Which Single-shot rifle would you choose?

I've got to say, my H&R Buffalo Classic in 45-70. Still can't believe I picked her up for $400.00 incl. tax at Cabela's few years back. Just sitting there in the corner of the display, all lonely calling out "Buy Me!" Lol

What a simple, rugged rifle and a hoot to shoot with the ol' 32 inch barrel, peep sights and exposed hammer! Real treat. And very surprisingly, accurate AF.
 
With the single shots that I have had/ have prefer the 1885 over the Rutgers, baikal over the H&r and seem to carry the tc encore the most. Tc Probably because it’s synthetic and I do not have to be nice to it and with its short brl it’s great to carry and and move around with it and in 375hh with 18.5 brl. Also it’s light enough to carry all day. The baikal I have I had the brl cut to 18.5” and it makes a nice compact carry rifle.
 
Having owned and do own single shots in Browning B-78, Winchester Low Wall and Ruger No.1, I have to say that I prefer the falling blocks.
While the B-78 was a very nice rifle and very accurate, but had issues with trigger springs which are a pain to replace.
Love the little Low Walls, they are such light, handy rifles!
The No.1's are just a rugged, classy rifle. Hard not like! Some have beautiful wood. Love the RSI, otherwise known as the International, with their full length stocks!
 
9.3mauser said:
Falling block. Stronger, and I think more convenient to reload. They also win in the looks dept. imo.
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Yeah. Never liked the looks of any break open guns. Practical and cheap, they do very well, looks, not so much, to my eye.

Even the large Martini actions are a bit homely. But you can still shoot one prone without needing to do acrobatics to reload.

The modern falling block actions are hell for strong, weight will depend entirely upon barrel choices.

Would be on a scaled down 1885 Winchester action pretty darn hard, if one were available. Think it would make a great walking rifle.
 
I had baikal in 7.62 x54 and .223, and I can honestly say that despite my attempts to love them, I ended up selling them. Triggers that only Russian shot putters could pull, lousy sites and difficult scope mount procedures. My new Henry .308 which is around the same price is superior in all aspects.
 
Ardent said:
Hagn, hands down, plus fully made in Canada. Closed second Ruger, both falling blocks.

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Wait a minute! You saying (showing) that expensive Hagns don’t even come with butt pads !?
 
Wow those are some very cool rifles but for me a single shot has to be set up to take interchangeable barrels so I have gone with the Thompson Center Arms rifles/carbines.

My favorites are the T/C Contender carbines seconded by the T/C Prohunter series I'm not into the long 28" Prohunter barrels so I get them shortened to 22".

Favorite cartridges are 338JDJ #2 and 375JDJ in the Contender series and 30-06 - 375H&H and 45-70 in the Prohunter series.
 
Canuckster said:
I've admired those Martin Hagn actions for years; absolutely beautiful rifles, truely old world workmanship. But, ohhh, those prices.
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until you spend a month in his shop. The hand laid checkering, all fasteners turned until they all align perfectly, the engraving and case hardening work.

simply awe inspiring, that level of detail work.

I have handled and shot a few of Ralph's guns. They open and close with a tactile feel that is inimitable. And smooth. He's only built 1 rimfire on the falling block action... so far :0
 
Had a few.
Three No. 1 Rugers; a 375 WM, a 7mm Rem Mag and a 220 Swift. They seemed nice, although the 220 was mistreated prior to my getting it.
Had a Martini Henry with a Parker Hale 303 Br bbl at 19". The sights where substandard, but man that action is nice.
Still got my Grandfathers prize rifle, a 22 Hornet Savage 219 with an extra bbl in 30-30 ( which has surprisingly brisk recoil).
Sold all the Rugers and my son traded the M-H out from under me.
For Panache the M-H had them all beat.
For pointability the 219 is the one. But I find the break open actions seem to develop cracks at the wrist as they age.
But no PH here, just a guy who hunts a little deer and coyotes.
So this opinion and a toonie will get you...a coffee, lol
Stay safe
 
I have had a H$R in 45-70....30/30. A 1885 in 270.

The 1885 is still here. Fabulous rifle, decent wood, with a 28" medium barrel. Just nice and chunky and solid. Love the rifle, it helps that it came with better glass than i usually run, and i got the package for the price of the glass.
 
Got Juice? said:
until you spend a month in his shop. The hand laid checkering, all fasteners turned until they all align perfectly, the engraving and case hardening work.

simply awe inspiring, that level of detail work.

I have handled and shot a few of Ralph's guns. They open and close with a tactile feel that is inimitable. And smooth. He's only built 1 rimfire on the falling block action... so far :0
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I think you are confusing Ralf Martini and Martin Hagn, who used to work together, but no longer do.

From another website:

"Ralf Martini and Martin (Adolf)Hagn no longer work out of the same shop but are still loosely affiliated. Ralf's stock design and execution is essentially Hagn's but with the work done by Ralf. Ralf does an excellent job of producing these stocks. Martin is quite merciless when criticizing another's work and finds precious little to criticize on Ralf's stocks.
I've not seen a sub-standard stock work from either man. Given the pride they take in their work, it's not likely I will.
When one purchases one of these stocks, he is paying a reasonable wage for the hours spent to produce it. That's what makes them worth that much. That and the quality of the work. In addition, they are a limited production item. Ralf can only produce so many stocks so there is an aspect of exclusivity in owning one.
When it comes to stock design, it is what it is. One either likes a particular style or he doesn't. I find these easy to like."

Regards,
Powderman
 
powderman said:
I think you are confusing Ralf Martini and Martin Hagn, who used to work together, but no longer do.

From another website:

"Ralf Martini and Martin (Adolf)Hagn no longer work out of the same shop but are still loosely affiliated. Ralf's stock design and execution is essentially Hagn's but with the work done by Ralf. Ralf does an excellent job of producing these stocks. Martin is quite merciless when criticizing another's work and finds precious little to criticize on Ralf's stocks.
I've not seen a sub-standard stock work from either man. Given the pride they take in their work, it's not likely I will.
When one purchases one of these stocks, he is paying a reasonable wage for the hours spent to produce it. That's what makes them worth that much. That and the quality of the work. In addition, they are a limited production item. Ralf can only produce so many stocks so there is an aspect of exclusivity in owning one.
When it comes to stock design, it is what it is. One either likes a particular style or he doesn't. I find these easy to like."

Regards,
Powderman
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Too bad Ralph moved to Creston... adds another hour to my trip to visit.

And no, I am not confused... at least any more than usual. What irritates me, is I lost Ralph's last apprentice's phone number. He was Russian or Lithuanian, and pretty talented.

He went to Alberta from what I understand.
 
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