I'd like to put together, or find, an accurate single shot rifle in 357 magnum. I would like a nice plinker, and something to hunt small game. Would like to shoot mostly cast bullets, but some jacted up to 180 grains )140-180 grain range jacketed).

I know NEF made their break open rifle in the 357 mag (and 357 max) in the past. It's sound, but honestly, I'd like something a little nicer (but I'd shoot one if I found one).

I'm not a fan of the T/C encore/contener rifle. Don't know why, just doesn't catch my eye. I thought a bit about the EA Brown action, but that's got the similar look.

I'd love a nice Winchester High wall (possibly a low wall). I wish Ruger would make their Number 3 action in 357, and make a version without the barrel band (I like the S lever better than the latch lever on the Ruger #1).

Any thoughts from someone who went this route? I'm thinking to use a current Browning low wall action, and rebarreling (with different extractor).

Input welcome. Suggestions? Experiences?

Can't speak to their abilities but since you mentioned one, I know where there's an NEF in .357 with a 20 guage bbl too. Walnut stock and stainless finish. I believe the asking price was something like $150. I should be going by the shop on Tuesday when they open again. PM me if you are interested and I'll look into it for you.

But I agree an Ruger #3 would have been nice. I have an older EAB action in .32 H&R and love it. You're right though, it's certainly not what I'd call pretty but the groups it shoots are, lol.

The low wall would be sweet. Not inexpensive but nice.

quote:

I'd like to put together, or find, an accurate single shot rifle in 357 magnum. I would like a nice plinker, and something to hunt small game. Would like to shoot mostly cast bullets, but some jacted up to 180 grains )140-180 grain range jacketed).

Mine is a bit off your mark, but a fantastic "plinker" and small game rifle.

I have a Martini Cadet rebarreled and chambered in .357 mag. All done by Robert Snapp, the premire modifier of Cadets.

Mine is extremely acccurate with both .38 spl and .357 mag bullets. No noticible recoil with either. It likes both my old Police Combat Pistol competition 158 gr .38 spl lead SWC loads and 180 gr .357 mag loads.

I have standard Cadet iron sights on it now. Been debating having it drilled and tapped for a low power scope to help with my crappy near vision and using iron sights, however I have tagged a fair number of squirrels and rabbits with this thing as is and it's a joy to carry in the winter woods here late season.

Problem is the neices and nephews can go through a lot of .38 spl ammo really quickly when they come to visit. They like it more than the .22 I bought for them to shoot.

For something different, affordable and unique, the Cadet fits the bill nicely.

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I know NEF made their break open rifle in the 357 mag (and 357 max) in the past. It's sound, but honestly, I'd like something a little nicer (but I'd shoot one if I found one).

I don't think my 6x47 H&R looks all that bad with the 24" octagon barrel

i am like chopper guy. mine is made on a martini cadet action and i had my barrel cut for the 357 max chamber. can shoot 38, 357 and 357 max. , a walnut stock with a full length forend and a peep sight, accurate enough for my sight limitations.

AS you said, H&R no longer makes the complete rifle in 357mag, but it's still available in the accessory barrel program, and they do offer some stocks much nicer looking than the plain jane beech stocks that come on the standard Handirifle. I sent a frame in a while back for fitting of 357mag and 44mag barrels and ordered a Topper Deluxe Classic stock set for it at the same time, it's checkered walnut like the one on my 405 Winchester below. They also offer Boyd's thumbhole stocks now, although they're out of stock likely until January according to CS.

Ruger produced a California Highway Patrol commerative in 357 mag. and some without the commerative marking with nice upgraded wood.

I have a non-commerative model. It shoots very well with both cast and jacketed bullets.

They aren't that commom, but if you can find one thru Gun Broker or other internet sources for around $600-700, you'll get a good quality single shot rifle without the hassels of rebarreling.

Geoff

Uberti from time to time makes their small frame rolling blocks in .357 Mag. In the last year, I saw a post somewhere that a batch had just come in, so they are probably now sold out and won't be available for a few years. You might be able to find a used one.

Since you're willing to rebarrel, there's many options. One of the large frame rolling block replicas (Lone Star, Pedersoli, etc.) would work. Uberti has offered the Low Walls in .30-30, so .357 should be no sweat. A scaled down Sharps replica is supposed to be out in the next few months.

Have you considered the older Contenders? I think the new ones are pretty ugly, but the old ones were handsome (or at least I think so, but then I own one). If you can find the flat sided variant, I think it is especially nice looking.

I have one of the Uberti Baby Rolling Block Rifles and it is a ball to shoot, it is more than accurate enough for Whitetail(within reasonable distance) and most small game. Haven't checked the weight but it I'm sure it is almost as heavy as a fart. LOL.

Steve E........

I recently saw a custom made barrel for the Blaser K95 single shot rifle for sale, caliber was however .357 Maximum, the price was about 900€, plus the necessary rifle, of course.

Have a 1894 Marlin, shoots better than I do most times, nice, fun, handy as anything.

Yes, I'd look for a Ruger factory model if you can find one, one sold recently on another forum, I was looking, but low on cash myself....

Zermel, is that the 222 mag case, or the new Lapua version.....the 6/47?

A quick Google shows one .357 Uberti for auction here. I'm not sure if this is the rifle or the carbine version, but it appears to be the latter. I did not find any on the web sites of the usual US importers.

That auction price looks a bit high, but compared to rebarreling another action, it might be a good buy for you.

Hey guys I am new here but, I had a Browning Low Wall in .22 Hornet. It is at Clearwater Reboring. They are reboring and rechambering it to 32-20. If you get ahold of Allen there he can give you an estimate. I had looked around and went with the Low Wall because they are really nice. I looked at the Uberti but decided to spend a little more for the Browning. I have an Encore but wanted something a little more refined. They are also sending the action and lever to Doug Turnbull for case coloring.