Single shot rifles, inaccurate?

Pops1085 · January 27, 2017, 06:48 PM

So don't bite my head off here if you love single shots, but I've heard that they are inherently less accurate than a good bolt action. Now for my wee little brain that just doesn't make sense. If all you have is a barrel and a scope mounted too it, I couldn't imagine a more accurate setup. Doesn't the inaccuracy of certain rifles come from a lack of repeatability due to parts not settling the exact same way? With a gun with so few parts and the scope affixed to the barrel, there's really nothing that could get screwed up... But what do I know. Enlighten me please.

DAVID NANCARROW · January 27, 2017, 07:02 PM

I'd say the results are going to be in the lock up of the action.

JWT · January 27, 2017, 07:02 PM

I own one single shot. A Winchester 1885 Low Wall in .17 HMR and it's extremely accurate. Don't know that I've ever heard a bolt action is more accurate than a single shot. A bolt is the most accurate repeating action.

mete · January 27, 2017, 07:24 PM

I would think it would be the single shot. That being said of two falling block, one rolling block, and a bolt action guns I have I would think of the falling blocks as being more accurate
My bolt action is a 22rf Mauser was also made in repeater version. Perhaps someone with both versions may have tested the two to compare.
The big thing I have noticed is that with a SS your mind tells you "you have only one round ,make it count !! " Repeaters say "well if I miss the first, I'll get it with the second or third "

Hawg · January 27, 2017, 07:49 PM

Single shots are generally more accurate.

ShootistPRS · January 27, 2017, 08:09 PM

I have several single action rifles and several bolt action rifles. At 200 yards it would be hard to tell one from the other.

FITASC · January 27, 2017, 08:15 PM

Depends on the single shot. The cheap break open NEF? Not so great. The Ruger #1 or similar actions? Much better. The Rem XP-100 or 40X? Even better.

RC20 · January 27, 2017, 09:16 PM

I had read accounts of the Ruger in particular being good hunting guns but not tack drivers, more in the 1.5 MOA.

Agreed it made no sense. Good question .

dahermit · January 27, 2017, 09:23 PM

The most accurate rifle I have ever owned was a Browning B78 in 6MM Remington.

Bigtimber · January 27, 2017, 10:02 PM

Always under the impression from many so called experts single shot actions were the most accurate of all. I would think most quality modern firearms of all type actions are likely more accurate than the majority of the men holding them.

reynolds357 · January 27, 2017, 10:51 PM

As a rule, single shots are not as accurate as bolt actions.

Mobuck · January 28, 2017, 12:35 AM

ASSuming you're asking about breakaction singleshots. My experience has been with NEF centerfires and yes, I've found them "less consistent" than other action types. Some are more touchy than others but a couple I've shot required the action to be snapped shut in exactly the same way and with the same force every time to be consistent.

Snyper · January 28, 2017, 03:23 AM

If single shots were the most accurate I think you'd see benchrest shooters using them, but they all tend to use bolt actions for precision work.

Gunplummer · January 28, 2017, 03:29 AM

Depends what you call "Accurate" and at what range. At shorter ranges I have seen pumps that could keep up with bolt guns. I also have run into people that said their Ruger single shots were not that great. Going by the Ruger bolt actions, I would have to say they did not make the best barrels out there.

SaxonPig · January 28, 2017, 09:41 AM

In past decades may beautiful target rifles were built on Ballard, Martini and other single shot type actions. I have a thing for the Ruger #1 and own several. I am not a skilled marksman but mine shoot well given the operator's level of competency.

My 7x57 #1 made this 100 yard group measuring a hair over 5/8" using military surplus ammo.

Even the 458 #1 shoots well at 50 yards.

I have a couple of Martinis including a custom job in 45/70...

FITASC · January 28, 2017, 11:04 AM

Quote:

If single shots were the most accurate I think you'd see benchrest shooters using them, but they all tend to use bolt actions for precision work.

What makes you think a bolt action can't also be a single shot. Google XP-100 and 40-X from Remington. Some of the most accurate pistols/rifles made.

Jim Watson · January 28, 2017, 12:09 PM

You may notice that most modern target rifles are bolt action single shots. If a Ruger, Ballard, or Martini was more accurate, the competitors would be SHOOTING Rugers, Ballards, and Martinis.

The symmetrical locking of a front lug bolt is an advantage over the off center support of a falling block. Not a huge one, but it is there and if you want to be competitive, you need all the help you can get. The best Indian needs the best arrows.

handlerer2 · January 28, 2017, 12:13 PM

I own a single shot rifle, a Cooper MDL22, single shot that is the most accurate rifle that I have ever fired. I own Weatherby's , Rugers, Rems in the past.

Last time I looked competition benchrest rifles were single shot bolt action rifles.

It's my understanding that single shot bolt actions are the most accurate because they don't have a big honking hole on the bottom of the receiver and so are stiffer, stronger and more accurate. Take a look at accurateshooter or 6mmbenchrest.com. Look at rifle -CENSORED--CENSORED--CENSORED--CENSORED- on their featured rifle page. A lot of information there.

Boncrayon · January 28, 2017, 12:33 PM

Accuracy in in the hands of the shooter, not the firearm. Grip is foremost, followed by trigger pull and breathing. If you are sending the bullet down-range, the bullet has left the muzzle in the direction it is pointed (we're assuming the rifle has been treated kindly over the years.) I also hope you were using a bench rest for steadiness. You didn't mention sighting. The rear sight is the adjustable side for aiming. The front sight may have been stuck when dropped and not inline with the muzzle.

Using a bench rest, sight-in with the bulls-eye, and shoot 3-5 rounds at the same center. If you are shooting right-handed, and your cluster is to the left at 7 o'clock, or left-handed and your cluster is at 5 o'clock, it is your trigger pull. (Don't wrap your finger way around your trigger. You cannot be breathing when the rifle fires, but you need to oxygenate between each shot to prevent shaking.

If the front sight is not bent or damaged, move the rear sight in the direction of where you want the bullet to land.

RC20 · January 28, 2017, 02:50 PM

I went back and picked up an article on the Rugers.

Guy had owned a number, some were great, some awful.

Barrel vs the action type?

They are great looking guns.

Saxopig: 3 shot groups are not a benchmark of accuracy and the 458 looks to be a 2 inch gun at 100.

Quote:

In past decades may beautiful target rifles were built on Ballard, Martini and other single shot type actions. I have a thing for the Ruger #1 and own several. I am not a skilled marksman but mine shoot well given the operator's level of competency.

My 7x57 #1 made this 100 yard group measuring a hair over 5/8" using military surplus ammo.

reynolds357 · January 28, 2017, 02:50 PM

Accuracy is both the Indian and the arrow. I shoot with a world record holding bench rest shooter. I guarantee you if he shot my sons .30-30 Win 94 in the next match, he would finish last place.

saleen322 · January 28, 2017, 05:18 PM

Some shoot pretty well.

Snyper · January 28, 2017, 05:29 PM

Quote:

What makes you think a bolt action can't also be a single shot. Google XP-100 and 40-X from Remington. Some of the most accurate pistols/rifles made.

They can be, but the OP specifically wanted to compare guns that were not bolt actions. There will always be individual examples of all action types than can outshoot other individual examples of a different type.

Overall though I believe the bolt action design is the most inherently accurate regardless of it's capacity.

Quote:

So don't bite my head off here if you love single shots, but I've heard that they are inherently less accurate than a good bolt action.

Now for my wee little brain that just doesn't make sense. If all you have is a barrel and a scope mounted too it, I couldn't imagine a more accurate setup. Doesn't the inaccuracy of certain rifles come from a lack of repeatability due to parts not settling the exact same way? With a gun with so few parts and the scope affixed to the barrel, there's really nothing that could get screwed up... But what do I know. Enlighten me please.

reynolds357 · January 28, 2017, 06:03 PM

The most accurate rifle I have ever owned would be a toss up between a Bat/Lilja .30br. And a Bat/Hart 6PPC. A 700/Lilja 6Br Norma I have now is knocking on the door.

dgludwig · January 28, 2017, 06:31 PM

I'm not arguing that my experience is typical but, concerning accurate rifles, over the past fifty years or so I've had the good fortune to have owned and shot many, many nice rifles, the most accurate one I've had is a Ruger No.1 V, chambered in .220 Swift. It's not for sale.

