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Single Shot Shotguns: What are they used for today?

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We’ve all come ​to take the increased capacity of our firearms ​for granted. High-capacity mags are sought after, and ​the demand for continuous shooting experience​ brought about the introduction of ​drum magazines. However, there is one group ​of firearms that can’t offer this benefit. In fact, the​ ability to shoot only once every reload is its most​ distinguishing feature. Single-shot firearms are ​designed to fire one projectile at a time and don’t ​have magazines or chambers to store​ more. Shotguns are the most popular guns in ​this group, though they are not the only ones. Single-shot​ shotguns have been a popular choice for hunters ​and sport shooters alike for over a​ century thanks to their simplicity and versatility. In this article, ​we will discuss the basic working principles​ of single-shot shotguns and their ​distinguishing characteristics and find out why their appeal ​hasn’t faded to this day.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Brief History 
Types 
Pros and Cons 
Factors to Consider 
Examples
Conclusion
FAQs

single shot shotguns

Introduction to Single-Shot Shotguns

Basic Working Principles

One could call ​single-shot shotguns the first stage of shotgun​ evolution, for their working principles are the ​simplest in the family. That, of course, doesn’t make them less ​effective. Such shotguns are loaded by​ inserting a shell into the chamber, which is then secured in ​place by a break-action or a ​hinge system. Once the shell is in place, the shooter cocks the ​hammer, takes aim, and pulls the ​trigger. The firing pin then strikes the primer on the ​shell, igniting the gunpowder, which in ​turn propels the shot out of the barrel. This is how the majority ​of firearms work, nothing too ​fancy here.

Distinguishing Characteristics

One of the most distinguishing ​characteristics of single-shot shotguns is ​their lack of a magazine. Single ​shots don’t have a place to store ammunition, that’s ​why they need to be reloaded after every ​shot, hence the name. They also have fewer moving parts ​than more sophisticated types of ​shotguns, such as semi-automatic or pump-action ​shotguns.

Another thing that makes ​them stand out is the barrel length. Single-shot shotguns ​typically have longer barrels than​ other types of shotguns, which is quite beneficial​ for accuracy. They are available in a variety​ of gauges, with the most common being 12 gauge, ​20 gauge, and .410 bore.

old single shot shotguns

Brief History of Single-Shot Shotguns

Even though pump​ action shotguns seized the role of the “classic” shotgun​ in the public’s mind, things haven’t always ​been like that. In fact, for the biggest part ​of the shotgun’s history, breechloading single-shot ​was the most common type. The first single-shot shotgun ​appeared in the late 1800s and ​was widely used throughout the 20th century for hunting and ​sport shooting. Harrington & ​Richardson (H&R) produced their first single-shot in 1901 and later ​made a series of small-bore .410 single-shots. In ​the pre-WWI Wild West era, shotguns were referred ​to as “scatter guns”, nicknamed​ so because of the shot pattern. Winchester made the​ Model 37 from 1936 to 1963, selling ​over one million firearms. But even today single shot ​shotguns remain a popular choice, even​ though the market is much more varied than it used to ​be. They have become something of a ​status symbol, appealing to tradition and ​showcasing the owner’s appreciation of the ​classic firearms.

over and under shotguns

Types of Single-Shot Shotguns

Single-shot shotguns come in ​several different types, including side-by-side shotguns ​and over-and-under shotguns. ​There are also combination guns that can be attributed to ​the same group.

Side-by-Side Shotguns

Side-by-side shotguns, as the​ name suggests, have two barrels positioned​ beside each other horizontally. They are​ often used for upland game and bird hunting: their​ fast-swinging nature makes it easier ​to track moving targets. Side-by-side shotguns are ​also popular for clay pigeon shooting sports due to their ​quick pointability and ability to shoot two​ different choke constrictions in​ one gun.

