Single shot rifles, inaccurate?

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Pops1085

New member
So don't bite my head off here if you love single shots, but I've heard that they are inherently less accurate than a good bolt action. Now for my wee little brain that just doesn't make sense. If all you have is a barrel and a scope mounted too it, I couldn't imagine a more accurate setup. Doesn't the inaccuracy of certain rifles come from a lack of repeatability due to parts not settling the exact same way? With a gun with so few parts and the scope affixed to the barrel, there's really nothing that could get screwed up... But what do I know. Enlighten me please.
 
I own one single shot. A Winchester 1885 Low Wall in .17 HMR and it's extremely accurate. Don't know that I've ever heard a bolt action is more accurate than a single shot. A bolt is the most accurate repeating action.
 
I would think it would be the single shot. That being said of two falling block, one rolling block, and a bolt action guns I have I would think of the falling blocks as being more accurate
My bolt action is a 22rf Mauser was also made in repeater version. Perhaps someone with both versions may have tested the two to compare.
The big thing I have noticed is that with a SS your mind tells you "you have only one round ,make it count !! " Repeaters say "well if I miss the first, I'll get it with the second or third " :p
 
I have several single action rifles and several bolt action rifles. At 200 yards it would be hard to tell one from the other.
 
Depends on the single shot. The cheap break open NEF? Not so great. The Ruger #1 or similar actions? Much better. The Rem XP-100 or 40X? Even better.
 
I had read accounts of the Ruger in particular being good hunting guns but not tack drivers, more in the 1.5 MOA.

Agreed it made no sense. Good question .
 
Always under the impression from many so called experts single shot actions were the most accurate of all. I would think most quality modern firearms of all type actions are likely more accurate than the majority of the men holding them.
 
ASSuming you're asking about breakaction singleshots. My experience has been with NEF centerfires and yes, I've found them "less consistent" than other action types. Some are more touchy than others but a couple I've shot required the action to be snapped shut in exactly the same way and with the same force every time to be consistent.
 
If single shots were the most accurate I think you'd see benchrest shooters using them, but they all tend to use bolt actions for precision work.
 
Depends what you call "Accurate" and at what range. At shorter ranges I have seen pumps that could keep up with bolt guns. I also have run into people that said their Ruger single shots were not that great. Going by the Ruger bolt actions, I would have to say they did not make the best barrels out there.
 
In past decades may beautiful target rifles were built on Ballard, Martini and other single shot type actions. I have a thing for the Ruger #1 and own several. I am not a skilled marksman but mine shoot well given the operator's level of competency.

My 7x57 #1 made this 100 yard group measuring a hair over 5/8" using military surplus ammo.

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Even the 458 #1 shoots well at 50 yards.

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I have a couple of Martinis including a custom job in 45/70...

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If single shots were the most accurate I think you'd see benchrest shooters using them, but they all tend to use bolt actions for precision work.
Click to expand...

What makes you think a bolt action can't also be a single shot. Google XP-100 and 40-X from Remington. Some of the most accurate pistols/rifles made.
 
You may notice that most modern target rifles are bolt action single shots. If a Ruger, Ballard, or Martini was more accurate, the competitors would be SHOOTING Rugers, Ballards, and Martinis.

The symmetrical locking of a front lug bolt is an advantage over the off center support of a falling block. Not a huge one, but it is there and if you want to be competitive, you need all the help you can get. The best Indian needs the best arrows.
 
I own a single shot rifle, a Cooper MDL22, single shot that is the most accurate rifle that I have ever fired. I own Weatherby's , Rugers, Rems in the past.

Last time I looked competition benchrest rifles were single shot bolt action rifles.

It's my understanding that single shot bolt actions are the most accurate because they don't have a big honking hole on the bottom of the receiver and so are stiffer, stronger and more accurate. Take a look at accurateshooter or 6mmbenchrest.com. Look at rifle -CENSORED--CENSORED--CENSORED--CENSORED- on their featured rifle page. A lot of information there.
 
Accuracy in in the hands of the shooter, not the firearm. Grip is foremost, followed by trigger pull and breathing. If you are sending the bullet down-range, the bullet has left the muzzle in the direction it is pointed (we're assuming the rifle has been treated kindly over the years.) I also hope you were using a bench rest for steadiness. You didn't mention sighting. The rear sight is the adjustable side for aiming. The front sight may have been stuck when dropped and not inline with the muzzle.

Using a bench rest, sight-in with the bulls-eye, and shoot 3-5 rounds at the same center. If you are shooting right-handed, and your cluster is to the left at 7 o'clock, or left-handed and your cluster is at 5 o'clock, it is your trigger pull. (Don't wrap your finger way around your trigger. You cannot be breathing when the rifle fires, but you need to oxygenate between each shot to prevent shaking.

If the front sight is not bent or damaged, move the rear sight in the direction of where you want the bullet to land.
 
I went back and picked up an article on the Rugers.

Guy had owned a number, some were great, some awful.

Barrel vs the action type?

They are great looking guns.

Saxopig: 3 shot groups are not a benchmark of accuracy and the 458 looks to be a 2 inch gun at 100.

In past decades may beautiful target rifles were built on Ballard, Martini and other single shot type actions. I have a thing for the Ruger #1 and own several. I am not a skilled marksman but mine shoot well given the operator's level of competency.

My 7x57 #1 made this 100 yard group measuring a hair over 5/8" using military surplus ammo.
Click to expand...
 
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