January 27, 2017, 07:24 PM	#4
mete Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 6,575	I would think it would be the single shot. That being said of two falling block, one rolling block, and a bolt action guns I have I would think of the falling blocks as being more accurate My bolt action is a 22rf Mauser was also made in repeater version. Perhaps someone with both versions may have tested the two to compare. The big thing I have noticed is that with a SS your mind tells you "you have only one round ,make it count !! " Repeaters say "well if I miss the first, I'll get it with the second or third " __________________ And Watson , bring your revolver !

January 27, 2017, 08:15 PM	#7
FITASC Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 2014 Posts: 6,441	Depends on the single shot. The cheap break open NEF? Not so great. The Ruger #1 or similar actions? Much better. The Rem XP-100 or 40X? Even better. __________________ "I believe that people have a right to decide their own destinies; people own themselves. I also believe that, in a democracy, government exists because (and only so long as) individual citizens give it a 'temporary license to exist'—in exchange for a promise that it will behave itself. In a democracy, you own the government—it doesn't own you."- Frank Zappa

January 28, 2017, 03:23 AM	#13
Snyper Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2013 Location: Eastern NC Posts: 3,047	If single shots were the most accurate I think you'd see benchrest shooters using them, but they all tend to use bolt actions for precision work. __________________ One shot, one kill

January 28, 2017, 12:33 PM	#19
Boncrayon Senior Member Join Date: March 24, 2008 Posts: 920	Single shot rifles, inaccurate? Accuracy in in the hands of the shooter, not the firearm. Grip is foremost, followed by trigger pull and breathing. If you are sending the bullet down-range, the bullet has left the muzzle in the direction it is pointed (we're assuming the rifle has been treated kindly over the years.) I also hope you were using a bench rest for steadiness. You didn't mention sighting. The rear sight is the adjustable side for aiming. The front sight may have been stuck when dropped and not inline with the muzzle. Using a bench rest, sight-in with the bulls-eye, and shoot 3-5 rounds at the same center. If you are shooting right-handed, and your cluster is to the left at 7 o'clock, or left-handed and your cluster is at 5 o'clock, it is your trigger pull. (Don't wrap your finger way around your trigger. You cannot be breathing when the rifle fires, but you need to oxygenate between each shot to prevent shaking. If the front sight is not bent or damaged, move the rear sight in the direction of where you want the bullet to land.

January 28, 2017, 06:31 PM	#25
dgludwig Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2005 Location: North central Ohio Posts: 7,486	I'm not arguing that my experience is typical but, concerning accurate rifles, over the past fifty years or so I've had the good fortune to have owned and shot many, many nice rifles, the most accurate one I've had is a Ruger No.1 V, chambered in .220 Swift. It's not for sale. __________________ ONLY AN ARMED PEOPLE CAN BE TRULY FREE ; ONLY AN UNARMED PEOPLE CAN EVER BE ENSLAVED ...Aristotle NRA Benefactor Life Member

January 27, 2017, 06:48 PM	#1
Pops1085 Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2012 Posts: 369	Single shot rifles, inaccurate? So don't bite my head off here if you love single shots, but I've heard that they are inherently less accurate than a good bolt action. Now for my wee little brain that just doesn't make sense. If all you have is a barrel and a scope mounted too it, I couldn't imagine a more accurate setup. Doesn't the inaccuracy of certain rifles come from a lack of repeatability due to parts not settling the exact same way? With a gun with so few parts and the scope affixed to the barrel, there's really nothing that could get screwed up... But what do I know. Enlighten me please.

January 27, 2017, 07:02 PM	#2
DAVID NANCARROW Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2000 Location: Wyoming Posts: 1,761	I'd say the results are going to be in the lock up of the action.

January 27, 2017, 07:02 PM	#3
JWT Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2007 Location: Southern Arizona Posts: 3,888	I own one single shot. A Winchester 1885 Low Wall in .17 HMR and it's extremely accurate. Don't know that I've ever heard a bolt action is more accurate than a single shot. A bolt is the most accurate repeating action.

January 27, 2017, 07:49 PM	#5
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,188	Single shots are generally more accurate.

January 27, 2017, 08:09 PM	#6
ShootistPRS Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2017 Posts: 1,583	I have several single action rifles and several bolt action rifles. At 200 yards it would be hard to tell one from the other.

January 27, 2017, 09:16 PM	#8
RC20 Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 7,014	I had read accounts of the Ruger in particular being good hunting guns but not tack drivers, more in the 1.5 MOA. Agreed it made no sense. Good question .

January 27, 2017, 09:23 PM	#9
dahermit Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2006 Location: South Central Michigan...near Posts: 6,501	The most accurate rifle I have ever owned was a Browning B78 in 6MM Remington.

January 27, 2017, 10:02 PM	#10
Bigtimber Junior Member Join Date: January 17, 2017 Posts: 6	Always under the impression from many so called experts single shot actions were the most accurate of all. I would think most quality modern firearms of all type actions are likely more accurate than the majority of the men holding them.

January 27, 2017, 10:51 PM	#11
reynolds357 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Posts: 6,165	As a rule, single shots are not as accurate as bolt actions.

January 28, 2017, 12:35 AM	#12
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	ASSuming you're asking about breakaction singleshots. My experience has been with NEF centerfires and yes, I've found them "less consistent" than other action types. Some are more touchy than others but a couple I've shot required the action to be snapped shut in exactly the same way and with the same force every time to be consistent.

January 28, 2017, 03:29 AM	#14
Gunplummer Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2010 Location: South East Pa. Posts: 3,364	Depends what you call "Accurate" and at what range. At shorter ranges I have seen pumps that could keep up with bolt guns. I also have run into people that said their Ruger single shots were not that great. Going by the Ruger bolt actions, I would have to say they did not make the best barrels out there.

January 28, 2017, 09:41 AM	#15
SaxonPig Senior Member Join Date: April 24, 2006 Posts: 1,900	In past decades may beautiful target rifles were built on Ballard, Martini and other single shot type actions. I have a thing for the Ruger #1 and own several. I am not a skilled marksman but mine shoot well given the operator's level of competency. My 7x57 #1 made this 100 yard group measuring a hair over 5/8" using military surplus ammo. Even the 458 #1 shoots well at 50 yards. I have a couple of Martinis including a custom job in 45/70...

January 28, 2017, 12:09 PM	#17
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,538	You may notice that most modern target rifles are bolt action single shots. If a Ruger, Ballard, or Martini was more accurate, the competitors would be SHOOTING Rugers, Ballards, and Martinis. The symmetrical locking of a front lug bolt is an advantage over the off center support of a falling block. Not a huge one, but it is there and if you want to be competitive, you need all the help you can get. The best Indian needs the best arrows.

January 28, 2017, 12:13 PM	#18
handlerer2 Senior Member Join Date: April 26, 2010 Location: Yellowstone Co, MT Posts: 489	I own a single shot rifle, a Cooper MDL22, single shot that is the most accurate rifle that I have ever fired. I own Weatherby's , Rugers, Rems in the past. Last time I looked competition benchrest rifles were single shot bolt action rifles. It's my understanding that single shot bolt actions are the most accurate because they don't have a big honking hole on the bottom of the receiver and so are stiffer, stronger and more accurate. Take a look at accurateshooter or 6mmbenchrest.com. Look at rifle -CENSORED--CENSORED--CENSORED--CENSORED- on their featured rifle page. A lot of information there.

January 28, 2017, 02:50 PM	#21
reynolds357 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Posts: 6,165	Accuracy is both the Indian and the arrow. I shoot with a world record holding bench rest shooter. I guarantee you if he shot my sons .30-30 Win 94 in the next match, he would finish last place.

January 28, 2017, 05:18 PM	#22
saleen322 Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2010 Posts: 778	Some shoot pretty well.

January 28, 2017, 06:03 PM	#24
reynolds357 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Posts: 6,165	The most accurate rifle I have ever owned would be a toss up between a Bat/Lilja .30br. And a Bat/Hart 6PPC. A 700/Lilja 6Br Norma I have now is knocking on the door.