The Simple Things

GarandTd · September 6, 2016, 09:42 PM

I experienced some pure childlike joy over the weekend shooting the simplest of shotguns. My NEF Pardner single shot 20 gauge. It was my 1st firearm I received when I was 12. PURE JOY I tell you!!!

I'm looking to buy a pump action soon and was kinda surprised by the giggles brought on by the ole single shot. Anyone else wanna share their joy?

KevininPa · September 8, 2016, 12:08 AM

I had a nickel NEF 12 gauge. In its original configuration with the survivor buttstock it was a bear to shoot. I think it weighed only five pounds tops. Changed it out to a normal sporter stock with a recoil pad and things were good. Gave it to my stepson and he still has it. He didn't like the survivor stock neither. I still have it and always have my eye out for a twenty gauge to put it on.

GarandTd · September 8, 2016, 07:33 AM

I'm preparing to pass mine off to my son. The single shot kick was eclipsed by the fun til towards the very end. I'm sure more fun than I ever had as a kid. Every detail, from the click and clunk of the break action and shell ejecting, reloading and shouldering, pulling the hammer back, BOOM!!! Repeat. I even threw my own targets a few times.
Good times.

g.willikers · September 8, 2016, 10:24 AM

Check out Clint Smith's youtube video on using a single shot shotgun for a home defense weapon.
You might not even bother with wanting to get a pump.

osbornk · September 8, 2016, 06:45 PM

I've had single shot shotguns and 22 rifles all my life. That's about all that was ever used in farm country and they were simply regarded as a farm tool. After wanting one all my live, I got my first pump shotgun a couple of months ago at age 68. The shotgun was made the same year I was born. I got my first semi-auto 22 rifle in 2001 (I also had wanted one of them all my life).

There is just something about the simplicity and reliability of a single shot shotgun. I've never known of one to fail.

KevininPa · September 9, 2016, 12:08 AM

....single shot 410s and .22s for years for pest control. Simple to use and easy to clean. Also quick and handy.

GarandTd · September 9, 2016, 09:13 AM

I've shot 12g pump and semi auto, 10 gauge pump, and 20 gauge single. I've not shot 16 or 410 gauge.

Osborne, what pump shotgun and semi auto 22 did you pick up?

McShooty · September 10, 2016, 09:07 AM

I enjoyed my dad's Iver Johnson Champion 410 when I was 12. As comments here show, you can't outlive your childhood. I have always loved to use single barrel shotguns and like to see them on the used gun racks. I bought a mint Harrington and Richardson Topper Model 48 410 (1950s) a while back for $100 and was happy as a pig in a mud hole. If you want to have a happy old age, do the things you did as a kid. For the pump shotgun you want I would suggest a Winchester Model 12. The classic pump of the 20th century. Lots of them around in various conditions for various prices.

osbornk · September 10, 2016, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Osborne, what pump shotgun and semi auto 22 did you pick up?

I'm a simple person. I bought a new Marlin Model 60 for the hugh price of $109. I took a J. C. Higgins Model 20 in on the sale of my 1962 Ford Fairlane 500. The old Fairlane was made the year I got my drivers license and the shotgun was made the year I was born (1947). After my finagling and with the 1,600 rounds of 22 ammo, I figure I have about $20 in a good serviceable shotgun.

GarandTd · September 12, 2016, 07:02 PM

I'm actually considering a Marlin 22. I don't technically have my own 22 right now. Enjoying my son's Apache 77 til he's old enough and responsible enough to have it. I'm also seriously reconsidering my need(want) for a pump shotgun.

B.L.E. · September 14, 2016, 10:00 PM

I'd say the vast majority of my guns are single shots, even if I don't include the muzzle loaders. The rest are mostly revolvers and double barrels.

DavidAGO · September 15, 2016, 09:43 AM

Labor Day my son, son-in-law, my mother-in-law's husband, and myself went skeet shooting. After we had shot all our favorite bird hunting guns and skeet guns I pulled out my 4 year old grandson's .410, the one he does not know he owns yet. We all had more fun busting clays with that little bolt action Mossberg single shot than with any of the O/Us and pumps we were using.

