Author Topic: Single Shot Pistol Comparison (Read 3980 times)

mattmillerrx · « **on:** June 13, 2010, 12:48:17 PM »

I have been the market for a single shot pistol for years now and have been close to buying several times. I have read up on each of the models and have likes and dislikes of each of them. I will not mention those for now since I do not want to steer this poll. I will say barrel changing is not that important to me as the purpose of this gun will be easily done with one caliber.

There is a caliber in each of these pistols that will work just fine so that is not an issue either. I mainly want to focus on out of the box reliability, durability, trigger pull, easy of operation (I know it is a single shot but some are more complex than others--but complex may or may not mean it is more difficult to use), and of course accuracy (even though the intended purpose is hunting--it will shoot paper far more times than game; and everyone knows small groups are more fun).

Would love to here what calibers you guys are using in these guns and you success both in the field and on paper. Also, if you guys happen to own more than one of these options your comparison would be valued. I have gone back and forth between these models and have yet to fully decide which one to get.

I will go ahead and define what I am calling long range, since this opinion will vary. I currently hunt with a revolver and consider 100 yards a long shot with it. With these mini-rifles, I am looking to extend that range out to 300 max but would likely set-up for shots between 150-200 yrds whenever possible. I know there are several on here that define long range differently.

Results should be interesting.

kynardsj · « **Reply #1 on:** June 13, 2010, 01:25:13 PM »

I own Contenders and Encores. If I could only have one it would be the stainless Encore as you're not limited by pressure the way you are with the Contender. Rifle cartridges such as the 7mm-08 and 308 are great in a 15 inch Encore and you can get as crazy as you want with a 45-70. I like big bullets so I go with the big magnum handgun rounds. My avatar is my 13 inch 460 S&W magnum. Shoots, 45 LC's, 454 Casulls and the 460's. If I didn't already own a S&W 500 mag in a pistol and a 20 inch Encore barrel I would buy a 12-14 inch braked barrel in that caliber. I can't shoot as far as the rifle rounds but at my ranges I put really big holes in things.

Darrell H · « **Reply #2 on:** June 13, 2010, 01:28:05 PM »

I voted HS Precision because the XP-100 wasn't an option.

xphunter · « **Reply #3 on:** June 14, 2010, 04:07:19 AM »

For the ranges you want, most on the list will do the job.
My main two LR hunting single-shot specialty pistols are the customized XP-100 and the MOA Maximum.

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #4 on:** June 14, 2010, 04:43:18 AM »

I said Contender.
I own one.
I have 10" 30-30 and 45 Colt / 410
14" 223, 30-30, and 44 mag
16" 223.
The next barrel I am thinking of is a 22LR

But there is nothing that the above 3 rounds will not do in handgun hunting.
223 - Medium game, varmint,
30-30 Big game - Open / field
44 Mag Big Game - brush

DANNY-L · « **Reply #5 on:** June 14, 2010, 04:55:58 AM »

I have a contender 14" 223&7-30 I think thats all I need.

RB1235 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 14, 2010, 06:39:14 AM »

For one caliber the Savage striker was a very good pistol.The xp-100 was an excellent one. I tried contenders for years. Got tired of their inconsistencies. Sorry no experience with the rest so did not vote, since I can't say which is better not knowing all of them.
Good luck.

mattmillerrx · « **Reply #7 on:** June 14, 2010, 03:47:05 PM »

xphunter,

Since few will likely have the MOA, can you elaborate on your experience with it? Have you had any problems with it and can you comment about what others have said with it having extraction issues?

Well it is still early in the poll but so far the results are not far from what I expected with a couple of exceptions. I am a little surprised there have been no votes for the Freedom Arms. I know it is pretty new, but have read positive reviews so far. I also thought the H-S might do better since the XP-100 has such a following. I have looked for an XP-100 for a few years now and have not found many and none I wanted to buy due to either the price or condition or both.

I see someone voted for the Weatherby, would you mind commenting a little on it. I see these up for sale quite a bit in 22-250 and .223 but the only offering I would want in it would be the 7 mm-08 and have not seen one for sale in that round.

Thanks,

manofthe45 · « **Reply #8 on:** June 14, 2010, 06:19:10 PM »

Had to go with the HS for two reasons
1. I want one. BAD. Just have never had 2k free money hidden from the wife yet
2. You excluded the XP which would be my #1 choice

Gonna try to trade my Striker setup for a bare xp100 for predator hunting. Then an MOA and then sink every spare penny away for a HS

xphunter · « **Reply #9 on:** June 14, 2010, 06:36:37 PM »

Matt,
I have two MOA's, and every barrel I have will shoot 1/4 MOA and less. Most of my stuff is set-up to shoot to 1k or even further.
The load/unload process is different than a bolt rig.
When shooting from a bi-pod or the bench you do have to disrupt it from its shooting position to reload/unload.
Trigger pull can be phenomenal. It is easily adjustable on your own.

