Custom Single shot

[Whopper Stopper]

Anyone ever had a custom single shot made. I am guessing accuracy would have to be great, at least an improvement over factory singlshots. Any comments?

[Guy Pike]

Yes, but you must e-mail me for details. gpunlimited@roadrunner.com

[yooper77]

I always thought about getting a model 97D rifle.

http://www.eabco.com/97ref.html

I bought the Encore instead, but I have heard these are nice rifles.

I've always wanted a Ruger number one, but never got one yet.

yooper77

[Double D]

Anyone ever had a custom single shot made. I am guessing accuracy would have to be great, at least an improvement over factory singlshots. Any comments?

What rifle do you have in mind and what use do you want to make of it.

[Whopper Stopper]

I am not sure what I would have built. I am admittedly naive as to which actions are considered best of the best for this application. I suppose something in 7mm, however more research certainly needs to be done. I have been more into specialty pistols than rifles. Rifles became boring to me years ago. Yes I still collect them but most factory rifles are a high price tag wrapped around eye candy incapable of an inch at 100 yards. My 6.5x 284 custom hand rifle will print one big hole with 3 shots at 300. I won't even get into what the long range crowd can do on game at distances out to 1000 yards ( I don't want to offend the thin skinned or confused ). I like long barrels that wring every spec of accuracy out of every grain of burnt powder. I love custom triggers in the 1 pound range. Yes this is light but frankly if you aren't familiar with the use of them then fine stick to your 3-5 pound range. Everyone must know there own limits. On my bench gun I have a 4 ounce. Scopes that I can dial into about 24 power for bench use. I have never had a problem finding my target when shooting off a bi-pod with the power cranked up. I know a few old timers that get lost when they use a 1 power. They can also print a fine picture at a 100 yards with a peep sight, not my thing. I am looking for nothing fancy, just top accuracy either off the bench or out to my comfort range when hunting.  Any ideas or recommendations are certainly welcome! Offending people isn't my intent, exploring  new horizons is.

                         WS

[yooper77]

I would like it to make a corpse out of a whitetail at 400 yards, an antelope at 500.

                         WS

I am confused?

Whats the deal on wanting to shoot big game at 400 to 500 yards.

It doesn't prove anything, and good chance of losing the animal since you cannot see where it goes after the shot.

Punching paper at that distance is fine, animals deserve the up most respect and more ethical shot.

I just don't get it?

yooper77

[jcn59]

My N. WI deer hunting consists of 90% under 100 yards type shots.  I think all this magic technical, tactical, crap that encourages persons to shoot at targets over a 1/4 mile away is intriguing and interesting, and I like reading about it, but I have no practical use for it here. 

Maybe if I was an out-west hunter I might need that kind of gear, and could justify buying some.  Might be fun, and have a special gun made, too.  Maybe a Bren machine gun turned into a single-shot.  Just because I could.....

[Double D]

First what Single shot rifle do you want to build on?  Ruger, Sharps, Rolling block, highwall? 

I must tell you that your statement as quoted to below tells me that you have a lack of experience both with rifles and hunting. Let me show you.

I am not sure what I would have built for sure. I suppose something in 7mm.

What 7mm do you want.  You should have some idea.  There are a lot of 7mm's them out there with velocities running from anywhere from 1800 fps  to almost 3100 fps. You should already have some idea what cartridge you are looking for here. What velocity and bullet weights are you looking at?

I have been more into specialty pistols than rifles so I guess I would have to think on it. I am guessing it would have about a 1" tube with a length of about 26".

Do you have any idea what a one inch barrel 26 inches long is going to weigh.  IT would make a good varmint barrel weight, but not a field hunting gun that would be carried all day. Much too heavy.

I would probably have a brake of some sort glued to the end.

