A new break action single

[skydiver386]

During my wanderings around the SCI Convention, I was able to chat with Steve Rabakoff of Parkwest Arms. While I love the rifles on display and have ideas of buying one soon, my real hearts desire is a single shot break action rifle similar to the Blazer K95, the Merkel K3 or the Thompson Center TCR. Of the ones I've seen and laid hands on, none feel right to me. Steve was very patient as I decribed what for me would be the perfect rifle, and I'd like some input from the members here before moving forward with such a project.

For me, the rifle should possess the following characteristics.

1. Be of first rate quality. Not the old H&R that many of us started with, but one that is a beautiful example of American gunmaking at it's finest.

2. Be available with accessory barrels that are fully interchangeable. The owner should be able to purchase barrels at any time and assemble them to his receiver without the need for gunsmithing, or a return to the factory.

3. Be available with shotgun and rifle barrels as the Thompson Center TCR-83/87 was.

4 . Have a locking system capable of handling the largest African calibers, and the highest pressure magnum chamberings. The large hood and locking system on several of the European rifles is not to my taste, and according to some can make it difficult to extract rimless cases, and rimmed cases are preferred in those rifles.

5. Be available in multi-barrel cased sets for the World Wide hunter.

6. Utilize a safety with American shooters in mind. A tang mounted sliding safety would be my pick.

7. Use a scope mounting system that doesn't look like a total afterthought, but looks at home on such a rifle.

8. Be available in various stock and forearm configurations, possibly as upgrades or custom orders, similar to the Blazer R8 line of rifles.

9. Not use an exposed hammer like the TC Encore rifles, but a somewhat elegant hammerless receiver along the size and shape of the Browning BT-99.

I know full well that such a rifle is not going to set the World on fire with millions of sales at WalMart, but then that's not the idea. I honestly believe there is a slow, but very steady market for such an American rifle, but every attempt so far seems to be low quality and half hearted.

Your thoughts?

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

A modern version of the savage 219 would be a good starting point

 

[skydiver386]

A modern version of the savage 219 would be a good starting point

I have one of these in my safe. The model 219 was in rifle calibers, and the model 220 in 12 and 20 gauge. The general layout is very close to what I have in mind, especially the sliding tang safety.

The major issue with the 219/220 is the locking system. Fine for lower pressure shotgun rounds and 30-30 rifle type cartridges, it would never stand up to most modern belted magnums.

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

When you convince a manufacturer to build one see if you can talk them into a modern top break revolver too.

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

Didn’t t/c make a hammerless model the aristocrat.

 

[skydiver386]

Yes, the TCR 83/87.

I had several of these at one time, but none of the barrels would fit without being sent with the receiver to the factory to be fit. Also the safety was a crossbolt that had a safety button that you had to disengage before you could disengage the crossbolt safety. Totally unworkable.

 

[LimbNoMo]

That’s all too specific for me, but how about one of these?

Single shot rifles - Johann Fanzoj

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