(.275 member)

27/04/10 10:39 AM

North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

Hi,

I need some help in choosing a single-shot rifle. It will primarily be used in North America for
deer, pronghorn & elk. I do go to Africa, so it might make a trip or two there for antelope?

I have some other vintage doubles (Lancaster, H&H) & shotguns, so I do have an affinity for
older, functional firearms. However I would like to have it scoped (eyes aren't as good as they once were).
Really hate to bugger up a nice vintage rifle? However I have even thought about Dakota No. 10's or
selecting a used Martini Hagn or other recent made single-shot?

As far as caliber, if I pick up a nice vintage single-shot I would probably look at .303 British
or something similar. I know of a nice 400/350 Rigby that might be available, is this a
reasonable caliber for my purposes? I really don't know anything about the 400/350 ballistics.
If I went with a new rifle I would lean toward a 300 H&H or even 30-06, 270,...

Please let me know any opinions you might have. Thanks for your help.

Jim

(Hopefully you'll see some nice trophy photo's with the new rifle sometime)

P.S. If someone has a rifle that might be perfect, go ahead & contact/PM me

(.400 member)

27/04/10 11:43 AM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

If you are after a Ruger No.1 in .303 they are about to make a limited factory run of them in 1A configuration. Get your order in now.

They are quite light and short so would make excellent rifles to travel with.

Woodleigh make a bonded 215 grain RNSP with an SD of .316.

(.375 member)

27/04/10 12:08 PM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

I would be looking at a Ruger No1 in .300H&H or 30/06 or a Browning/Winchester 1885 in .300H&H both can be scoped

(.375 member)

27/04/10 12:18 PM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

Well here is my 2 cents, but only because you asked.

I have an affinity for vintage single shot rifles but I think that the best modern designs are a bit more robust. If you are looking for a rifle you intend to shoot regularly, especially with high pressure cartridges, then I vote for modern metallurgy.

Your stated purpose is "primarily be used in North America for deer, pronghorn & elk". For that mixed bag I would look for something flat shooting enough for pronghorn, heavy enough for elk, that won't blow up on a close-in deer. The low side would probably be the 270 Winchester, the various 7s would be in the middle, and the various 30 calibers at the top.

I am a fan of the 300H&H and I heartily recommend it. It will do all that you require and more. It will reach way out but it will not beat you to death with recoil. It's very capable as an elk cartridge but not overly powerful for deer. It is right at home with bullets from 150gr to 220gr and can do a decent job on bullets bigger and smaller than that. The long sloping case works works beautifully in a single shot rifle. Unless you shoot competitively, the throat, rifling, and bore won't shoot out before your days on earth are over. If you ever want to sell your single shot it will get snatched up in a cloud of dust. Nice 300H&H rifles always sell fast.

(.416 member)

27/04/10 01:04 PM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

I suppose that if I were having such a rifle built up, I would take a close look at the 7X65R.
A nice rimmed cartridge capable of everything you mention.
Not classic English, but a great cartidge none the less.

(.300 member)

27/04/10 01:27 PM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

Jim:

Here is just the thing for you. A nice all round multi-purpose rifle in .500-3" Express...

I think the .400-350 you mention is an excellent choice. It is the equivelent of the .35 Whelen, a great all round cartridge. I am thinking of building just such a rifle for myself.

An original rifle would be great, as would a restoration or custom gun built on an original action. There are also a number of new actions available or soon to be available. The Hagn is one. Mr. Bailey Bradshaw is about to release a very interesting new falling block action, styled along the lines of the Holland and Woodward action. I think it is going to be very good. If you wish a hammer gun like the Alexander Henry falling block there is Steve Earle's wonderful Frank Wesson #1 action. There is a chance of a quality made faithful reproduction of a Fraser in the not too distant future.

So many vices, so little time...

Glenn

(.416 member)

27/04/10 02:11 PM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

Quote:

So many vices, so little time...Glenn

What about the $$$

Cheers,

Jeff Gray

(.300 member)

27/04/10 02:39 PM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

Jeff:

Oh, that's no problem. I run out of money long before I run out of vices...

Glenn

(.400 member)

27/04/10 03:05 PM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

Quote:

I know of a nice 400/350 Rigby that might be available....

I can't help being intrigued by that observation. If you are not interested, some of the rest of us (me included) might be. Could you entrust us with details?

(.375 member)

27/04/10 03:17 PM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

Quote:

I suppose that if I were having such a rifle built up, I would take a close look at the 7X65R.
A nice rimmed cartridge capable of everything you mention.
Not classic English, but a great cartidge none the less.

I have to agree with you, Huvius, that 7x65R is another good choice. I used that caliber to take a nice 5x6 Blacktail I have hanging on the wall. It's my second favorite caliber.

The average mature male Rocky Mountain elk weights 700 lb. The Roosevelt elk is closer to 1000 lb. and, in Alaska, can get to over 1200 lb. I am sure that a 7x65R would kill any of those but I think the 300H&H is better suited.

For comparisons sake, I used a stalker's 270 to take a couple stags in Scotland, one at about 200 yards. The 270 made quick work of it but the red deer in the Highlands are between 200 lb. and 300 lb., about half the size of Rocky Mountain elk.

(.375 member)

27/04/10 05:36 PM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

I would choose 7x65r Brenneke, if I wanted a specialised rifle for big bears 9,3x74r or 375 would be more suitable.

Cheers
Johan

(.400 member)

28/04/10 07:55 AM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

I've been thinking hard about a .300 Win Mag
There, I said it

As for action - Hagn

(.333 member)

28/04/10 09:46 AM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

Win, 300 Mag. 130-gr. bullets to 220. I had a Mod. 70 in that caliber for over 20 years. Everything I hit went down and didn't get up. Providing I did my part.

.300 Win is less expensive than many of the above calibers. I was buying bargain stuff at $17.90 per box.

Took wart hog, wild boar, whitetail, Lechwe, sititunga, tsessebe, and black bear (many). Worked as advertized.

(.275 member)

30/04/10 11:38 AM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

Hey everyone, thanks for the input. It looks like I've

narrowed it down to 2 rifles (what a great problem to

have!).

#1: VINTAGE:

400/350 Rigby Farquharson, circa 1903. Originally came
with a scope & they have the original rings with matching
serial numbers. They also have a second set of identical rings
with a different serial number & a vintage Rigby scope.
It also comes with dies & a lot of brass, bullets,...

#2: MODERN:

Bailey Bradshaw new Farquharson action. I'm leaning
towards 30-06 as he mentions his current action will
accept this, plus I have two other 30-06 bolt rifles, dies
& tons of ammo, bullets,...

I put an offer on the Rigby, will know in the next couple of
days but it looks promising! If I get the rifle, then I have to
decide whether on not to drag it around & hunt with it alot?
A large portion of my decision will be whether the bores are
as good as described & how accurate it is. I've put quite a
few miles on my other vintage firearms (both shotguns &
double rifles) with no significant damage.
If I don't get the rifle, then I will contact Bailey Bradshaw &
get on his list. May discuss caliber in more
detail (30-06 vs 300 H&H) & other options

I will keep everyone informed on my progress, hopefully with
some pics as well.

Thanks again, Jim

(.400 member)

30/04/10 12:17 PM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

Get the PD Farky.

(.275 member)

09/05/10 07:32 AM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

Great news, they accepted my offer & it looks like I will be
acquiring the vintage Rigby. It's a 400/350 NE in original condition.
The bores are in very good condition (per report) & comes with
dies, bullets & brass. It also comes with the original (numbered
to the rifle) scope rings along with a second set of identical
scope rings with a vintage Rigby scope.

Apparently the Rigby was sold to a Lt Col VM Stockley in 1903. He is
the author of "Big Game Hunting in Burma, India & Somaliland". I
found a copy of this book on the internet, so should be interesting
reading!

I hope to have more info & even pics when I receive it. Thanks
again for everyone's input.

(.224 member)

10/05/10 06:29 AM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

Looking forward to the photo's and the rest of the story Cowboy.....

(.400 member)

10/05/10 09:04 AM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

Didn't he become lion fodder due to being undergunned for Africa?