Why do you need a muzzle brake on a 26 inch long 1 inch diameter barrel. If you are so recoil sensitive then get a proper fitting stock. Too many people install muzzle breaks to dampen recoil that could be better controlled by  proper stock design.  And, I am not talking about a big hunky recoil pad.  I am talking about a stock with proper pitch and length of pull.  Something a custom gunsmith should do for you building a gun.

 

I love custom triggers in the 1 pound range.

Stick with a 3 1/2 pound trigger for a hunting gun.  Leave the light triggers for the bench.  In a field gun with a light trigger and an adrenalin rush you are too likely to shoot before you are ready.

Scopes that I can dial into about 24 power.

Heavy and useless in the conventional hunting field.  I have a 4x12 Leupold on my 308 Norma Mag, in the 20 years I have had it, I have never used 12 X  any where except on the range  I have shot antelope out to just over 300 yards with this gun .  Every year I threaten to take this scope off this gun and put on fixed 6X scope. This gun is so accurate, that superstition says don't mess with it.
 
I have some 6x -24x scopes on my Varmint rifles.  I have taken prairie dogs, rock chucks and one Richardson ground squirrel over 500 yards with those guns and I didn't find use high magnifications useful. at those ranges 12 or 14 X work just fine.  Finding the target and getting a solid rest is difficult at longer range with high magnifications.  The only time high magnification has been useful is on the target range at 100 and 200 yards on well bagged guns. In fact on the range when I sight in is about the only time I use the high magnifications.    In the field for varmints I find 6X  most useful for Rimfire and small centerfire  ranges out to 200 yards.  My current favorite long range varmint Remington 700 .223 has a Leupold  fixed 12x.  Beyond 300 yard Objective focus is critical.  I do shot varmints beyond 300 yards with these guns.  Shots out that far are often misses.  Misses  of two or three inches at 400 yards on gopher is well a miss. Misses of two or three inches at 400 yards on a deer is the difference between a dead dear and gut shot deer.

I would like it to make a corpse out of a whitetail at 400 yards, an antelope at 500. Nothing fancy just just capable of knocking the lungs, liver and light out of medium size game if I do my part. Any ideas or recommendations are certainly welcome!

I find your syntax a bit juvenile and disrespectful. We are not bubba animal butchers, we are hunters and we don't need to be crude about. I can assure you those who don't want us hurting animals at all will only dwell on the crude portion of  your statement and totally ignore everything else. We are hunters and we do kill animals but we don't need to be crude about it..

The others have beaten you up pretty good about shooting deer so far away. So I won't go into it much further.  In 45 years of hunting I have made to many bad shots at close range to encourage anyone one to shoot long range with out extreme special skills and circumstances.

So lets bring this back bring this back on topic by helping you come up with a nice custom single shot for deer hunting.

So what single shot action do you think you would like to start with?

[S.E.Ak]

Any game shot at four hundred yards with a gun can be shot at twenty yards with a bow.There is a difference between shooting and hunting. For me hundred yard or less kills is what I want and demand in myself.

[Double D]

Will, what does that have to do with building a custom single shot rifle?

[LONGTOM]

Please read this with an open mind.
I don't intend to offend anyone!

I would like to point out one or two things and pose one question.

Concerning long range shooting.
If a hunter/shooter is skilled at long range and has the equipment that is up to the task 400, 500 even 600 yd kill shots can and are being made on all types of game.
I don't condone such shots but I don't ridicule someone who has proved on many occasions that he and his equipment are up to the task.
If we were never going to shoot larger animals past say 300 then why do so many hunters use such big calibers?
By this I mean anything past say a 25-06 or a 270 or a 243 for that matter in the hands of a skilled shooter!
Like was posted "DEAD IS DEAD"!

From reading his posts it is clear that Whopper Stopper is not one of those types of riflemen (skilled long range) so I have no problem with the replies as they are intended.

As far as the bow comment that is the same as saying any deer killed at 20 yds with a bow can be killed at 2 feet with a knife.
This has no relevance here what so ever!

