles, but price and versatility I have to mention TC Encore. Calibers from 22LR to 375H&H; barrels 12" to 28".
 
Falling block hands down

Hagn, Dakota, soroka, searcy, Bradshaw if you want 100% custom

You can also get some pretty damn nice reworked #1’s
 
Falling block.

I wish there was more options for single shot rifles. I’d take the reduced length for 95% of the shooting I do.Also really wish there was CFW barrel options.
 
I have sharps and a roller in 50 cal, a martini in 577/450 that are fun to hunt with. Limited range. Ruger #1&#3, Browning 78 in 45-70 that will kill anything you hit well placed. Martini 303 is fun. #3&#1 in Hornet, and #3 in 223. 78s in 17 Rem,22-250,06. Lots out there but, what do you hunt, where, and what range? The #3s are great for walking, the Sharps not so much :).
 
I'm surprised nobody mentioned Luxus yet. I have zero experience with them but the polished blueing and exhibition walnut they come with sure make them eye catching. Those hagn's are gorgeous too and being a no.1 owner I'm partial to them as well. Then there are the sharps replicas, also very handsome rifles... I prefer falling blocks... if you couldn't tell. ;)
 
Today there are two well known break-action single shot rifles which equals the strength of the falling block actions. They are the Blaser K95 and the Merkel K1, 2 and 3. All of these rifles have the tilting block system, which adds superior strength, as the falling block. Recently, I have viewed many quality falling and hinge single shots, the only problem I have is choosing one. I was thinking of building from the Hagn action, but come-on, $3,300 US ($4,350 Canadian) just for the action. Almost a clone to the Hagn action is the B. Searcy, for less than half the price of the hagn. I've owned two #1's, 30-06 and 300 H&H, and I have absolutely no complaints about the #1, this rifle belongs in the Rifle Hall of Fame as a top contender. A build from the #1 would be really nice however, at the same time, Blaser K95 and Merkels are stunning in all aspects.
 
The Hagn’s got by far the best tolerances, have built on one recently. The seams almost disappear on the underside of the frame between parts when locked up, it’s unreal. Ruger is 33% of the action for 33% of the price and is a great value. One thing on Hagns there are multiple frame sizes so you can scale it exactly to the project, from micro up. The price is pretty damn reasonable for expert Canadian labour.
 
Ardent said:
The Hagn’s got by far the best tolerances, have built on one recently. The seams almost disappear on the underside of the frame between parts when locked up, it’s unreal. Ruger is 33% of the action for 33% of the price and is a great value. One thing on Hagns there are multiple frame sizes so you can scale it exactly to the project, from micro up. The price is pretty damn reasonable for expert Canadian labour.
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I have a difficult time to justify the Hagn action when the B. Searcy is almost identical for less than half the price. I should of purchased one action when Ralf and Martin built me one rifle and restored an old 1901 L.C. (Elsie) Smith. They were half the price about 12-15 years ago. After reading many great reviews on the K95 and K1,2,3 I'm leaning towards these two, most particular, the K95. If I build, it will be either the B. Searcy or Ruger #1. Will have Chris Greisbach build it. BTW, who built your rifles?
 
The only single shot, single barrel rifles I currently own are a Baikal in 7.62x39 and a Rossi .223. So my humble opinion doesn't count for much. Like the Baikal because it will eat cheap ammo. Fun boomer, lots of noise, fair recoil.
 
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track said:
I have a difficult time to justify the Hagn action when the B. Searcy is almost identical for less than half the price. I should of purchased one action when Ralf and Martin built me one rifle and restored an old 1901 L.C. (Elsie) Smith. They were half the price about 12-15 years ago. After reading many great reviews on the K95 and K1,2,3 I'm leaning towards these two, most particular, the K95. If I build, it will be either the B. Searcy or Ruger #1. Will have Chris Greisbach build it. BTW, who built your rifles?
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I just build my own my money goes further and I enjoy the process a good deal, as for the Searcy I know Butch in passing from the trade show circuit and I’m sure it’s swell he stands behind what his company makes. As for cheaper don’t think you’ll be all that far ahead ($1500USxrealistic bank exchange rate = $2100, plus import $400). I paid $3300 for my last Hagn and that includes the nitriding for finish where Searcy is unfinished in the white. In the end they’re extremely comparable for cost, within a few hundred if dressed out the same and nitrided. And Hagn offers multiple frame sizes so you can scale it exactly to the round. I like the Canadian product too, he lives an afternoon drive from you. It does cost more to make things in Canada but the few fine makers we have are fantastic and worth supporting.

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I like the 1885 for range work, or sitting in a blind, too heavy for hiking, had them from 223Rem to 300H&H. #1 is a nice all around platform, but can be a bit light for some of the bigger cartridges and range use, had them from 22-250 to 450-400NE. My Merkel K1 is definitely a sweet hiking gun, and it is pleasant enough to shoot in the 7mag. In a 308 or 06 sized case chambering, it is tough to beat, other than the price.
Biggest factor for most people these days will be the price, 1885 & #1 are getting up there in price, Merkel's, K95's are twice that. Haenel is is bit lower than them, may be other Euro gunmakers that are a bit lower than the Merkel and K95. Searcy is hitting the 10 mark with exchange, so a Hagn isn't that far of a stretch from there. Bit surprised I haven't seen another batch of Luxus showing up, be interesting to know why.
 
I came across a used Ruger no 1 today, price was ~$900, but it had the audacity to be chambered in 300WM. What a disappointment. It couldve been almost anything but that and I wouldve made it disappear.
 
Had a Ruger # 1 and when I would sling it over my shoulder the lever would often catch on my clothes and eject the cartridge. I lost several bullets over the time I owned it. Surprise !!
 
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