David

kraigwy · September 16, 2016, 02:43 PM

My grandfathers single shot 16ga. He fed is family with it, used it working part time for the sheriffs office transporting prisoners from Perryville to Little Rock Arkansas by wagon during the depression.

I killed my first deer with it and was able to snag it when everyone else in the family thought it was junk. Its not worth much, but means the world to me.

reliable · September 16, 2016, 02:54 PM

Grew up as a farm kid. Dad had an H&R Topper (1948 vintage) that was used to kill hundreds of bunnies (at least) between him and three sons. When he passed in 1989 it came to me. It is a 16 gauge and every year on or about New Years' Day, I go out and break one clay bird, clean the gun and put it away for another year. Usually only takes one shot, but it took two last year. Getting old, I guess. Memories. Take care. Larry

GarandTd · September 16, 2016, 03:21 PM

I suppose the simplicity and versatility of the single shot shotgun and the amount of time they've been around makes them a common choice for a first firearm and thus create much nostalgia. I like it. Keep those stories and memories coming.

jstert · September 17, 2016, 08:06 AM

a used $100 single shot shotgun and a box of $5 shells and a man has exchanged serfdom for liberty. only in america.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

September 6, 2016, 09:42 PM	#1
GarandTd Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2016 Location: Rural PA Posts: 1,639	The Simple Things I experienced some pure childlike joy over the weekend shooting the simplest of shotguns. My NEF Pardner single shot 20 gauge. It was my 1st firearm I received when I was 12. PURE JOY I tell you!!! I'm looking to buy a pump action soon and was kinda surprised by the giggles brought on by the ole single shot. Anyone else wanna share their joy?

September 8, 2016, 12:08 AM	#2
KevininPa Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2007 Posts: 253	I'm glad you had fun! I had a nickel NEF 12 gauge. In its original configuration with the survivor buttstock it was a bear to shoot. I think it weighed only five pounds tops. Changed it out to a normal sporter stock with a recoil pad and things were good. Gave it to my stepson and he still has it. He didn't like the survivor stock neither. I still have it and always have my eye out for a twenty gauge to put it on. __________________ " When you see the white light, cover your eyes, brush off the dust and straighten your tie........" The Call

September 8, 2016, 07:33 AM	#3
GarandTd Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2016 Location: Rural PA Posts: 1,639	I'm preparing to pass mine off to my son. The single shot kick was eclipsed by the fun til towards the very end. I'm sure more fun than I ever had as a kid. Every detail, from the click and clunk of the break action and shell ejecting, reloading and shouldering, pulling the hammer back, BOOM!!! Repeat. I even threw my own targets a few times. Good times. __________________ 22lr, 20 gauge, 8mm Mauser, 35 Remington, 30-06, 5.56x45/223, 9mm, 380acp

September 8, 2016, 10:24 AM	#4
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	Check out Clint Smith's youtube video on using a single shot shotgun for a home defense weapon. You might not even bother with wanting to get a pump. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

September 9, 2016, 12:08 AM	#6
KevininPa Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2007 Posts: 253	I've used..... ....single shot 410s and .22s for years for pest control. Simple to use and easy to clean. Also quick and handy. __________________ " When you see the white light, cover your eyes, brush off the dust and straighten your tie........" The Call

September 8, 2016, 06:45 PM	#5
osbornk Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2012 Location: Mountains of Appalachia Posts: 1,598	I've had single shot shotguns and 22 rifles all my life. That's about all that was ever used in farm country and they were simply regarded as a farm tool. After wanting one all my live, I got my first pump shotgun a couple of months ago at age 68. The shotgun was made the same year I was born. I got my first semi-auto 22 rifle in 2001 (I also had wanted one of them all my life). There is just something about the simplicity and reliability of a single shot shotgun. I've never known of one to fail.