As for scopes I would agree that high magnification isn't needed but if you have it then take advantage of it.
That's what it's for!

IMO the two main problems that Whopper Stopper has is a lack of experience both in practical shooting and his choice of words!

Now for my question.
Why is it that anytime someone talks of long range shots on deer it is a mortal sin but no one and I mean NO ONE ever says a word about it when the shots are taken at varmints?
Whats the difference?
They are all animals.
Is it OK to gut shot a ground hog but not a deer?
Come on boys we can do better than that.
If you don't like-want-or feel skilled enough to make the long shot that's fine and I have the highest respect for you, but don't dump on those who can do it.

I know this has little to do with the main post and for that I apologise.
Heck it might even be moved or removed altogether.
I am not trying to start anything with anyone of you.
We all have our vent points and one of mine is needless ridicule!
Once again I apologise.


LONGTOM

 

[S.E.Ak]

LongTom the bow reference is to show the difference between hunting and shooting only.I would love to get within two feet of a deer.I think the difference between groundhogs and deer is one of respect for the game,one a game animal and one vermin.Also lots of folks do hunt groundhogs within the hundred yard range but with groundhogs its removing unwanted pest.If W.S. hunts with a pistol I'm sure he knows how to get close to game if he wants.If he just wants to shoot something at long range I would prefer he build a varmint rifle.In no way to I intend to infringe on how a person hunts or what he hunts with except for canned hunts.
I will say that if you do kill a game animal 500 yards away you better go get it even if it means a ten mile walk up and down ridges and though vallies and across shale that goats fear to go to retrieve the game.

[yooper77]

Target practice or competitions are all fine at extreme long distance on paper.  Attempting to shoot at big game at those distances is unethical in my opinion.

I don’t think people buy bigger calibers because they intend on shooting at extreme long range, it’s probably because they are caught up in the big magnum hype.  I have seen too many people shoot a cartridge that they are not comfortable with, and they tend to shoot very poorly because if it.

I witnessed a deer shot at 200 yards by a man shooting a 300 Weatherby Magnum, at the shot the deer was hit in the hind quarter.  2 miles later the deer was recovered.  This person always wanted a Weatherby cartridge, but clearly he didn’t have the skill to use it.

Deer vs. ground hogs? (not a good comparison)

Ground hogs that are gut shot probably have their spine ripped out at the shot.  Prairie dogs are shot at great distances and are usually torn in half at the shot and are left to lay.

I do disagree when people select a varmint cartridge to use for taking of big game.

People can disagree if they want, but it doesn’t change my mind and I don’t intend to change theirs.

yooper77

[jcn59]

A GUY ASKS ABOUT BUILDING A RIFLE AND HE GETS A PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT?

Just trying to find some humor in all this.  Not trying to be a smart a__.  I guess W.S. got more than his money's worth on his question.

[yooper77]

A GUY ASKS ABOUT BUILDING A RIFLE AND HE GETS A PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT?

Just trying to find some humor in all this.  Not trying to be a smart a__.  I guess W.S. got more than his money's worth on his question.

Lets see?

Anyone ever had a custom single shot made. I am guessing accuracy would have to be great, at least an improvement over factory singlshots. Any comments?

Wasn't really much of a question.

We still don't know what rifle platform?

I am not sure what I would have built. I am admittedly naive as to which actions are considered best of the best for this application. I suppose something in 7mm, however more research certainly needs to be done. I have been more into specialty pistols than rifles. Rifles became boring to me years ago. Yes I still collect them but most factory rifles are a high price tag wrapped around eye candy incapable of an inch at 100 yards. My 6.5x 284 custom hand rifle will print one big hole with 3 shots at 300. I won't even get into what the long range crowd can do on game at distances out to 1000 yards ( I don't want to offend the thin skinned or confused ). I like long barrels that wring every spec of accuracy out of every grain of burnt powder. I love custom triggers in the 1 pound range. Yes this is light but frankly if you aren't familiar with the use of them then fine stick to your 3-5 pound range. Everyone must know there own limits. On my bench gun I have a 4 ounce. Scopes that I can dial into about 24 power for bench use. I have never had a problem finding my target when shooting off a bi-pod with the power cranked up. I know a few old timers that get lost when they use a 1 power. They can also print a fine picture at a 100 yards with a peep sight, not my thing. I am looking for nothing fancy, just top accuracy either off the bench or out to my comfort range when hunting.  Any ideas or recommendations are certainly welcome! Offending people isn't my intent, exploring  new horizons is. WS