Cost is quite a bit less than a custom XP. Guessing around 1/3 to less than one-half of the cost of a custom bolt rig.
Depending on the cartridge you use extraction can be slower than the bolt rigs. I have killed pd's through elk with it.

Had it with me this spring when I helped teach a LR shooting school with Darrell Holland. Never missed a target between 400 yards to over 800 yards.
The one I had with me was a 7mm Rem Mag Improved. All shooting there was done from the prone position shooting off of a bi-pod.
The MOA owns all kinds of records in IHMSA.
It is easy to interchange barrels-I can do it in the field.

I have a FA SS, but haven't used it enough to give a thorough report.
I haven't heard the best reports on the Weatherby. I know I wouldn't spend the money on one.

Quote from: mattmillerrx on June 14, 2010, 03:47:05 PM

xphunter,

Since few will likely have the MOA, can you elaborate on your experience with it? Have you had any problems with it and can you comment about what others have said with it having extraction issues?

Well it is still early in the poll but so far the results are not far from what I expected with a couple of exceptions. I am a little surprised there have been no votes for the Freedom Arms. I know it is pretty new, but have read positive reviews so far. I also thought the H-S might do better since the XP-100 has such a following. I have looked for an XP-100 for a few years now and have not found many and none I wanted to buy due to either the price or condition or both.

I see someone voted for the Weatherby, would you mind commenting a little on it. I see these up for sale quite a bit in 22-250 and .223 but the only offering I would want in it would be the 7 mm-08 and have not seen one for sale in that round.

Thanks,

65465 Mo · « **Reply #10 on:** June 15, 2010, 06:09:56 PM »

Not on your poll, but you might want to check out the Competitor.

mattmillerrx · « **Reply #11 on:** June 16, 2010, 03:42:40 AM »

I have not heard of it. Do you have a link to a website or any details?

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #12 on:** June 16, 2010, 03:48:27 AM »

Im not much on single shots anymore but still have two contender carbines and one contendor handgun, a 730 hunter. I had a xp100 and hated it. Way to bulky and clumsy and had one encore and didnt care for it either. It was just to much bigger then a contendor. To me the contendor chambers rounds big enough for about and hunting situation. 223 varmit 730 deer and 4570 for anything that walks. Im sure though that the new FA guns is a real piece of engineering and if i was into single shots id probably be saving for one.

smong2000 · « **Reply #13 on:** June 16, 2010, 06:59:57 AM »

I voted Contender even though I don't currently have one. I had a 15" Encore in 7-08 for a few years and it was nice but not really a handgun in my opinion. My definition of hunting handgun (a gun that can be shot off-hand and easily holstered), it maybe dumb ::)or controversial but that's just me...and the opinion is free. If I was a benchrest shooter, it would be different. The Contender can fit that definition in some configurations.

Win 1917 · « **Reply #14 on:** June 17, 2010, 04:12:06 AM »

If you've got the budget and aren't concerned about versatility cancel the T/C's off your list. They're great guns and what I shoot because they fit my budget but if MOA's and XP's were in my budget believe me I'd be shooting those instead

blhof · « **Reply #15 on:** June 17, 2010, 07:00:31 AM »

I'd vote for the Contender, relatively inexpensive and extremely versitile, with the greatest variety of calibers available. I've got 2 frames and 6 barrels and always looking for more.

onesonek · « **Reply #16 on:** June 26, 2010, 07:43:54 AM »

Encore 7-08 or .308,,,,i would limit range on elk with either, but either will do 300 yds easy enough on deer awith the right bullet.
just my 2cents worth
Dave

Alaska Dave · « **Reply #17 on:** June 27, 2010, 03:33:24 PM »

Since you don't have the Striker listed as an option i'll have to go with the Contender.

bubbinator · « **Reply #18 on:** July 09, 2010, 10:10:17 PM »

I think you missed a good bet by excluding the Savage Strykers. I have 2, a .22-250 and a 7mm-08, both Gun Show pick-up with 2X-8X scopes for $400. The .22-250 is scary w/ Rem 55gr. JHPs, shooting 3 shot groups that cut bisecting holes on the line 1.5" above the POA on Remington Target(the one with all the grids & diamond bullseyes. The 7mm-08 is a close 2nd, shooting 3/4"-1" @ 100 yds with at least 2 brands of factory ammo. I have all the reloadind stuff for both calibers + lots of new bullets, but hell, I need to run out of the factory stuff before I reload. They shoot too well ! BTW, haven't had a shot on a deer yet w/ the 7mm. The .22-250 took down a nice 6 pt. whitetail from a ground blind on a greenfield @ 80+ yds w/ double lung full penetration shot. Went about 25 yds. and dropped.

rjr9603 · « **Reply #19 on:** July 11, 2010, 05:00:50 AM »

I own Contenders and Encores. I would go with Encore in 7mm-08. I have owned other platforms where you cant swap barrels easily. I have a short attention span when it comes to my toys. I have always went back to the TC platform. Get ready for a new cartridge I just call MGM or Bullberry and order a new tube and sell or trade the one I am bored with.

flipajig · « **Reply #20 on:** July 28, 2010, 05:09:13 AM »

I voted for the contender. this is in my budget I have 5 barrels 22LR,223,44mag,30-30, and 7-30 waters.
all are 14" except for the 7-30 waters its 15.
all are great shooters and the 7-30 will reach out and touch something at 300 yds and that is about it
(with a good hand load and the right bullet.) I keep my range at 200-250 for this barrel and of corse shorter distance. I hope that ive helped.

tred1956 · « **Reply #21 on:** July 30, 2010, 09:42:05 AM »

I have small hands so I like the Contender better than the Encore.

Safe shooting
Doug

tc scout · « **Reply #22 on:** July 31, 2010, 04:16:11 PM »

Contender, Don't use any heavy rifle calibers, so i don't need the weight of the Encore.

mattmillerrx · « **Reply #23 on:** July 31, 2010, 06:26:34 PM »

The Contender was my original pick, years ago when I first saw one and have wanted one every since. I was really wanting the MOA and that was my pick when posting this, but things have changed since then. Although, I still like the gun and want one--the extra cost of gun and barrels, it may continue to be a want. But I was recently given a .22LR bullet trap and am planning a small range to be incorporated into the land I recently purchased. I now do want the versatility of changing barrels and want a .22 barrel to go with what ever else I pick. I am back to wanting the Contender again, after reading so many positive post on it, I think I will be well served.

With my recent investment in the land, I may be having to put off the purchase for a while, but was not in a hurry anyway.

Ken ONeill · « **Reply #24 on:** August 01, 2010, 01:30:41 AM »

I've owned and used a number of XP's, Contenders, Encores, RPM's and one Savage Striker. I've shot a couple of FA 2008's and MOA's , but not owned either. I've never had a bad one in any I've owned.
For hunting big game, I prefer the Contender, in calibers appropriate for the game being hunted - and there are plenty available, to hunt anything on Earth. It's easy to operate, safe, moderate in weight with a more comfortable trigger reach for many shooters, dependable, and generally capable of better accuracy than most shooters.
For competition target work or hunting varmints like prairie dogs, rockchucks or groundhogs, I prefer the center grip XP-100. I've found nothing more accurate or comfortable, but the guns can be heavier, and in my opinion, are not as safe as a Contender or Encore with a round in the chamber if moving around. As a result, I generally won't walk around hunting big game with the XP loaded, which makes it slower for me to get into action.

EdK · « **Reply #25 on:** August 02, 2010, 03:08:04 AM »

I had no comment when you originally stated no interest in switching barrels. Now that you've changed your mind I'll throw in the Contender first and Encore second. These break-opens cannot be beat for their combination of versatility, functionality and price. They do have a few quirks but if one gets to know them well enough it represents no problem. They may not be in the class of some of the others shooting dimes at 200 meters but for hunting at the ranges stated they are the first choice and I choose Contender first because it has the power you need and is handier than any other on the list by far.

redleg11b · « **Reply #26 on:** August 12, 2010, 05:18:19 AM »

I voted for the encore. I had one and liked it. It may not be the best, but works well. It is a little heavy for a pistol and is why I am looking at a contender now (because if budget). I really like the XP, but then the caliber switching (important to me) would be missed. I haven't shot the XP, but have held a mid-grip and fell in love with it. For my needs though the contender in 7-30 or 30-30 will do everything I need it to. In addition, I can get other bbls for smaller game and inexpensive/informal target shooting and plinking.

xphunter · « **Reply #27 on:** August 12, 2010, 07:28:44 AM »

Quote from: redleg11b on August 12, 2010, 05:18:19 AM

I voted for the encore. I had one and liked it. It may not be the best, but works well. It is a little heavy for a pistol and is why I am looking at a contender now (because if budget). I really like the XP, but then the caliber switching (important to me) would be missed. I haven't shot the XP, but have held a mid-grip and fell in love with it. For my needs though the contender in 7-30 or 30-30 will do everything I need it to. In addition, I can get other bbls for smaller game and inexpensive/informal target shooting and plinking.

FWIW-With a pinned lug you can have a switch barrel XP.

Blackhawker · « **Reply #28 on:** August 12, 2010, 07:36:29 AM »

I don't know if I should vote here or not. I only have one single shot pistol set up with multi barrels....that is the Thompson Contender. I also don't do any hunting other than shooting cute little furry critters that live in holes in the ground; aka the prairie dog. If I vote, it would be the Thompson Contender as I have taken several dogs out to 225 to 250 yards shooting off my knee. My two best pistol calibers are 30-30 and .223.

So, do I vote T/C or is my vote void since I only own one of the types listed???

redleg11b · « **Reply #29 on:** August 12, 2010, 02:47:26 PM »

Quote from: xphunter on August 12, 2010, 07:28:44 AM

FWIW-With a pinned lug you can have a switch barrel XP.

Thank you for the information...learned something today. I hope I continue to learn too.

Poll

What single shot for long range pistol hunting applications?

Author Topic: Single Shot Pistol Comparison (Read 3980 times)