September 9, 2016, 09:13 AM	#7
GarandTd Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2016 Location: Rural PA Posts: 1,639	I've shot 12g pump and semi auto, 10 gauge pump, and 20 gauge single. I've not shot 16 or 410 gauge. Osborne, what pump shotgun and semi auto 22 did you pick up? __________________ 22lr, 20 gauge, 8mm Mauser, 35 Remington, 30-06, 5.56x45/223, 9mm, 380acp

September 10, 2016, 09:07 AM	#8
McShooty Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2012 Location: Northern Missouri Posts: 480	I enjoyed my dad's Iver Johnson Champion 410 when I was 12. As comments here show, you can't outlive your childhood. I have always loved to use single barrel shotguns and like to see them on the used gun racks. I bought a mint Harrington and Richardson Topper Model 48 410 (1950s) a while back for $100 and was happy as a pig in a mud hole. If you want to have a happy old age, do the things you did as a kid. For the pump shotgun you want I would suggest a Winchester Model 12. The classic pump of the 20th century. Lots of them around in various conditions for various prices.

September 12, 2016, 07:02 PM	#10
GarandTd Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2016 Location: Rural PA Posts: 1,639	I'm actually considering a Marlin 22. I don't technically have my own 22 right now. Enjoying my son's Apache 77 til he's old enough and responsible enough to have it. I'm also seriously reconsidering my need(want) for a pump shotgun. __________________ 22lr, 20 gauge, 8mm Mauser, 35 Remington, 30-06, 5.56x45/223, 9mm, 380acp

September 14, 2016, 10:00 PM	#11
B.L.E. Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2008 Location: Somewhere on the Southern shore of Lake Travis, TX Posts: 2,603	I'd say the vast majority of my guns are single shots, even if I don't include the muzzle loaders. The rest are mostly revolvers and double barrels. __________________ Hanlon's Razor "Do not invoke conspiracy as explanation when ignorance and incompetence will suffice, as conspiracy implies intelligence and organization."

September 15, 2016, 09:43 AM	#12
DavidAGO Senior Member Join Date: October 7, 2008 Location: Magnolia, AR Posts: 340	Labor Day my son, son-in-law, my mother-in-law's husband, and myself went skeet shooting. After we had shot all our favorite bird hunting guns and skeet guns I pulled out my 4 year old grandson's .410, the one he does not know he owns yet. We all had more fun busting clays with that little bolt action Mossberg single shot than with any of the O/Us and pumps we were using. David

September 16, 2016, 02:43 PM	#13
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	My grandfathers single shot 16ga. He fed is family with it, used it working part time for the sheriffs office transporting prisoners from Perryville to Little Rock Arkansas by wagon during the depression. I killed my first deer with it and was able to snag it when everyone else in the family thought it was junk. Its not worth much, but means the world to me. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

September 16, 2016, 02:54 PM	#14
reliable Member Join Date: December 23, 2005 Posts: 18	The simple things Grew up as a farm kid. Dad had an H&R Topper (1948 vintage) that was used to kill hundreds of bunnies (at least) between him and three sons. When he passed in 1989 it came to me. It is a 16 gauge and every year on or about New Years' Day, I go out and break one clay bird, clean the gun and put it away for another year. Usually only takes one shot, but it took two last year. Getting old, I guess. Memories. Take care. Larry

September 16, 2016, 03:21 PM	#15
GarandTd Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2016 Location: Rural PA Posts: 1,639	I suppose the simplicity and versatility of the single shot shotgun and the amount of time they've been around makes them a common choice for a first firearm and thus create much nostalgia. I like it. Keep those stories and memories coming. __________________ 22lr, 20 gauge, 8mm Mauser, 35 Remington, 30-06, 5.56x45/223, 9mm, 380acp

September 17, 2016, 08:06 AM	#16
jstert Senior Member Join Date: March 7, 2013 Posts: 205	a used $100 single shot shotgun and a box of $5 shells and a man has exchanged serfdom for liberty. only in america. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk