Since the very dawn of firearms, every rifle and handgun has been a single shot weapon until the invention of clips and magazines. A renowned and classy part of this line are single-shot shotguns. Once a very popular hunting and survival shotguns, these weapons have now diminished to casual and youth-teaching guns.
Here we will try to revive the legacy and find out why and how these shotguns can be useful. We will also review the best single shots available on the market today to help you find one for yourself.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Single Shot Shotguns
- OUR TOP PICK: Savage Arms Stevens 301 Single Shot
- RUNNER-UP: Browning BT-99 Micro
- BEST HENRY SINGLE SHOT SHOTGUN: Henry Single Shot 28"
Comparison Chart of the Best Single Shot Shotguns
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When Would I Use a Single Shot Shotgun
Clay Shooting Sports
Single-shot shotguns can be perfect and are often used for clay shooting sports. While o/uโs are a more common choice, single shots also have their own place in the hearts of shooters. These shotguns commonly have a long barrel to aid with swing and accuracy. Plus they can be mounted with chokes to check the spread.
Scaring Off Animals
Another very uncommon use of single shots can be fire blank shells to fend off animals. This can be useful if you live in rural or hilly areas and expect predators or harmless animals to visit often.
Hunting
Single shots are widely used for hunting, especially vermin and small game like rabbits or squirrels. These shotguns are enough for small, fast-moving game since you are very likely to get a single chance to fire before the target vanishes away.
Single-shot shotguns are also a great way to practice accuracy with shotguns.
Wood Walking/Survival
These weapons are great for wood walking because of their low weight. Which also makes it a good survival weapon while adventure trips or when you are stranded in remote areas. These guns are reliable and simple to maintain/service as well.
Are All Single Shot Shotguns The Same
While the basic applications and capacity are always the same, different models differ in several characteristics. Some single shot shotguns are more customizable and may allow you to add a rail or lights. Whereas some are expensive and more of a collectible. Some are very basic whereas others allow you to add chokes for versatility. Additionally, shotguns will also differ in gauge. Whilst the most common being 12, 20, 28, and 410.
With that said, shotguns will also differ in price and function. There are some models useful for more deliberate purposes like shooting sports as well.
Characteristics of Our Favorite Single Shot Shotguns
Affordable
Almost every shotgun included in our list is very affordable. Except for the one or two which are high-end products designed for advanced shooters.
Accurate and Reliable
The gun on our list features a long barrel which helps with accuracy and offers good swing to track and shoot fast-moving targets. These guns are utterly reliable and have ideal triggers to suit every application. Some even feature ejectors for easier handling.
Amazing Customer Support
The guns on our list are manufactured by renowned and trusted companies with prompt customer support. While not a necessary feature for these shotguns due to their simple and easy-maintenance design. This still counts as a plausible feature for making a purchase.
Lightweight
The guns on our list are lightweight, and the ones with a heavy caliber feature an appropriate weight to counter the heavy recoil. The weapons are great for carrying in the woods as hunting or survival weapon.
Review of the Best Single Shot Shotguns
While a single shot shotgun will be resting around in your gun safe for most of its life span. It is also imperative to choose the best one of yourself for unmatched performance relevant to your intended use. Check out these very popular and efficient single-shot shotguns and find one for yourself.
Best Overall:
Savage Arms Stevens 301 Single Shot
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Users reported the impressive aesthetics and accuracy of this weapon. It patterns perfectly and is a great 40-yard gun. People didnโt really report any disadvantages for this shotgun, especially at this price point. This is a practical hunters shotgun and features a very durable and comfortable design
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Stevens 301 is a full-size single shot shotgun that can be a perfect substitute for 12 gauge shotguns for precision shooting applications like hunting. The stock is made from synthetic material and wonโt get damaged under inclement conditions. The long barrel helps with accuracy and offers good swing for hunting fast-moving targets.
