Posted on 08/25/2017 4:36:17 PM PDT by JoeProBono
The shotgun is nothing new. The smoothbore musket was the weapon of choice in the 17th and 18th centuries (not rifles). Why? Because you can get any job done with the same gun. While the shotgun—and other weapons—have evolved since then, the shotgun still holds its own with a colorful variety of firearms, action types, and ammunition choices to suit any conceivable need. For the last hundred years, the pump action and semi-automatic design have reigned supreme, eclipsing their break-top predecessors namely the single shot and double barrel varieties. But the break-top guns are still around and still going strong, though their design has already reached its pinnacle, while pump action and semi-automatic designs continue grow. With all this innovation going on, is there still room for the single shot shotgun? A case for and against can be made.
What the Single Shot Is Good At
The single barrel shotgun does offer a number of advantages over its newer pump and semi-automatic competition. Advantages include:
• Simple, Break-Top Design—The single barrel shotgun uses a simple break-top action that comes open via a lever or a button near the hammer (some single barrel guns are hammerless). The barrel is held in place via a robust locking lug in the receiver. Simply break the gun open, load a round into the chamber, and close it. The design also has few moving parts to include the hammer, hammer spring, and firing pin. There are no magazines to jam up or magazine springs to weaken. Nor are there bolts to short stroke like that on a pump action. Due to you being able to see the chamber directly, it is also very safe. • Lightweight—The single barrel shotgun, due to the virtue of not having magazines or a bolt mechanism that rides inside a receiver, tend to be light weight in comparison to other types.
• More Versatile—The break-top shotgun can, in general, digest nearly any type of ammunition of the appropriate gauge. Break-top shotguns can take interchangeable barrels and shotgun adapters to use sub caliber ammunition for plinking and game getting (if you happen to not have or don’t wish to use shotgun shells). The semi-automatic shotgun relies on its ammunition to feed and operate. Certain loads will not work well. The pump action does not have that problem, but will not take adapters readily. So, the single barrel shotgun gets a bit of a nod with respect to versatility.
• Lower Cost—The single shot shotgun remains popular because of their low cost. It is one of the few powerful options out there that you can have for under $200 new. A quality pump shotgun could be double that price.
Single barrel shotguns take sub caliber adapters at ease. Here I use a fine Short Lane rifled 20 gauge to 9mm Luger adapter. With some cheap remanufactured ammo, I was able to put rounds into a nice 5 inch group at 36 yards using the basic bead front sight only.
A single shot 410 saved my 13 year old son from a charging Ferrell hog.
Savage used to make a very nice one in 30-30 over 12g with nice walnut. Sad I never did get one.
I learned to shoot with a break-barrel .410. Shooting — and mostly missing — clay pigeons.
That would have been about 1970... the bruise on my shoulder ought to be completely gone any day now..
Mr. niteowl77
I have a near mint winchester model 37 single shot 410 from 1940 that my grandfather gave me in 1970 when I was about 6. It’s always been fun to go dove hunting with because it makes you think about the shot.
I’m thinking of selling it. pm me if anyone is interested. Sorry if this isn’t appropriate here.
I also have the side my side double that my father's first choice.
PS: I also have 3 pump action and 2 automatics.
Just had to brag a bit :)
A single-shot is also lighter, which comes into play when, like me, you’ve seen more than a few deer seasons. Gear that weighs an ounce in the morning will weigh a pound at sunset.
Your first shot at Bambi is easily the most important. If you can’t knock Antler Boy off his hooves with your first round, maybe you shouldn’t have fired that round just yet. Just sayin’ ...
My favorite shotgun today is a single shot 12 ga. slug gun that I use for deer hunting.
Single shots make sure that you make every shot count. I'm perfect with this gun. 1 shot 1 kill every time.
Single shot .410 is what I taught our children on first. Useful for snakes in back country AZ.
Who writes this stuff? Every weapon has its place.
In First!
Have the Rossi Matched Pair single shot with 12ga and .308 barrels. A great survival kit. Since a scope is mounted on the swapable barrel, barring serious impact, it holds zero. Soft case holds both barrels and stock with a size about a tennis racket case. Easy backpack carry. KISS principal apllies, teach anyone to use it in five minutes. Available in several calibers and gauges along with a black powder barrel.
Was less than $200 16 years ago.
I had a Single Shot .410 when I was eight years old.
Works just fine if the goal is meat in the pot. That’s what they were used for 99% of the time back in the day.
I sent you a fr email.
“It is supremely relevant when it is pointed at you.”
LOL. I needed that.
It sure is if you’re at the wrong end!
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