Plus the extra info he is getting isn't from his initial question, its from the other remarks.

I suppose something in 7mm, however more research certainly needs to be done.WS

What type of cartridge other than 7mm?

Rifles became boring to me years ago. Yes I still collect them but most factory rifles are a high price tag wrapped around eye candy incapable of an inch at 100 yards. WS

Whopper Stopper, if you have so much money to throw away at boring factory rifles, then I suggest you purchase a Dakota model 10 in what ever 7mm cartridge you desire.
http://www.dakotaarms.com/cgi-bin/quikstore.cgi?category=Dakota_Model_10_Single_Shot

My 6.5x 284 custom hand rifle will print one big hole with 3 shots at 300. WS

I don't know what this means?  Exactly what size is one big hole?

Ultimately, he lacks true firearm and hunting knowledge.

He got exactly what he deserved.

yooper77

[LONGTOM]

In responce about all I can say is that your points are well taken and I meant no offence and really none was taken.
I'm the type that just doesn't like to see anyone dumped on for lack of knowledge.


LONGTOM

[S.E.Ak]

I agree and folks come here for knowledge and help which can make our hunting and shooting numbers grow,a good thing. Then again we have hunters that do nothing but hurt what others have tried so hard to build in PR. Once we get out to the five hundred yard range many bullets stop doing what they were designed to do as far as taking game is concerned.Sniper rounds at long range do the same as they do at shorter range but that's solids for you,just make a hole.
I for one find alot of difference in say taking a grizzly.You shoot a griz at two hundred yards but you hunt and kill one at fifty.

[LONGTOM]

I can agree with that and as I said in my post I don't condone such long shots but there is times when it is called for.
Such was last year on the last day of the season I made the shot just over 500 with a 270wsm on a wounded doe that was hit in the guts at about 150 with a 7x57 140gr.
She stopped broad side after a good 300 yd run at the adjoining properties owners fence.
She had tried to jump but didn't make it.
I took the shot for the gentleman and down she went to a neck shot.
If she had gotten across the fence she would have been wasted.
Here in VA we must have written permission to retrieve animals on anothers property and this owner is defiantly anti hunting-anti gun, NO WAY would he have allowed that.
Like I have said before I regularly practice long range shooting, at least twice a month and have done so for many many years.
I knew the equipment was up to it and with the solid rest I had I was sure I could make the shot or I would not have tried it.

Back to the part about the ground hogs and deer, To me there is no difference.
They all deserve respect and a quick kill, vermin or not.
That is why I do practice so much at long range.
Not to crow but my buddy and my self routinely make called head shots on ground hogs out to 400 or 500 yds if the wind is still, and without the aid of a range finder or mil-dot scope.
Yes we miss some, but not many.
That's why we practice!


LONGTOM


LONGTOM

[hillbill]

lots of guys say, oh jeez most shots are taken under 100 yrds why yu need to be able to shoot so far?well now,  if yu can hit a pie plate at 600yrds id sure expect yu to be able to hit a walnut at 100 yrds.for someone to say long range skill is stupid is the  same as saying its stupid to be that good of a shot.im all for a guy who wants to practice and set up for long range shots, all its going to do is make him a better shot at the normal ranges we most often see game at.as far as the orignal ?i like the winchester hiwall type rifles, but thats jus me. any of the common platforms will work well with enuf work. as far as calibers? pick the cartridge yu can shoot comfortably as practice makes perfect.im a 6.5 guy but the 7mm and 30 cals are hard to beat also.

