Why not a Single Shot?

[Wishfulthinker580]

Did some research (this rifle has piqued my interest, but well beyond my bank account) in Geoff McDonald 's useful Woodleigh reloading manual (essential for african hunter); if I've got it right, this pushes 310 grain solids or softs to 2,050 +/-, with identical SD and BC. An utterly awesome, classic stalking rifle; someone will be blessed to land this ...

I’m in the same boat. It is fantastic isn’t it!? I’m sure it’ll make someone very happy. It would be a blast to hunt with. I actually handled it back in January and it was a joy. Fit me perfectly. Unfortunately haha

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Did some research (this rifle has piqued my interest, but well beyond my bank account) in Geoff McDonald 's useful Woodleigh reloading manual (essential for african hunter); if I've got it right, this pushes 310 grain solids or softs to 2,050 +/-, with identical SD and BC. An utterly awesome, classic stalking rifle; someone will be blessed to land this ...

@geoff rath
It's well above my pay grade to.
Guess I will have to make do with the humble 35Whelen and download it to 2,100fps with the 310s.
Nah stuff it the 310s at over 2,400fps inches Whelen will just have to do. Yeah I know I just ain't got any class.
Bob

 

[Brian]

I just noticed this thread and I certainly enjoy it.

I am a single shot fan for cape buffalo.
I use a converted 10ga. H&R single shot with two switch barrels for cape buffalo. The barrels are a ,577NE and a .50-110. I enjoy the "way" of hunting and shooting cape buffalo with a big bore single shot. It focuses the mind.
My H&R single shot weighs nearly 13 lbs loaded and has straight stock and a 26.5 inch heavy barrel. The recoil is manageable.
Thanks for the great thread and comments. Brian

 

[steve white]

This is a very good note of caution. In my DG hunting I have needed a quick follow-up shot twice. Once on grizzly and once on buffalo. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does you’d better be ready for it.

YES! If for whatever reason you flub the first shot and are two slow for a follow up shot, you could be in a world of hurt. What if someone else, like a tracker then gets seriously injured?

 

[steve white]

@AZDAVE - I am pretty much the hunter you describe. My passion for hunting is (was) the result of my passion for fine vintage firearms--much like an M-series Leica photographer whose pleasure in taking pictures results from his intrigue with the rangefinder system. In other words: I hunt so that I can use these rifles much more than the other way around. We all make compromises, like committed bow-hunters well know.

I'm also not a trophy hunter, meaning that I don't think I've ever measured the size of an animal I've ever taken--here at home or elsewhere. Therefore, I have no problem whatsoever passing on a shot at game if I'm not confident that I can make a clean kill. To me, hunting is 1) enjoying my firearms and (when applicable) my handloads, 2) camaraderie with my PH and (when applicable) my buddies, 3) walking and stalking--the more of it the better, 4) learning about fauna and new places, and 5) taking home the memories and, if the gods are on my side, the animals, their beauty and the fine meat and skin they provide.

I already make a big compromise here at home in the form of never hunting from a deer-stand, which is something I find more boring than watching paint dry. Sure, God only knows how many deer I've lost by insisting on my walk-and-stalk methods, but when I do get one it feels like I've scored an Olympic medal.

This is also why I have no problem with my PH tailoring my hunt to my skills and my firearms--again, much like an archery-hunt guide would do. All this is not to say that I'd ever turn my double rifles into safe queens, since I love them just as much--but when I decide to take a single-shot on a hunt, I do so with full awareness of my limitations and my equipment's.

Now, you are right on the money about a single shot rifle being in the same realm as bowhunting! Hadn't thought about it quite like that, but if it is somehow unethical to hunt single shot then it should go double for bow--and we know that BOTH ARE ETHICAL. Great looking guns you have, BTW.

 

[Daniel Cary]

I've only wanted a No. 1 for 30yrs ...

 

[steve white]

There's a lot of truth in what you say.... unfortunately, as the Chapuis product manager for the USA, I get paid to "love to hate" Blaser and the R8. I frankly do believe that the Chapuis ROLS is a trimmer, better-looking straight-pull rifle with a stronger locking mechanism, but honestly we're splitting hairs. Blaser makes a hell of a rifle, plus they offer a fantastic array of calibers. You'll never hear a single critical word about Blaser from me.

