LETTER OF THE MONTH
Single-Shot Or Repeater?
QHow do you think a single-shot compares with a bolt-action repeater for hunting? I have a Ruger No. 1 in .30-06 and all my mates have bolt-action repeaters. They rubbish my rifle, but in my hunting career I’ve taken 24 trophy animals with a single shot. I believe when one goes hunting his purpose should be to land a well-placed shot in the vital area of his quarry and get the job done with one shot. What do you think?
– Ronald Macintyre
AIn all honesty, I think the type of firearm for use in hunting should be a personal choice. I have hunted with a friend who loves his Blaser single-shot and I’ve yet to see him lose an animal. To fans, a well-crafted single-shot might be handsome and offer the hunter a challenge, but my own preference is for a bolt-action repeater. There are times when a second or third shot may be needed if an animal is jumped and takes off across open country running flat out. If the first shot is a miss, you should be able to fire two or three fast follow-up shots before he gets out of sight. I realize the single-shot hunter can carry an extra cartridge between his fingers, in a band around his wrist or buttstock, but this is an awkward as well as a slow way to get off a follow-up shot. For this kind of