The forearm release facilitates very easy disassembly of the weapon. Plus the chambering to accept 3โ shells makes it very powerful and matches the prerequisites for bringing down heavy game.
Bottom Line
The Savage 301 lets you experience the thrill and class of shooting a retro single shot shotgun without worrying about the need to protect its finish. It is a very affordable and accurate weapon perfect for hunting upland birds or game like deer.
Runner-up:
Browning BT-99 Micro
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
While the reviews seem scarce to find, those using this shotgun seem baffled by its performance and features. Even being a 12 gauge, this shotgun has amazingly low recoil. The shotgun can be adjusted to suit an individual and the aesthetics are truly impeccable.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Browning BT-99 is showcased on the top of this list. But itโs price isnโt bearable for most people looking for a single shot for casual use. This is a shotgun for pro shooters or people looking for the ideal shooting apparatus to hone their sporting skills. The shotgun has an adjustable buttplate and combs to suit different situations and shooters. The vent rib barrel helps with accuracy and portability.
The BT-99 allows the user to interchange choke tubes for different applications. It is also covered by a growth insurance program to cover your purchase for a longer-term.
Bottom Line
The BT-99 is an expert shotgun perfect for trap shooting sports. The adjustable design, impressive aesthetics, and finish make it a high-quality single shot shotgun. The price is high but suits its features. It is truly a professionalโs gun.
Best Henry Single Shot Shotgun:
Henry Single Shot 28"
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The Henry single shot is very well built and will last a lifetime. The gun is very reliable and people have reported shooting it continuously for hundreds of rounds straight without a single issue. The action is very smooth with low recoil and reliably ejects all shells.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Firstly, this gun is made in the USA, so the quality and level of pride associated are too high. Secondly, this gun has been made by Henry. A company that has been churning out quality weapons for an eternity now. This shotgun features beautiful aesthetics and a very reliable action thatโll eat up hundreds of rounds without a hitch. Disassembling the gun is very easy and the rebounding hammer safety is a good feature.
The finish looks very classic and the gun swings really well, thanks to the long barrel. This shotgun is comparatively heavier than its counterparts, which helps it to mitigate recoil really well.
Bottom Line
With all this reliability and performance, the price of this gun is a complete no-brainer. Users rate this gun to be an amazing single shotgun for the price or even otherwise. The gun is very accurate, with easy maintenance and storage.
Best 20 Gauge Single Shot Shotgun:
ATI - Nomad Single Shot Synthetic Stock
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The gun is great for its price and shoots everytime you pull the trigger. The quality of construction is very good and the shotgun works as expected. Some users did have a difficult time with the initial break-up of the gun. However, the issue was not persistent and swayed away after a few shots.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Purchasing this ATI single shot is like buying lunch for your friends at an inexpensive but good restaurant. Youโd get what you pay for and wonโt even remember spending the money. At a cost less than your monthly coffee expenditure, this is an amazing shotgun for casual uses. People who like retro firearms and classic designs will love this shotgun due to the exposed hammer. The stock and forend are made from durable synthetic material and checkered for a good grip.
The shotgun looks cool and runs fine. Weighing at about 5 pounds, this shotgun is great for hunting upland birds and small game for sport or bringing food to your table.
Bottom Line
The Nomad is an inexpensive shotgun with a classic exposed hammer design. The components are durable and the gun is very easy to disassemble. The shotgun is great for beginners and hunting small to medium-sized game and birds.
Best 410 Single Shot Shotgun:
Rossi Single Shot Tuffy .410ga 26"
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Rossi Tuffy is a great shotgun for newbie shooters or for eradicating vermin and small game. The shotgun looks very cool and allows the user to mount optics for assistance with accuracy. The gun is quite inexpensive and has a durable build. People have mostly bought it for their kids who have just started learning.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The .410 is a youth caliber and these shotguns are often used to introduce young shooters with the basics of a shotgun. The Rossi Tuffy features a virtually indestructible design and a cool-looking ergonomic stock to impress anybody. The top rail offers space to mount optics if needed, and the removable side shell holders let the user carry extra ammo and not lose it. Also serving as a backup for quick reloads.