Over-and-Under Shotguns

Over-and-under shotguns have ​two barrels that are stacked on top of each​ other. Sporting enthusiasts and ​competitive shooters use this type because​ of the precision and accuracy it allows for. The higher ​sighting plane of over-and-under shotguns makes it easier​ to aim and track moving​ targets. They are also well-suited for trap shooting ​where a longer barrel is preferred, as they ​can be heavier and longer than ​side-by-side shotguns.

Combination Guns

Combination guns ​are the hybrid type that comprises a smoothbore barrel ​and a rifle barrel in the same firearm. This allows​ hunters to switch between shooting game ​birds and taking larger game with a single​ firearm. Combination guns can be particularly useful for ​hunters who may encounter a variety of game​ species while out in the field, as they offer the ​ability to take a range of animals​ with a single gun.

single shot break action shotguns

Pros and Cons of Single-Shot Shotguns

Single-shot shotguns remain a​ popular choice for hunters and shooting ​enthusiasts for a variety of reasons. However, ​like any firearm, they have pros and cons that should be ​considered before making a ​purchase. Let’s take a look at some of the most significant pros ​and cons of single-shot ​shotguns:

Advantages:

  1. Simplicity: One of the biggest ​advantages of single shots. These firearms have ​fewer moving parts than ​other types of shotguns, which ​makes them easier to operate, ​clean and maintain. They are​ also less likely to malfunction (not that other types are very​ likely to, but this one has the ​fewest chances).
  2. Versatility: Single-shot shotguns ​are used for a wide range of activities, the ​most popular being hunting ​and clay pigeon shooting.
  3. Accuracy: Thanks to the smaller​ number of parts and lack of a magazine, ​single-shot shotguns are ​usually lightweight. Consequently, it’s easier to make​ more accurate shots than with other​ types of shotguns.
  4. Status Symbol: Single-shots are well-suited​ to be used by beginners, and ​many people proceed to other ​more modern types, like pump-action and ​semi-auto shotguns. But if somebody decides​ to stick to break-action shotguns, it usually means ​the person is a true shotgun ​connoisseur. 

Disadvantages:

  1. Limited Capacity: As the name suggests, single-shot ​shotguns can only hold one ​shell at a time (two ​shells in case the shotgun has two​ barrels). It poses certain inconveniences, ​especially if you are trying to take down multiple​ targets quickly.
  2. Slow Reload Time: Single-shot ​shotguns require manual reloading after ​each shot. As such, they are not ​ideal for fast-paced shooting sports or situations ​where quick shots are ​necessary.
  3. Recoil: Single-shot shotguns​ tend to have more recoil than other types of ​shotguns. That happens both because​ of the lighter weight and because there is no ​mechanism that would work to​ decrease it.

Single-shot shotguns come in a wide ​price range. While it’s perfectly possible to find a​ shotgun that would fetch less than​ $200, there are also pricier models that mark shotgun​ aficionados. 

It comes as no surprise ​that single-shot shotguns gained appreciators among both ​novice shooters and shooting ​experts. The former can benefit from the simplicity and ease ​of use. The latter can appreciate the ​challenge of having only one try. Such guns are also great​ for specialized hunting ​situations, such as turkey ​hunting.

over under shotgun

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Single-Shot Shotgun

When choosing a​ single-shot shotgun, several factors should be considered, ​including gauge, barrel length, and​ weight.

Gauge

The most common ​gauges for single-shot shotguns are 12 gauge ​and 20 gauge. For beginners, a .410-bore shotgun​ is recommended as it has the weakest recoil and is ​easier to handle. 12 gauge shotguns are​ more powerful and are ideal for hunting​ large game. The 20 gauge shotguns are the middle​ ground between the two and are suitable for upland and ​turkey hunting or recreational ​shooting.

Read: 12 Gauge vs. 20 Gauge: Choosing a Shotgun for Your Application

Barrel Length

The length of the​ barrel is another crucial factor to consider when selecting a​ single-shot shotgun. A longer barrel will ​provide better accuracy and recoil management, ​while a shorter barrel will be easier to ​maneuver in tight spaces and can be quicker to raise​ and aim. Barrel lengths for single-shot ​shotguns typically range from 18 to ​32 inches.

