Thread: Pros and Cons of Breakdown Single Shot's for a newb

I have a single shot H&R 308 and a Rossi in .44 mag. Also a Baikal in .410

The two rifles are both cut fairly short, I wouldn't want the Rossi to be my only rifle, but the H&R would be on the short list. There are plenty of positive aspects to having a single shot, especially as a beginner.
There is really only one universal drawback with single shot break open rifles, and that is slower follow up shots. This drawback in some ways is also a strength, it will encourage shot placement discipline, someone that hunts for their first 2-3 years with a single shot will probably be a better at it by the end of the second year than someone that hunts their first 2-3 with a bolt action, all things being equal.
Once you get used to your rifle, the slow follow up isn't as much of a handicap as you might think. Using mine the other week I managed four for four in about 30 seconds on some goats. I will admit there was as much luck involved as there was shooter skill or rifle capacity, but it can be done.

A couple of other things I like about the single shot, is that there is only one round at any given time to keep track of. Once you fire, you know the rifle is safe.
While this should also be the case with repeating actions, I have heard true stories to the contrary. Also your single shot will never have a misfeed. That follow up shot might take longer, but it is much less likely to be delayed.

The ability to pack the rifle down is also a bonus, if you are transporting it by a method other than inside a vehicle, the pack down option makes all the difference. At any given time, the rifle you can take hunting is better than the one you can't.

For the scenarios you are describing, a 308 stainless Bergara would cover a lot of bases.