Single Shots

[gunsrfun]

Sorry about all the questions on the safari rifles, but I was wondering if a single shot rifle, like a Ruger #1 would be acceptable for dangerous game. And are these rifles good for their price?

Thanks

[Beowulf]

With dangerous game a quick follow up shot it essential. I have owned several large bore #1's and they are real kickers to a LH shooter. Stick with a bolt gun for accuracy and reliable follow up shots.

[gunsrfun]

Alright. Thanks Beowulf

[nitis]

what do you mean by dangerous game? I shoot an encore prohunter and can cut holes with it and am not that good of a shot. So accuracy is better than a bolt in my opinion. My only gripe with the encore is that I always want another barrel.

[citori]

what do you mean by dangerous game?

"Dangerous game" are typically those animals that can and often do cause harm and even death to those that poke holes in them. They are also considered to be tougher than the norm as far as being able to soak up punishment compared to other animals in the land. Animals in this category include the larger bears such as the brown/grizzly and polar bears, the African Big Five of elephant, rhino, Cape buffalo, lion, and leopard and many will include hippos on land in this group, tigers and Asian elephants back when legal, and some of the Asian oxen such as guar, banteng, and the like.
A common complaint of American hunters in particular in the dangerous game arena seems to be the tendency to shoot and then wait to see the effects of that shot. Most that I have talked to regarding the hunting of dangerous game are strong in the belief that one shoots the animals as many times as possible once that first, good shot is taken. The additional shots are in case of the first shot not being effective for some reason and to hasten the demise of the animal as the follow up is not always the most fun from what I'm told. As a single shot is much slower to get off a second round than a properly used bolt, most suggest the bolt action. I can fully agree with this philosophy, anything that I shoot at that can significantly harm me gets shot until it is no longer in sight or is no longer a threat.

[H2O Dog]

Gunsrfun;

I’ve own two New England Arm’s Handi-Rifles. They’re both fantastic single-shot rifles that rival the accuracy of any bolt or semi-auto. As far as the use of a single shot rifle on dangerous game: that depends on your firearm proficiency. I know folks that take “dangerous” game with a bow. Choose the weapon that you feel confident in using.

H2O Dog

[gunsrfun]

Ok. Thanks for the replies.

[jenningsa]

Technically, a single shot has the most potential stability because it has the strongest form of receiver - therefore if they are made well, they should be as or more accuratele than any other action.

This said, when it comes to dangerous game I agree with Beowulf. There is a lot of value to quick second shot. I don't hunt Africa, and the most dangerous game I hunt are West Texas wild boar (which at 300 pounds with 7 inch razor tusks can be very dangerous - but no comparison to African dangerous game). I carry a bolt or lever action, and if I am hunting heavy cover, I also carry a sidearm.

Just my thoughts....

[kdog]

As far as single shots go, I like the Dakota over the Ruger. I agree with everyone else. I would want a quick follow up shot. However, I don't want to even think that you are going on a hunt like this alone. I am sure you will have a friend with you. In that case, go with the single shot. Make a good shot, get the animal on the ground with one shot, one kill and you have an awesome story to tell when sitting around the campfire. Just PLEASE make sure that your friend is ready to take the follow up shot in the event you don't get reloaded in time. Remember, hunts like this the game is hunting you as well. Get a big caliber. Take a somewhat distant shot that you feel comfortable with and that you can hit the animal but still have time to reload if needed before he gets to you so your friend doesn't have to help. Tell him that he is the LAST resort. Practice before you go carrying spare ammo in different places on you and the weapon. See where you can reload from the fastest. Just make sure you don't have all your spare rounds in one spot. For example, you wouldn't want to be in a prone position and your extra rounds are in your front pocket. Good luck! Look forward to reading one heck of a story when you return. Best of Luck. I would love to hunt dangerous game. I want a cape buffalo!

[ssghelmick]

Technically, a single shot has the most potential stability because it has the strongest form of receiver - therefore if they are made well, they should be as or more accuratele than any other action.

This said, when it comes to dangerous game I agree with Beowulf. There is a lot of value to quick second shot. I don't hunt Africa, and the most dangerous game I hunt are West Texas wild boar (which at 300 pounds with 7 inch razor tusks can be very dangerous - but no comparison to African dangerous game). I carry a bolt or lever action, and if I am hunting heavy cover, I also carry a sidearm.

Just my thoughts....

Singleshot rifles can be very accurate...But there is no garantee to that. Most singleshot rifles have a forend that attaches to the rifles barrel which can cause problems with harmonics. I own three singleshot rifles and none are as accurate as my bolt action rifles. As far as strength goes, the break action is not as strong and can not hold up to the same pressures over time as a bolt action can. So not all singleshot designs are stronger than a bolt design.

IMO there is nothing stonger or more accurate than a turn bolt rifle.

[iduckhunt]

Single shot for dangerous game . . . not too smart. Accuracy in a Ruger number 1 non-existent without a lot of rework.

[gunsrfun]

As far as single shots go, I like the Dakota over the Ruger. I agree with everyone else. I would want a quick follow up shot. However, I don't want to even think that you are going on a hunt like this alone. I am sure you will have a friend with you. In that case, go with the single shot. Make a good shot, get the animal on the ground with one shot, one kill and you have an awesome story to tell when sitting around the campfire. Just PLEASE make sure that your friend is ready to take the follow up shot in the event you don't get reloaded in time. Remember, hunts like this the game is hunting you as well. Get a big caliber. Take a somewhat distant shot that you feel comfortable with and that you can hit the animal but still have time to reload if needed before he gets to you so your friend doesn't have to help. Tell him that he is the LAST resort. Practice before you go carrying spare ammo in different places on you and the weapon. See where you can reload from the fastest. Just make sure you don't have all your spare rounds in one spot. For example, you wouldn't want to be in a prone position and your extra rounds are in your front pocket. Good luck! Look forward to reading one heck of a story when you return. Best of Luck. I would love to hunt dangerous game. I want a cape buffalo!

I wish I could go on a hunt like this. I am not right now, but hopefully someday! Thanks. I'll make sure to tell a story if I ever do though.