Anyway, back on topic. I view single-shot hunting as being on a continuum between archery and bolt-action hunting. If you look at it as a somewhat specialized proposition--getting closer, being 100% sure of your shot, being willing to pass up opportunities under less-than-ideal conditions--then it makes perfect sense.

My PH has challenged me to not only take a single shot on my 2023 safari (he knows my marked preference for them), but to make it an iron-sights-only proposition. Even closer to archery. I'm working up one of my singles to be the ideal unscoped game-getter. It will either be my H&H with a Lyman sight, which it originally came with (if only I could find the right model!) or my .303 Watson Brothers Martini. The Westley .500 is being worked on by Steven Bertram, so that will be very much in the running as well. This year I've killed a bushbuck with my Martini single, and it felt great--as close as it gets to emulating the hunters from the golden age. Woudln't have it any other way.

View attachment 482641

What is the hat, sir?

On a parting note, I have noticed that for about half the shooters I see, they ALL HAVE A SINGLE SHOT SHOTGUN. One shot is proper and the others are thrown somewhere at the sky! Maybe there is a corollary in rifles...had an acquaintance in high school who always fired every shot out of a Browning BAR as fast as he could pull the trigger at any and all deer. As far as I know, he never hit one...then again, I only knew him for about five years, so he might have improved since then.

 

[WAB]

There's a lot of truth in what you say.... unfortunately, as the Chapuis product manager for the USA, I get paid to "love to hate" Blaser and the R8. I frankly do believe that the Chapuis ROLS is a trimmer, better-looking straight-pull rifle with a stronger locking mechanism, but honestly we're splitting hairs. Blaser makes a hell of a rifle, plus they offer a fantastic array of calibers. You'll never hear a single critical word about Blaser from me.

Anyway, back on topic. I view single-shot hunting as being on a continuum between archery and bolt-action hunting. If you look at it as a somewhat specialized proposition--getting closer, being 100% sure of your shot, being willing to pass up opportunities under less-than-ideal conditions--then it makes perfect sense.

My PH has challenged me to not only take a single shot on my 2023 safari (he knows my marked preference for them), but to make it an iron-sights-only proposition. Even closer to archery. I'm working up one of my singles to be the ideal unscoped game-getter. It will either be my H&H with a Lyman sight, which it originally came with (if only I could find the right model!) or my .303 Watson Brothers Martini. The Westley .500 is being worked on by Steven Bertram, so that will be very much in the running as well. This year I've killed a bushbuck with my Martini single, and it felt great--as close as it gets to emulating the hunters from the golden age. Woudln't have it any other way.

View attachment 482641

Great picture Tom! I am going to use my No 1 in .275 with a ghost ring for deer this year. As long as I have enough light I’m good to 200 with it.

 

[Doug3006]

I’m seriously considering using my Ruger #1 in 300 H&H for my leopard hunt next year. From what I’ve read and viewed, there’s very little chance for a follow up shot on baited leopard. You either kill him or he departs in a flash. If follow up is needed, I’ll switch to a bolt gun or shotgun. Opinions please!

 

[Altitude sickness]

Tim, It would be a crime to not that those rifles on a DG hunt.

I killed a Buffalo with a bow. 25 yds. Stalking, no water hole sitting. No bullets needed for backup.


As you pointed out. It’s the hunt and the weapon. Not just killing an animal.

You have to be proficient, practiced and confident. Get close. Pass all but 100% killing shots.

Sure you could kill animals more often with a semi auto, magazine or double rifle.

But it’s fun to restrict yourself even more.

If I owned one of those beauties. I would definitely take one.

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

Great picture Tom! I am going to use my No 1 in .275 with a ghost ring for deer this year. As long as I have enough light I’m good to 200 with it.

Shot placement is the key, I’ve shot a fallow deer with my 25-35 single shot martini cadet, dropped on the spot, it takes the stalk to another level.
Gumpy

 

[Doug Hamilton]

I’m seriously considering using my Ruger #1 in 300 H&H for my leopard hunt next year. From what I’ve read and viewed, there’s very little chance for a follow up shot on baited leopard. You either kill him or he departs in a flash. If follow up is needed, I’ll switch to a bolt gun or shotgun. Opinions please!

I have not killed a leopard (yet), but if you like your #1 inn.300 H&H, I think it would be a great choice. I can't see a down side.

 

[Rafiki]

Many members have seen these images but since the subject is hunting DG using a single shot it's probably worth posting these again. The rifle is a custom .500 Sharps 2 1/2" built on a Ruger No 1 receiver. These two buffalo were taken with 570gr bullets pushed to 2100fps.

As far as follow-up shots are concerned, practice, practice practice. I use an open cartridge pouch on my right front hip and this action has ejectors (not all single shots do). Is it as fast as a bolt? obviously not but practice and confidence make up for a lot. When the first buffalo charged my PH yelled "reload", I already had. If you look close you can see the hole between the horns.

 

[WAB]

Many members have seen these images but since the subject is hunting DG using a single shot it's probably worth posting these again. The rifle is a custom .500 Sharps 2 1/2" built on a Ruger No 1 receiver. These two buffalo were taken with 570gr bullets pushed to 2100fps.

As far as follow-up shots are concerned, practice, practice practice. I use an open cartridge pouch on my right front hip and this action has ejectors (not all single shots do). Is it as fast as a bolt? obviously not but practice and confidence make up for a lot. When the first buffalo charged my PH yelled "reload", I already had. If you look close you can see the hole between the horns.

View attachment 633502View attachment 633503

That sir is a special rifle!

 

[Kiwifire111]

2 weeks today and my wife and I will be flying over the Indian Ocean, Sydney Australia to Johannesburg S A for a week long hunting trip.
We are both taking single shot rifles, Sue a Bergara BA 13 in .308 Win and myself a Ruger No1 in 300H&H.
Plains game only.

Cheers, Mal.

 

[Tom Leoni]

What is the hat, sir?

On a parting note, I have noticed that for about half the shooters I see, they ALL HAVE A SINGLE SHOT SHOTGUN. One shot is proper and the others are thrown somewhere at the sky! Maybe there is a corollary in rifles...had an acquaintance in high school who always fired every shot out of a Browning BAR as fast as he could pull the trigger at any and all deer. As far as I know, he never hit one...then again, I only knew him for about five years, so he might have improved since then.

Hi, Steve--it's a Borsalino "Marco" unlined crushable Fedora. I bought it as my go-to hunting hat for warmer weather and have used nothing but.

 

[degoins]

That sir is a special rifle!

Certainly is and I'd love to see some close ups of it. I feel sure others would too.

 

[Altitude sickness]

Tim, It would be a crime to not that those rifles on a DG hunt.

I killed a Buffalo with a bow. 25 yds. Stalking, no water hole sitting. No bullets needed for backup.


As you pointed out. It’s the hunt and the weapon. Not just killing an animal.

You have to be proficient, practiced and confident. Get close. Pass all but 100% killing shots.

Sure you could kill animals more often with a semi auto, magazine or double rifle.

But it’s fun to restrict yourself even more.

If I owned one of those beauties. I would definitely take one.

Sorry, this should have said Tom. Not Tim

 

[Forrest Halley]

YES! If for whatever reason you flub the first shot and are two slow for a follow up shot, you could be in a world of hurt. What if someone else, like a tracker then gets seriously injured?

I don't even remember my reloads. The last time I shot in the field after the dust settled I realized I had fired and forgotten to reload. When I reached in my pocket for a fresh shell I found an empty and the chamber had a loaded shell in it. Just practice reloading every time you shoot. Want to get faster at reloading? Practice with a revolver and speed loaders.

 

[Brian]

Many members have seen these images but since the subject is hunting DG using a single shot it's probably worth posting these again. The rifle is a custom .500 Sharps 2 1/2" built on a Ruger No 1 receiver. These two buffalo were taken with 570gr bullets pushed to 2100fps.

As far as follow-up shots are concerned, practice, practice practice. I use an open cartridge pouch on my right front hip and this action has ejectors (not all single shots do). Is it as fast as a bolt? obviously not but practice and confidence make up for a lot. When the first buffalo charged my PH yelled "reload", I already had. If you look close you can see the hole between the horns.

View attachment 633502View attachment 633503

Rafiki,
Great pictures and congratulations on two wonderful bulls. I see the hole between the horns. Well done! Iron sights! cool.

Your cartridge and load of a 570 grain bullet at 2,100 fps is perfect as far as I am concerned.
That is a very handsome No.1 with beautiful wood a color case hardened frame.

May I please get a couple more details? I wanna know everything!
- What bullet did you use?
- How close were you for the first shots and where did you hit them?
- How close was the bull that charged when you dropped him.

Thrilling to hear of your adventure as I read about it from the safety of my office.

Thanks again for telling us about it. Brian