It might be interesting to hear some opinions about the all-time best single shot action. My nominee would be the Hagn. Earlier designs have paved the way, but I think it incorporates all the best features in a compact, elegant design that no one else has bettered.
Does anyone have experience with the single shot made by Butch Searcy?
I'd agree with the Hagn choice, classic lines and proportioned options, along with all else you mentioned and more. Best of all time though, that's a tough one. It's an aesthetic benchmark, no doubt to me.
If you consider cost with other factors , it is hard to beat the Ruger #1-3. Best is not the same as favorite, for my favorite , it is the twin underlug "tip up" German/Austrian action.
Mike
Der Ami, I agree when cost is considered that the Ruger action is right up there. I also agree that the classic kippluaf is great. To date I've never owned one, but it's on my bucket list.
The Hagn is rather brilliant!
I personally prefer old exposed hammer actions, so my choice would be one of those. My favorite isn't one I'd classify as "best" as it's the Marlin Ballard action. I love the design, the look, and the feel of the Ballard.
But if I was building up an action for a ground up do most anything single shot rifle, I'd buy an MVA High Wall action. They're strong enough for anything I'd want to build, and have double set trigger options, as well as pistol grip tang options. A guy could make a strong, beautiful single shot hunting, or target rifle on the MVA action.
I'd agree with Vall (although I have some others I'm fond of also.) Well, I'll have to throw in the 44 1/2 Stevens, original or CPA, as the switch barrel capability is awfully handy.
Going to agree with Vall about the Ballard. Yes, there are stronger, maybe better actions but they all feel clumsy once you have handled and used a Ballard.
Chuck
Gibbs for elegance and WR 1897 for modern pressures.
SKB, The Gibbs is indeed tops for elegance. One rifle I wish I'd never sold is a Gibbs 500 3" mint in the original case. Oh well. As for the side hammers, when young, I lusted for a Sharps. I couldn't afford a good one, and so I ended up buying an Alex Henry. It was an eye-opening experience. The Henry handled like a rifle you could actually carry and hunt with. You didn't need a mule-drawn wagon to haul it. I'd rate the 1885 Winchesters up there among the all-time top tier.
Not having had any experience with any of the great English single shots, but having admired them from afar, I would have to bow to other's opinions therein.
As for American mass produced stuff suitable for an astonishing range of cartridges I have to nominate the Winchester High Wall, vintage or modern MVA. (An MVA action is headed in my direction as we speak, to be mated to a Ron Long .32-40 barrel.) For shear American elegance I love the Marlin Ballard, but they're becoming difficult for an old fart on a fixed income to own!
All that said, my go-to hunting rifles have been Ruger #1's.
Not sure how anyone can resist a Ballard?
You got me Vall, just send me one of those (it's only a few weeks past my birthday but I'll forgive your tardiness).
You got me Vall, just send me one of those (it's only a few weeks past my birthday but I'll forgive your tardiness).
They might get lonely away from their brethren!
But with so many at home they probably wouldn't even notice if one was gone;-)
But with so many at home they probably wouldn't even notice if one was gone;-)
You're probably right. But I would notice!
SKB, The Gibbs is indeed tops for elegance. One rifle I wish I'd never sold is a Gibbs 500 3" mint in the original case. Oh well. As for the side hammers, when young, I lusted for a Sharps. I couldn't afford a good one, and so I ended up buying an Alex Henry. It was an eye-opening experience. The Henry handled like a rifle you could actually carry and hunt with. You didn't need a mule-drawn wagon to haul it. I'd rate the 1885 Winchesters up there among the all-time top tier.
Cased Gibbs sporting rifles are extremely rare, I have only encountered a handful. I do have a best quality Gibbs action laying on the bench that will become a .303 sporter along with a spectacular stick of thin shell.
Hard to beat a nice Henry single. I do not own one at the moment but I will....
Late to the party, but are you familiar with Soroka Rfiles of New Zealand?
If you look for Soroka rifles on the web you will want to raise a mortgage on your house to buy one.
Late to the party, but are you familiar with Soroka Rfiles of New Zealand?
Thank you. Soroka Rifles are new to me. The Tom Turpin 300 H&H is outstanding! Something I really didn't need to know about.