Would you use single shot for Dangerous Game?

[Ray B]

The question that I have: If using a single shot in a situation where you need additional shots is a problem; how is that significantly different than having a side by side and having discharged both barrels & now needing additional shots?

 

[CTDolan]

It's all so situational. Maybe you're after buffalo and get in a solid hit but, for extra insurance, use the second barrel as he turns to go away. Is it needed? If the first shot was good, no. It's all part of the romance of the hunt, in Africa, carrying a double. However, many of us simply cannot afford such an arm (at least not one worth owning). So, if you want to shoot a large, historic caliber such as a 470 your only other option is a decent single-loader. A good falling block can be had for much less money than a quality double and, really, is no less romantic, the design having its own, storied history on the African continent.

In essence, no client is in the same position as those of the past, the hunters whose tales we love to read (Selous, Stigand, Bell, Sutherland, Taylor), and therefore the need to carry a double (not that Bell ever really did...nor Stigand, for that matter) simply does not exist. We're all backed by a licensed PH who is there to prevent a sticky situation from occurring (and, there to sort the mess should things go south). So, we don't need a double. Nor do we need a bolt action (I've watched enough videos to know that 99% of hunters do not properly manage their bolt rifle anyway). The best thing the client can do, in my opinion, is bring a scope sighted rifle (bolt, single, or even double (which, I admit, is pure sacrilege)) which he/she can (and does) shoot often. The placement will be more certain and therefore the outcome better for all.

 

[Brent in Az]

In any potential, "life or death", situation, I want more than one round.

 

[CTDolan]

With a single you have more than one round! In fact, if a person learns to use the rifle properly, followup shots can come pretty quick (easily as quick as 99% of those using a bolt action, from what I've seen...dropping the rifle from the shoulder and working the bolt as though it were made of glass).

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

With a single you have more than one round! In fact, if a person learns to use the rifle properly, followup shots can come pretty quick (easily as quick as 99% of those using a bolt action, from what I've seen...dropping the rifle from the shoulder and working the bolt as though it were made of glass).

Some big IF's there. But I agree no matter what you're using, being prepared is critical.

 

[Royal27]

The question that I have: If using a single shot in a situation where you need additional shots is a problem; how is that significantly different than having a side by side and having discharged both barrels & now needing additional shots?

100% increase in firepower.

While I agree that empty is empty, the question is how long does it take you to get there?

 

[rookhawk]

I'd add that we are talking about dangerous game rifles. Therefore we are talking about Gibbs Farquarson, Ruger #1 and Dakota 10s as about 98% of them market for DG singles. You need the falling block strength.

In that light, they are slow to load and require much manipulation to get a gravity assist, more so than a magazine rifle. So the faster you get with a single, you don't necessarily get faster reaquisition on target. A double rifle can shoot six faster than a single shot can shoot four. Holding back a cartridge for a turn at 10' is more practical with a DR whereas with a single you're not likely to hold to the end.

Just my take.

 

[CTDolan]

It'll be the PH holding one in reserve, not the client.

Personally, I find a falling block very easy to reload, quickly. But, maybe I'm weird that way.

 

[Nyati]

If you have the necessary skill for a quick reload, why not ?

Anyway, I only needed one shot from my magazine rifle to kill my buffalo.

 

[edward]

guess im a wimp,my instructions to my 3 different phs,hunted 3 times with one,is if there is any chance my wife or my self is ready to be lunch or dinner,use the rifle your lugging around for something other than show.my ego is pretty tough and secure.of course im one of those idiot handgun hunters.

 

[sierraone]

Thank you for replys, I was looking to provide some thought provoking conversation. For the record I would hunt with a single. However banking on tradition I will always take a double (or 2) to Africa. 2018 planning on lion and ??? and a few nocturnal kritters. My next hard choice will be 450/400 double, 405WIN double, or 45/70 double (405 gr at 1950fps not trapdoor loads) 9.3x62 mauser for nocturnal. I know it sucks being me to ave to make that hard decision

I am truly feeling pity for you. Where does the VC fit in, or is that the 450/400? So many guns, so little time.

 

[sierraone]

Two doubles plus a 9.3, how much does your extra baggage run?

 

[AZDAVE]

The VC is the 450/400. It is a O/U that will have to do till I can save enough to get the one I really would like to have. There has been much horse trading over the years to acquire my doubles The funny thing is there is also a single in the same caliber beside each on in the safe. Oh well it is a tough job but somebody has to do it

 

[8x68]

Only if I could run faster than everyone else!

 

[lcq]

only if it was 25mm or bigger and mounted

 

[buckmarkhunter]

So here is a question. I am planning on a cape bow hunt in 2018. I don't see much difference in a single shot vs a bow. Now from the stand point of 1 pc of equipment to take the animal and reload.

Your ph will be there with both to back you up. But you still only have 1 bullet/arrow at a time. If the first shot counts, you should be good. Just saying.

 

[AZDAVE]

@Royal27 (Here is a question for the hunters. What would you think if you showed up at camp and your PH said he would be backing you up with a Ruger No 1, but not to worry, its a Lott.) I personally wouldn't have a problem as at the distance 10M and under that the PH would back up there will only be time for one shot. But I have also hunted most my life with a single (Rifle, Muzzle loader and bow) before a good friend (IE good miserable rotten scoundrel of a friend) introduced me to doubles that first right and left out of that 500NE cost me alllllot of money and caused many horse trades of some of my old classic singles (Sharps, ballards, stevens, rolling blocks) to get what I believe are a nice set or rifles. I also hunt with bolt guns but just not as often. The trick with a single is learning how to reload smoothly and quickly while still keeping your eye on the target. I found that taking three dummy rounds and practising in the dark over and over it develops muscle memory. Did the dame thing with double when I first started shooting them. Like @rookhawk mentioned it is the target acquisition after the shot as you reload that is hard to do with bolt or singles. Many folks bring the bolt gun down off their shoulder when cycling the bolt and singles are much the same. It is teaching yourself to keep eyes on the target and work the reload process on the rifle be it a double, bolt or single with the minimum number of movements.

 

[Royal27]

Totally agree on the reloading @AZDAVE. I've trained hard to make sure that not only does my bolt actionstay on my shoulder, but also to ensure my eye doesn't leave the scope.

To be clear, I'm not suggesting that people such as yourself aren't prepared and capable of hunting DG with a single shot. Most folks though (myself included) are not. One dropped cartridge on a reload in a stress packed situation... I'd even bet that a decent % of people would try and bend down and pick up that dropped cartridge.

And personally I'd really question a PH with single shot rifle. In your scenario you're right, it would be fine. But maybe that second shot saves a life. Back to my insurance point....

 

[AZDAVE]

@Royal27 agree with you on the insurance point for the PH. I also realize that my point of reference covers less than 1% of the hunting group. The most comforting thing for most any DG hunt will be a PH that walks out with a 450NE or bigger double in their hand. (Me included) (would accept a single but a double is one better). The next best thing is after you have confirmed your rifle is on at the range and Your PH says " You'll do, lets got hunting" With this thread want to generate some interesting discussion, just wish we all together around a fire at the end of a days hunt in Africa having the discussion in person

 

[Royal27]

With this thread want to generate some interesting discussion, just wish we all together around a fire at the end of a days hunt in Africa having the discussion in person

If only political discussions on FB could be like this!

If we all agree all the time we will never learn a damn thing.