Weight

The weight of the shotgun ​is another thing for consideration. A heavier ​shotgun will offer more stability and absorb ​recoil better, while a lighter shotgun will be more maneuverable ​and easier to carry. The weight of a ​single-shot shotgun can vary widely depending ​on the material used to construct it, ​barrel length and a plethora of​ other factors.

single shot 410 shotgun

Examples of Single-Shot Shotguns

Savage 301 Single Shot Compact 20Ga

The Savage 301 Single ​Shot Compact 20Ga is one of those ​budget-friendly single-shot ​options we’ve mentioned previously. ​Lightweight and easy to use, it has quickly become a​ favorite among shotgun ​enthusiasts. This break-action single-shot has an ​overall length of 36″, weighs just over five pounds and is​ chambered for 20 gauge. The simplicity of its ​design makes it a nearly fail-proof ​choice, while the carbon steel barrel lives up to the harshest​ durability standards. The Savage​ 301 offers an excellent combination of performance ​and reliability, and the price is ​more than appealing.

CZ Sharp-Tail 12Ga

The CZ Sharp-Tail 12Ga is​ a side-by-side shotgun that​ has gained popularity among ​shooters due to its standard-setting​ performance and quality craftsmanship. Neither a​ budget gun nor a piece of luxury, it offers ​great value for the money and ​comes with a beautiful ​walnut stock and color case-hardened ​receiver. It has a break-action design and ​features a pistol-grip ​stock that makes operating the​ gun so much easier. The 12-gauge version is ​known for being a great shooter with​ manageable recoil.

Browning Citori Hunter Grade I 28 Ga

Now to the high-echelon firearms. The Browning Citori Hunter Grade I is a top-of-the-line over-and-under shotgun that is built with the sleek design and precision craftsmanship you won’t find in cheaper shotguns. Its Grade I walnut stock, fine checkering, and elegant engraving make it both visually stunning and incredibly functional. With its proven mechanical design and customizable options, this shotgun is ideal for the serious hunter or shooter who demands nothing but the best in accuracy and performance. It will fetch you a pretty penny, but if you are looking for the one single-shot shotgun, this candidate has all the merits and virtues of a companion, worthy to accompany you wherever you go.

Conclusion

As you can see, the​ appeal of single-shot shotguns hasn’t faded with time, even​ if brighter stars have appeared ​in the sky. The simplicity and versatility these ​shotguns offer make them a ​great choice for those​ who enjoy hunting or shooting ​activities. Whether you’re hunting small ​game with a 20 gauge or ​shooting clay pigeons or big game with ​a 12 gauge, a single-shot shotgun may be just the ​firearm you need.

Check out our other articles on shotguns:

FAQs

What makes single-shot shotguns a good choice for beginners?

Single-shot shotguns are a great choice for beginners because they are simple and easy to use. With only one shot, they force the shooter to focus on accuracy and make every shot count.

Are single-shot shotguns suitable for hunting and home-defense?

While single-shot shotguns can be are often used for hunting, they make for a really poor choice for home defense. In such high-stress situation as a home intruder, you want to have several tries at landing a shot. Single-shot shotguns don’t allow for it.

How do single-shot shotguns compare to other types of shotguns in terms of accuracy and recoil?

Accuracy is in the eye of the shooter, so holding a single-shot shotgun won’t make you more accurate than you usually are. They are, however, known for their increased recoil, because they are generally lighter and don’t have any mechanism that would counteract recoil.

Can I use a single-shot shotgun for trap or skeet shooting?

Yes, single-shot shotguns can be and should be used for trap or skeet shooting. That’s one of the things they excel at. However, if it’s speed shooting with multiple targets, you might be better of with a semi-auto shotgun.

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