The shotgun has a long 26-inch barrel and is projected as a turkey shotgun. It is undoubtedly a weapon purely designed for hunting and casual shooting. The gun itself is very lightweight and recoil is not a question for .410โs.
Bottom Line
The Tuffy is an amazing single shot shotgun chambered in .410 bore. The shotgun is very customizable and looks cool. The long barrel doesnโt compromise on performance and the spacer allows it to grow with the child.
Advantages of Investing in a Quality Single Shot Shotgun
Finish and Function
These shotguns are like a vintage car, thatโs only taken out of the garage for flaunting. Investing in a good-looking shotgun serves this purpose really well. Additionally, single-shot shotguns are ambidextrous as it carries only one shell. The simplistic design of these guns makes them very reliable and almost immune to failure.
Browning BT-99 Micro
Honing Accuracy or Learning Basics
Single-shot shotguns are a great firearm to practice the โone shot, one killโ principle. This helps you with improving your skills with shotguns and practice precision and accuracy. These guns are also great for teaching newbies the basics of handling shotguns due to their safe design and low capacity.
Lasts a Lifetime
With minimal moving parts and very simple design, these shotguns last for generations. A good quality single shot shotgun, if kept with care, can be a gratified heirloom for your future generations.
How to Disassemble a Single Shot Shotgun
Disassembling a single shot shotgun is the easiest among any handheld firearm. Since it contains the least number of moving parts and is just a plain barrel and a chamber. Letโs check out the step by step process:
- Make sure the shotgun is clean of any ammunition. Inspect manually and keep all spare ammo aside.
- Now hold the barrel and apply downward pressure on the forend, attempting to pull it off. Single-shot shotgun friends donโt have any screws or locking mechanism so it should come out after some effort.
- Now push the break-open lever as you would when loading a shell. Work the barrel all the way down and slide it slightly rearwards towards the stock. It should come off.
- You have your barrel and your action. For further disassembly, you should be very careful about the small parts.
- Remove the recoil pad and use a long screwdriver to unscrew the locking pin connecting the stock with the receiver. You may need a flashlight for that.
- You shall see the action now. It is however not advised to disassemble the trigger since it can be really difficult to put it back without proper expertise.
You may refer to this video for more instructions.
Conclusion
A single shot shotgun is a very basic, but effective firearm for hunting, survival, sports and casual shooting. These guns are very reliable and simple to maintain. Plus, they are an affordable option to teach beginners the basics of shotgunning.
Rossi Single Shot Tuffy .410ga 26"
People Also Ask
Check out the answers to some common queries about these shotguns.
How to Measure a Single Shot Shotgun Barrel?
Make sure the gun is clear of any ammunition. Now take a dowel rod or a pvc pipe or any similar object with a diameter smaller than the bore of the shotgun. Insert the rod from the muzzle inside the barrel and gently push it all the way back until it stops going further. Mark the rod with a pencil/marker and pull it out. Measure the distance from the end of the rod to the mark. Thatโs your barrel length.
Is a Single Shot Shotgun Good For Home Defense?
It is certainly better than having nothing at hand. The capacity and reloading times avert the single shot shotgun from being an effective home defense weapon. You have to be very sure that you wonโt miss your target in a single shot. Remember itโs limitations and it may come in handy under some situations.
Where Are Midland Shotguns Made?
Midland shotguns are manufactured in Martinsburg, West Virginia. The company has its origins in 19th century England. It was later acquired by Parker-Hale in 1952 and then acquired by Val Forgett, Jr. The company is now owned by his son Val III and produces quality sporting arms.
Does H&R Still Make Single Shot Shotguns?
The production of H&R single shot shotguns was officially halted in February 2015. You can only find them now on resale websites. The major problem with current owners is the availability of parts and gunsmithing services.
