I have always been interested in the single shot world, but I have been a little hesitant to jump in. Mostly because of some confusion on my part regarding what frame can receive what barrel.

A local pawn shop has a carbine marked "Center" in 25/06 not marked with anything else (except sn, which I did not write down) is this a good rig to start with?

ps I have looked around but have not been able to find anybody to make sense out of all the (seemingly endless)options and exceptions.
All I want is a frame(rifle) that can accept a large percentage of the aftermarket barrels out there.)
Any help would be great.

A Thompson Center Encore can handle most cartridges out there, and there are tons of aftermarket custom barrels and accessories available.

The Contender and later G2 will accept any of the barrels designated for Contender or G2. These 2 are not suited to cartridges such as the 25-06 you mention but can be had in numbers such as the .223 Remington, wildcats such as the 6.5 JDJ or 6.5x30-30 AI, 7-30 Waters, 30-30 and 30-30 AI, etc.

TC also offered some earlier single shots, but those have fallen by the wayside and are rarely seen today.

For your applications, the Encore (or Encore Pro Hunter) would suit your needs quite nicely.

Directly below is a Contender. An Encore Pro Hunter is in the bottom photo.

Low_tech,

If you are posting here, you have a computer and an internet connection. You can do a google search for thompson center contender, thompson center encore, or encore pro hunter. That should get you started.
Contender and encore rifles/pistols are probably the most economical way to shoot numerous chamberings and calibers. The variations are almost infinite. You can purchase them from any number of websites as well as at your local gun shows and gunshops. The aftermarket is almost endless. Stocks, barrels and accessories.
GWB

thanks for the responses

I will keep looking

Is is single or double trigger design? It could be a Thompson-Center TCR-83(dst) or TCR-87(single trigger). Wood stocks? Likely a TCR.

Rich
Buff Killer