The Accurate Reloading Forums
Need suggestions for a single shot
24 December 2003, 11:34
CrazyquikNeed suggestions for a single shot
I've been looking high and low for a big bore single shot, I'd like to have something a little nicer than an NEF, but also dont want to spend 4 figures either.
Other than the Ruger #1, are there any other single shots (new or used) in this range? I would think there should be, but haven't been able to find many. The only other thing I've been able to find are EMF 1874 Sharps replicas, which I'm not totally against but I want to see what else is available too. How strong are those Sharps replicas, are they for BP only or can you use Marlin-strength 45-70 +P loads?
24 December 2003, 13:59
<rws2>Go for a No.1 45-70
405grs. @ 1750fps. gotta love it!
24 December 2003, 14:07
PJBrowning 1885 Traditional Hunter in 45-70.
Pete
25 December 2003, 05:12
<eldeguello>Quote:
I've been looking high and low for a big bore single shot, I'd like to have something a little nicer than an NEF, but also dont want to spend 4 figures either.
Other than the Ruger #1, are there any other single shots (new or used) in this range? I would think there should be, but haven't been able to find many. The only other thing I've been able to find are EMF 1874 Sharps replicas, which I'm not totally against but I want to see what else is available too. How strong are those Sharps replicas, are they for BP only or can you use Marlin-strength 45-70 +P loads?
Sharps replicas should be limited to BP or equivalent smokeless loads that generate no more than + - 25,000 PSI.
What's wrong with the Ruger No 1?? 
25 December 2003, 06:07
Bill MCrazyquik,
You could probably get an Encore Rifle and a Custom barrel for less than 4 figures, cheaper if you went with the Factory 24" 375H&H barreled rifle.
Custom barrels could be chambered in 45-70, 45-110, etc., 50-70, 50-90 (etc.), 375H&H, 416 Rem, 416 Rigby, 458 Win/Lott. Check "Available Chamberings" on this page:
http://www.virginvalleyguns.com/barrels.cfm Just another option for you....
Regards, Bill
25 December 2003, 06:44
CrazyquikWow! I hadn't even thought of the Encore. I've been looking at the Sharps replicas, and while I like them, there's too much tempatation to go with a modern gun like a #1 or an Encore. And with the Encore I could have multiple barrels too
Will I need to get a handgun permit to buy one, even if its configured as a rifle?
25 December 2003, 07:11
Bill MQuote:
Will I need to get a handgun permit to buy one, even if its configured as a rifle?
Now you've gone and opened the can of worms.... Many smarter than I have discussed this at great length (may need to cut and paste the whole link):
http://www.accuratereloading.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=431546&page=&view=&sb=5&o=&fpart=all&vc=1
Also:
http://www.accuratereloading.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=441376&page=&view=&sb=5&o=&fpart=all&vc=1
For your initial question, I don't think you should need a Handgun Purchase permit to buy an Encore Rifle, but that may be subject to your FFL's interpretation!
Regards, Bill
25 December 2003, 10:53
257AIIf you really want something different go with the Encore and order a special run barrel from Midway in 405 Winchester. I would really like to have one for my encore but just recently purchased a Enfield No.4 in 45-70. I think a 405 would be a blast and it more likely than not would be the only one at the range.
257AI
25 December 2003, 15:27
Borealis BobAmen to what eldeguello said about pressure in the Sharps. I've tried Remington 405 gr. factory loads in my Sharps, but it seems to prefer the Holy Black by a fair margin.
25 December 2003, 16:36
CrazyquikWhat kind of Sharps, Eyetalian or Montanaian? I'd only be looking at the Spaghetti Sharps, probably Pedersoli from what I've gathered in the last few days. Nostalgia has me leaning towards one with a nice tang mounted vernier style sight.
In reality I will probably go with a Ruger #1, such a classic look, so many available calibers. Still a good idea to look at all my options first though
Also, Buffalo Bore ammo loads up some pretty hot 45-70, and this is a clip from thier webpage.
Quote:
All .45-70 Magnum loadings are intended for use in the following firearms:
All Marlin Model 1895 variations made since 1972
Browning Model 1885 and 1886
New England Arms Handi-Rifle
Ruger #1 and #3
T/C Encore
Shiloh, Christian and Pedersoli Sharps
New Production Winchester 1886
Now I dont have the shoulder to go shooting any 50,000 cup loads like guys are putting into Ruger #1s, but I'm sure I'd be tempted to step a touch over the 25,000-27,000 cup level if I had one, and that makes me feel a little better about it.
25 December 2003, 20:48
muledeer"Will I need to get a handgun permit to buy one, even if its configured as a rifle?"
What's a handgun permit?
Am I glad I live in Alaska?
26 December 2003, 14:33
CrazyquikI live in NC.
Go to the sherriff's office, tell him you're an upstanding citizen, background check, then you get a permit and have like 6 months or a year to use it, about $5 bucks. Just a hassle really.
26 December 2003, 20:54
HornetfanIf you buy it as a rifle and keep it as a rifle you will be fine. If you buy a contender or one with a pistol profile, short barrel pistol grip, you can change it to a rifle but can not change a rifle into a pistola. I do not think an Encore excepts the contender stocks for this reason. Virgin Valley will know I spoke with them about this.My answer would be no on the permit. My question is if you can own a gun, why not have a carry permit. An armed society is a polite society. Even if you do not plan to carry a gun for defense, EXCERCISE YOUR RIGHTS. My permitt in Pa costs around $25.00 and lasts 5 years.
29 December 2003, 04:55
TDLeftyMy current 45/70 rifle is a Martini Enfield. It is a very nice single shot. It has a BIG and HEAVY Shilen octagon barrel and likes to shoot loads into tiny little groups. I see Martini's in 45/70 occasionally on the auction sites. Maybe one of them will fill the bill for you.
I use mid-range loads in mine, however all the "experts" say the action is every bit as strong as the Ruger #1.
TDLefty
29 December 2003, 12:22
JubiladoFWIW, I recently asked a very good gunsmith who specializes in single shot BP rifles, and his opinion is that the current Pedersolis are the best of the Italian single shot replicas, probably the best option unless you want to go to the expense of an American made semi-custom or custom rifle. Like most factory guns, a rifle like a Pedersoli may need some tweaking of the trigger, etc. by a good 'smith to really be at its best.
30 December 2003, 11:44
Bad Ass WallaceI have Pedersoli Sharps in 40/65, 45/70 and 50/70. Any one of them with heavy bullets would have enough accuracy and knockdown power to made a good hunting rifle.
The 535gn Lyman Postell is an awesome killer on wild bore when cast from soft lead alloy of 1:30 mix.
Accuracy at 100yds for all average approx 2.5"