is it time for new single shot center fire to replace .22 RF?

[Dand]

I've been thinking lately about the difficulty of finding .22 rf ammo and a need I think I have for a very light rifle that has a bit more punch than a .22.

I'm loading some 32 H&R Mag and 30 Carbine ammo in prep to try some chamber inserts in my 30-06. Just for fun.

But, .22 rim fire ammo is hard to find everywhere.  And I like the idea of a very light single shot centerfire rifle like a Stevens Favorite or rook rifle. Something to pack along on a hike or trapline that might have a bit more punch at close range - like the 32 H&R, 38 special/ 357, 30 Carbine, 25-20. 32-20.

The Handi's are kind of big & heavy but priced right.  Ruger 1 real big.  Martini , EAB rifles pretty rare or expensive.

I'm thinking cheap, simple, maybe 18 in barrel.

Is there anything out there?  Could a slightly beefed up  Favorite or similar falling block work?

It sounds fun to me to have a very light rifle in a small centerfire that used easily cheaply reloaded ammo.

I'm thinking about a 4 pound rifle - not a bench target rifle something fun and light to shoot and carry.

[sethk]

Rossi used to make a single shot in 357 that weighed just over 5 lbs with a wood stock and a 23" barrel.  If you could find one of those, put synthetic stocks on it, and cut that barrel down by 6 inches or so, I reckon you'd have a pretty nice little plinker.

[45-70.gov]

i have a rossi  chopped and threaded for can
real light with red-dot sight
my full sized handi with 2X7 nikon is my big smallgame gun
real quiet and power is about right....more then 22 but not  a 30-30
can't hunt with can in florida....just a possum poacher
i would do 38/357  over 32.....
power about the same.....until you slip in a 357 mag [or max] if needed

[Flynmoose]

I have a T/C G2 Contender with a synthetic stock and a 20" custom shop barrel in 357 Mag. Most of the time I shoot 38s with the option of a full house 357 when necessary. It is lighter than a Handi and one can change calibers without fitting, even rimfires if ammo becomes available in the future.
FM

[Dand]

thanks guys you gave me stuff to think about.  I hadn't thought of the contender. I really like the idea of switch barrels.


Maybe I'm not paying close enough attention to the Handi and Rossi - but last I looked at them they seemed kind of heavy and the Rossi especially was pretty clunky looking/feeling.  Maybe a little work and it could be fun.  Certainly the Handi's have a good accuracy rep - sometimes.


I too thought the 38/357 might be the best option.


In part this grew out of my frustration for not grabbing a Marlin 1894 in 38/357 back when they were affordable.


Thanks - more comments and ideas welcome.

[baranjhn]

I think there a few .32-20 martini cadets on Gunbroker that would fit the bill.

[streak]

I really like my 38/357 18" Contender barrel set up! It is great to have the option to load up some real mild loads and get excellent velocity increase with that length of barrel. I have one real neat load for small game and it is a 200 grain RN cast bullet that really knocks the stuffing out of small game and minimal meat damage. Which reminds me to go and find that load information and do some reloading for that barrel.

[twoshooter]

In the Handi you might be able to find a 300AAC, that is the closest factory cartridge  to what you are looking for. In some bolts you might find a 17 Hornet.  A cast load in a 25/20 would be very close to 22 magnum power range. The problem though will eventually be the cost of primers, and most people will not reload.The time involved is too great. What we need is for the companies to stay at max production until the scalpers and preppers are setting on so much ammo that if it went off the earth  fall out of orbit, then things can return to some kind of normal.

[sethk]

While it may be expedient to think about interim substitutes, I'd say that, in the long term, .22 rimfire cartridges will maintain the place it's historically held. There aren't any fewer .22 firearms than there were and it's still the cheapest to produce. Whether it's from the ammo panic subsiding or the factories adjusting to a new normal (which they've likely been reluctant to do in case they end up investing in infrastructure that is overkill in the event the demand reverts to reasonable levels), it will be back in optimal supply.

[Lloyd Smale]

contendor carbine with a 16 inch barrel. About as light and compact as it gets.

[pastorp]

How about a 92 lever in 38/357. About as handy a rifle as I know of if it must be a single shot then a contender in 7tcu. You should have lots of 223 brass available to you and you reload. 

[Nessmuk#1]

Take a look at the 22 Squirrel.  I've a rifle I am rechambering to it in the rimfire bore of .223 and calling it the 22 Nessmuk.
I plan on doing the same with the .257 bore and having a 25 Nessmuk.

[45-70.gov]

the original  question
is it time to replace the 22RF


NO.....but  it is definately time to get ready  with a back up plan


some good ideas here.......and some over some bonuses over the 22


as in the case of 38/357....or any down-loaded rifle

[Lloyd Smale]

something like a 9mm ar15 pistol. Cast your own bullets and pick brass up at the range and it doesn't cost much if any more then shooting 22lr. 3 grains of powder and a primer.