(.275 member)

14/05/10 12:06 PM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

Kamilaroi,

I don't really know much about "Lt Col VM Stockley". I

am waiting to receive his book, so hopefully this will

tell a bit about his hunting life. Not sure if Stockley

was undergunned in Africa but after reading Taylor's

books, he has quite a bit of praise for the 400/350.

Ballistically I think it would be a fairly good lion

cartridge. Luckily, I really plan on using the Rigby for

deer & elk around here, so I don't think I will be putting

myself in too much danger! I won't get the Rigby for about

another 6 weeks as I'm waiting for a ATF form 6 (import

form), as the rifle is coming from outside the US. I can

hardly wait.

Jim

(.275 member)

11/06/10 10:10 AM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

Update:

I heard today they received my approved BATF form 6 so
they can ship the rifle (400/350 Rigby). Hope to have it in two-
three weeks. Can't wait to get it, hopefully it is as nice as
advertised. I will probably need some reloading/regulating
advice when it arrives.

Jim

(.275 member)

07/07/10 01:14 PM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

The Rigby arrived Friday!! It looks even better than described.
The wood is nicely figured, bores look great & the case colors
appear excellent. It's my first 400/350 RIgby so I will need
to develop a load for it. I already load for a 500/465 & 450/400 so
hopefully this will shoot fine with Reloader 15. It came with about
60 Bertram cases, 2 boxes of Woodleigh softs & dies!

It also came with a vintage scope & rings, along with a second set of
matching/numbered scope rings. I am thinking about getting a
nice modern scope for the second set of rings that I will hunt with.
I've never had a Farquharson before, any suggestions to what type
of scope works/looks best? Or any reloading advice?

Thanks again for all the positive input! Jim

(.416 member)

07/07/10 01:24 PM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

Hi cowboy,

Looks to be a very nice rifle indeed, get a copy of Graeme Wrights book, not only a good read but very helpful with various loads.

Cheers from Australia,

Jeff Gray

(.416 member)

07/07/10 01:58 PM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

Cowboy,
Very nice gun!
It is technically a 1902 Webley and not a Farquharson at all. Rigby used both actions.
Congrats on the find. Should be a fine elk rifle.

(.416 member)

07/07/10 08:34 PM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

Looks like a mighty fine rifle and the figure in the wood looks great. Should be a good usable cartridge too.

Cheers
Greg

Administrator

(.450 member)

07/07/10 09:13 PM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

Cowboy,

Congratulations on a beautiful single shot rifle in a great caliber.

Problem is, it's neither Vintage North American nor New North American. Your own rule being violated, you must package the rifle up and send it to me to be properly disposed of. The same goes for all brass, dies, bullets and other loading apparatus. Your compliance is mandatory.

Curl

(.300 member)

23/08/10 05:56 AM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

Quote:

If you are after a Ruger No.1 in .303 they are about to make a limited factory run of them in 1A configuration. Get your order in now.
They are quite light and short so would make excellent rifles to travel with.

Woodleigh make a bonded 215 grain RNSP with an SD of .316.

Just saw this info.

Acquiring a Ruger #1 chambered in .303Brit is something I've always wanted, so that I can pair it with its British sibling, my #1S in .300 H&H. (See my Sig-line)

What U.S.dealers are stocking/selling them? Is it even available yet?

Any help would be appreciated ... Thanks!

(.400 member)

23/08/10 06:11 AM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

Hi Nick,

Please tell us about the scope mounts you have on your 300 H&H.

(.400 member)

23/08/10 07:18 AM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

Very nice!

(.300 member)

23/08/10 09:48 AM

Re: North American single shot. Vintage vs New? Caliber?

Thanks, guys.

The mount is Mould's two-piece extended eye-relief unit for a Ruger 1S.

I got it from Brownell's back when they still had his 1S mounts. I don't know if they discontinued this one, because I can't find the 1-S mount listed there anymore. But, depending on the type of Ruger #1 you have, Brownell's can probably special order it.

The scope sits reasonably low and the eye-relief is perfect, with room to spare.

If I can find a 1-A in .303Brit, I may try and get a Moulds for it as well.

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