Breakdown Shotguns for Casual Field Hunting

[DavyRay]

When I was a kid, the typical hunting party was a small party of hunters, each with a single-shot breakdown shotgun. We would fan out and cover an open field, hoping to scare up a rabbit or some quail. When we jumped something, everyone got just one chance at it. It got exciting if one of us spooked a covey of birds, as they would explode at your feet, making all kinds of noise.

I would not want to go back to using the single-barrel hardware store shotguns of my youth. What are some decent single bore shotguns for field shooting? I would be using low-powered shotshells. As a kid in North Carolina, I looked forward to this casual sort of hunting, usually without dogs. It was simple and fun, and we sometimes even brought something home for the dinner table.

[art803]

I would check the auctions and used sites. If you get one new it is well over $1000 for most.

[stobes21]

The only high grade single barrel break action shotguns I'm aware of being made right now are specialty trap guns that wouldn't be a very good choice for field work.

Anither option is Thompson-center -- they make single shot break action guns with different barrels you can attach to the action to shoot different calibers. I'm pretty sure you can buy one action and with different barrels shoot various rifle, pistol, shotgun, and even muzzleloader chamberings.

Or just carry any ol' shotgun of the pump, semi auto, or double barrel variety and only load one.:tongue_sm

[_JP_]

Off hand, I know that H&R and Remington still put out single shot shotguns. Can't really go wrong with either one. I'm sure here are other makes as well. I like to use my single shot 20 gauge for squirrels.

[Blue Raccoon]

get a Remington 870..

[maxman]

I used to have a Baikal single barrel .410 shotgun.
I don't have it anymore. It wasn't new, but I think they still make them.
Not fine quality but it got the job done.

If you want classy, go for a side by side. They kick like a mule, but look sweet doing it.

If you've got the cash, look for a drilling gun. Two shotgun barrels and a rifle barrel in one package. I can't imagine them being cheap though.

[Hawkeye5]

Personally, I'd look for a nice used Winchester Model 37 if I wanted a single shot shotgun.

[Jim]

I understand the desire to return to a simple time and enjoy a simple pleasure.
The majority of single shot shotguns are of the lowest grade and are really not very well set up.

For upland shooting, I would look for a 20 gauge over and under.

like anything else you get what you pay for, with the upside of the value of these guns hold quite nicely over time.

Ruger, Browning and Barretta all have sweet 20's perfect for a fall stroll in the field.

http://www.nelsontactical.com/products/images/misc/citorisuperlightfeather.jpg

[maxman]

I understand the desire to return to a simple time and enjoy a simple pleasure.
The majority of single shot shotguns are of the lowest grade and are really not very well set up.

For upland shooting, I would look for a 20 gauge over and under.

like anything else you get what you pay for, with the upside of the value of these guns hold quite nicely over time.

Ruger, Browning and Barretta all have sweet 20's perfect for a fall stroll in the field.

http://www.nelsontactical.com/products/images/misc/citorisuperlightfeather.jpg

+1 to those manufacturers. I have experience with each (by way of my Brother's large collection). The Browning Citori with english grip or straight stock is classic. I like the Schnabel forend too. :thumbup1:

[jkingrph]

Look for one of the old Stevens/Savage single shots, or an H&R. Make sure it closes up nice and tight, they tend to shoot loose over the years, especially if ammo of too great a power level has been used extensively.

[DavyRay]

I do have a Winchester Defender pump, wooden stock, 7 shot magazine, cylinder bore. It's okay, just not what I grew up with. Also does not feel right for chasing rabbits.

I do love those 20 bore over-unders. Nice, but pricey. Great for small game.
They are certainly better guns than those old hardware store single shot break-opens. I had a couple of old ones, and just do not trust them, even with low-powered shells. That is why I did not start looking for wall-hanger shotguns. Antique store guns can be really expensive if they come apart as you are shooting them.

[bullmoose]

Personally, I'd look for a nice used Winchester Model 37 if I wanted a single shot shotgun.

I have a Winchester 370 in 16 gauge with a 30 inch barrel full choke. They are very similar. I have taken many many squirrels with it when I was twelve. Holds a tight group enough to knock a squirrel out of the top of almost any tree.

Anyway I think this guy is looking more towards a high end shotgun. I got a Charles Daly over and under 12 gauge that is beautiful light weight and great for hunting. It was my paps and I think he gave around $900- 950 or so for it.

[BigFoot]

I do have a Winchester Defender pump, wooden stock, 7 shot magazine, cylinder bore. It's okay, just not what I grew up with. Also does not feel right for chasing rabbits.

I do love those 20 bore over-unders. Nice, but pricey. Great for small game.
They are certainly better guns than those old hardware store single shot break-opens. I had a couple of old ones, and just do not trust them, even with low-powered shells. That is why I did not start looking for wall-hanger shotguns. Antique store guns can be really expensive if they come apart as you are shooting them.

A nice over under to get without breaking the bank is an American Arms. I use one for upland bird hunting. That can be hard on a gun and it was $550.00 10 years ago vs $2000.00 for a Citori.

[rupertbear]

You might want to take a look at some of the less expensive side-by-sides. A lot of them are good guns, versatile, and not too expensive. I've got a Baikal brand 16 gauge that works fine as a casual hunting gun. Like all double barrels, it breaks down easily for transport. It is rugged without being downright ugly and unwieldy like the old Savage Stevens SxS guns, and it's barrels are well regulated. About the only only drawback is that it weighs a pound more than a comparable Spanish gun. They are now, I believe, imported through EAA.

Another one that a friend likes is the Huglu, but I don't have any personal experience with them.

[Phog Allen]

It may not be exactly what you want but I would also consider the old Savage Model 24. Most of these were .22 over .410 bore but they certainly made a good number with 20 gauge barrels instead. In fact, at one time they had them with .222 and .223 barrels on top along with .30-30 I believe. There may have been a 12 gauge version as well. They were much better quality than most of the old single barrel shotguns though a tad heavier. Just a thought.

Regards, Todd

[Deltaboy]

You can find single shot shotguns all day for under $100 in my part of TX from 410 ,20, 16, and 12's . Some are very nice and some are very plain field guns. I got a M-24 H&R Topper in 20 gauge last summer for $60 bucks and it was in great shape.

[pz93c]

It is rugged without being downright ugly and unwieldy like the old Savage Stevens SxS guns.

Hey now! :lol: :lol:

I have a Stevens 16ga SxS... Model 311E IIRC. Gave 125.00 in a pawn shop. Paid a gunsmith to go through it. That cost me another 110.00.

So for 235.00, I have a fun gun that will last me another 50 years. :thumbup1: