Single-Shot Rifle for Ultralight Setup

[csmcclain]

Everyone is always looking for an ultralight set up, but you never hear about people looking at handi-rifles to do the job. Any legitimate reason why? They’re usually sub-$500, they come in a wide variety of calibers, they’re usually only 6 lbs, they almost never fail, and they can be broken in half for easy packing.

Just food for thought or light debate.

 

[SteveAndTheCrigBoys]

There have been a few threads about it. This one comes to mind. Single Shot Mountain Rifle Build: CVA Scout

Another older one, there are some good points made here. Lightweight takedown single shot rifle - any market for it?

The Ultralight Ultralight Rifles thread certainly makes a case for the AR platform, though sub-$500 might be wishful thinking looking at the price of my build!

I've mostly considered an "ultralight" single shot shotgun for turkey hunting. Not so much rifles...yet

 

[Kyguy]

The problem with Handi rifles is no parts availability when something needs to be repaired or replaced. Nor does anyone that I am aware of do custom barrels for a Handi. Plus, they aren't anything close to graceful. LOL. I had a few handi and H&R rifles over 20 years ago, and if I was going the single shot route for economy, I'd probably get a contender g2 when they come back out. The Encore could be another option. Money no object, I'd look at the European single shots or maybe find someone who would do a custom carbon fiber stock on a Ruger 1A.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Not sure how “lightweight” you really want to go but for single shot rifles, a Blaser K95 is an awesome field rifle.

 

[csmcclain]

The problem with Handi rifles is no parts availability when something needs to be repaired or replaced. Nor does anyone that I am aware of do custom barrels for a Handi. Plus, they aren't anything close to graceful. LOL. I had a few handi and H&R rifles over 20 years ago, and if I was going the single shot route for economy, I'd probably get a contender g2 when they come back out. The Encore could be another option. Money no object, I'd look at the European single shots or maybe find someone who would do a custom carbon fiber stock on a Ruger 1A.

Definitely not graceful, but they will do the job and remain light. Mostly just thinking out loud here about saving a couple pounds.

 

[csmcclain]

Not sure how “lightweight” you really want to go but for single shot rifles, a Blaser K95 is an awesome field rifle.

The Blaser price tag reflects their excellence, unfortunately…

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

The Blaser price tag reflects their excellence, unfortunately…

Indeed.

 

[Elkhntr08]

Love my 1885 Highwall, but it’s not light!

 

[Thegman]

Everyone is always looking for an ultralight set up, but you never hear about people looking at handi-rifles to do the job. Any legitimate reason why? They’re usually sub-$500, they come in a wide variety of calibers, they’re usually only 6 lbs, they almost never fail, and they can be broken in half for easy packing.

Just food for thought or light debate.

I haven't looked at Handi-Rifles for a long time, but there are lots of bolt rifles at 6 lbs or less as far as weight goes.

I went through the ultralight single shot idea years ago with a T.C. G2 and custom lightweight barrel in 357 Max. It wasn't much lighter than my 308 Montana, way less range, cost more, and I found carrying ammo ready to go in a rifle’s magazine made a lot more sense than stuffing it in pockets, etc.

In my case it had more disadvantages compared to advantages over a lightweight bolt rilfe to make sense, so it went down the road.

My UL-UL rifles have actually managed to unseat the bolt rifles as the most used rifles. Haven't actually used my bolt rifles for almost 3 years. I've found the UL-ULs to be way more -realistically functional- than I did the single shot route.

 

[csmcclain]

I haven't looked at Handi-Rifles for a long time, but there are lots of bolt rifles at 6 lbs or less as far as weight goes.

I went through the ultralight single shot idea years ago with a T.C. G2 and custom lightweight barrel in 357 Max. It wasn't much lighter than my 308 Montana, way less range, cost more, and I found carrying ammo ready to go in a rifle’s magazine made a lot more sense than stuffing it in pockets, etc.

In my case it had more disadvantages compared to advantages over a lightweight bolt rilfe to make sense, so it went down the road.

My UL-UL rifles have actually managed to unseat the bolt rifles as the most used rifles. Haven't actually used my bolt rifles for almost 3 years. I've found the UL-ULs to be way more -realistically functional- than I did the single shot route.

Definitely agree that there are plenty of bolt guns at 6 or less. Oddly enough, the lightest firearm I own is an old Remington 600 Mohawk .308 with a wooden stock, proving that ultralight rifle options have been around for a while.

 

[aachey]

Definitely agree that there are plenty of bolt guns at 6 or less. Oddly enough, the lightest firearm I own is an old Remington 600 Mohawk .308 with a wooden stock, proving that ultralight rifle options have been around for a while.

Almost have the complete collection of Rem 600's (no 223) always light and handy. Was surprised when I weighed my 308 scoped just under 7 pounds. my 350 rem mag weighs 7.5 pounds scoped.

 

[Chris in TN]

Some years back I bought a CVA Scout for my kids to hunt with. My oldest has taken two deer with it, both instant kills, it came threaded for a can, it's easily sub-moa with handloads, but I wouldn't buy one for long range because at some point you'll have to deal with the quirks of having a forend that touches the barrel. I think the CVA takedown forend attachment is probably better (less sensitive to varying pressure) than some other single shot forend systems in terms of zero shifting as your hold on the forend shifts, but I won't say they solved the problem completely. Ours is .350 Legend so I have never shot it much past 200 yards anyway. Also, single shots can be a bit awkward to reload, especially from sitting or prone. They're fun but I'll stock with bolt guns for the most part.

 

[Thegman]

Definitely agree that there are plenty of bolt guns at 6 or less. Oddly enough, the lightest firearm I own is an old Remington 600 Mohawk .308 with a wooden stock, proving that ultralight rifle options have been around for a while.

So...you already have one of the coolest lightweight rifles ever! I all but guarantee if you get a lightweight single shot, you'll be like me and grabbing that Mohawk instead.

 

[Monty3006]

I have a Merkel K1 .243 and it is a great little rifle.

 

[csmcclain]

So...you already have one of the coolest lightweight rifles ever! I all but guarantee if you get a lightweight single shot, you'll be like me and grabbing that Mohawk instead.

Sometimes you just want one more