[Harry O]

I don't know if this would count, but I have a rifle that was built on a Ruger No. 3 action.  Everything else was replaced.  I did not build it myself, but bought it from the guy-who-had-it-builts estate.  There were very few rounds fired before I got it.

It has a 26" long Lilja semi-bull barrel (there is a slight taper).  The stock is laminated wood and very well inletted to the stock.  It has a worked over trigger (I have not opened it up, but it looks stock, although it does not feel stock).  There is a wedge near the front of the stock that puts upward pressure on the barrel (to reduce vertical stringing).  It was chambered in a 30-40 Krag based wildcat.  It was necked down to 7mm, the neck was blown forward, and the shoulders were blown out almost straight.  It is the ballistic equal of a .280 Remington.  My standard load is 52.0gr of 4350 with a 140gr bullet which gives 2,880fps.  I have it sighted in at 200 yards and it rises approx. 2" at 100 yards.

I regularly shoot 3-shot groups at 200 yards at as small as 1" and about 90% to 95% of the groups I shoot at that range are smaller 1-3/4" (from a sandbag rest).  I would say that the overall average of all groups shot is probably about 1-3/8".  I have never shot at anything at more than 200 yards and would not try this one at 500 or 600 yards, however, there is no question that it is more accurate than a stock rifle.  I have two other Ruger No. 3's that have stock barrels and the accuracy is approx. half as good.

[BS]

Anyone ever had a custom single shot made. I am guessing accuracy would have to be great, at least an improvement over factory singlshots. Any comments?

I re barreled a #3 with a Pac-Nor .416 tube [40-90 wildcat]...............put on a Bell&Carlson stock..............no bedding, jut a little 'fitting on the for-stock.......................First gun I owned to shoot 3 shots under 1/4" at 100yds from the bench.[6x scope] Nothing fancy, just shoots GREAT!

[marlinman93]

 I've had a couple custom singleshot rifles built, and both were built on factory original actions. In an attempt to save some money I did as much work on them myself as I could. Fitting and finishing the stocks, polishing out all the metal. One is done on a Ballard #4 Perfection, while the other is built on a Rem. Hepburn action. Both are in .45-70, and both will shoot much better than I can hold.
 Both guns came out perfect, despite my involvement! I'm tickled with their accuracy and looks, and the prices were very affordable by doing what I could.
 I'm in the process of building yet another custom singleshot on an original Rem. #1 commercial rolling block action. This one will be a .40-65, with 32" barrel, and presentation grade wood. Might even have it engraved like I did the Hepburn, if it turns out to be worthy of the extra expendature!

 Ballard:



Hepburn:

[torpedoman]

 I'm a little partial to this one for paper punching.

[Kansas Boomer]

I'm partial to the Remington Rolling Blocks. Have two I use for hunting. One has a long octagon barrel and open sights. It is very accurate, my son has shot deer at long ranges with it (175 yards). But he has 30 year old eyes. For me its about a 75 yard rifle. My RB is scoped, and my longest shot has been about 175 yards. Both are 45-70. Had a 7mm RB converted to 45-70 not long ago. I supplied the new barrel. Blueing, trigger job, chambering, sights, etc. came to around $500. Not including what I paid for the original RB. I am trying to do the stock work. Stocks and misc. supplies came to over $200.00.  So if you can get by for $1000.00, you are doing real good. Boomer

[squirrellluck]

LongTom, gotta say I agree with you completely. If you didnt live so far away I'd offer to buy you a cup of coffee sometime. So if you're ever in my neck of the woods give me a shout. Think we'd get along.

[richj]

Here's my Fraser (by Tom Griffin) in 405 Win.

http://home.pipeline.com/~shootzf/guns/fraser/fraser.html