Hello Everyone,

           I am curious what is considered the Most Popular Single Shot BP Rifle for the various calibers. What are the most common Single SHot Rifles that are bought? I have a Sharps 45-70 coming later this year. Also is it common for those that have a Single Shot Rifle to own more then one? Yes I know that this is a big order to ask, yet I'm still curiouse to find out. 

As usual, my step-brother in arms has shown his prejudice against the single shot rifle that was acknowledged by the market as the most popular of all times (from a commercial point of view) the Winchester Single Shot in high- and low-wall configuration.  With over 130,000 of them sold, they are the undeniable champs in popularity.  Only the military rolling blocks and trapdoors are more numerous.  That said, the well equipped single shot enthusiast has an easily identifiable number of rifles that he needs at any given time, "just one more!"      

     I personally find it absolutely necessary to have a good offhand rifle, a good bench gun, of course an over-40 cal rifle or two for schuetzen which may or may not also be used for BPCS and or Creedmoor, then of course a quarter bore or two, several rimfires for all of the various events in which they are used, and hunting rifles for small game, varmints, medium to large thin skinned game and then something really big for that dangerous game I may one day get to hunt.  I'm sure I left out something, so of course I will always need "JUST ONE MORE!"

     All kidding aside, Mr. Sharps 1874, the rifle you have coming is one of the best and most versatile single shots known to shoot a variety of targets, some better than others.  You might want to look into a .22 adapter so that you can shoot it A LOT without spending time casting and loading.  Then if you get interested in schuetzen, or one of the other specific games we play, you will have the experience and will have developed the discernment to pick out what will work for you.  (But don't forget to look hard at the 'walls!) The Winchesters (original and copies,) the Ballards (ditto,) and the Stevens, especially the 44 1/2 originals and copies join your Sharps and its successor the Borchardt as the most popular.  The aforementioned rollers and 'doors also have their supporters and niches as do the modern single shots and some of the less known early ones like Maynards, Wessons, etc.  Don't forget the various European models, such as the Martini and the various German models like the Aydt and Beuchel.  There are so many different rifles you can eventually find the ones that do just what you want them to (unless like me, you find another one that also piques your interest!)   HTH, and as always, YMMV!   

the Green Frog

Mr. HST, and stay out of this you should!  After all, gunsmiths are supposed to be like judges...impartial!  After all, you might be requested to work upon one of those poor, less fortunate action types at some point... .

But since you mentioned the most perfectly designed rifle action ever made, I have to second that emotion.

Greg

Team Rolling Block
President in Exile,
East Kentucky Chapter FES

No - the Martini!  Quite popular in military usage worldwide, an excellent Creedmoor target rifle, some nice Schuetzens too.  Some very petite miniature stuff, and some bigger actions too, both rifles and shotguns - even harp-o-o-n  (p-o-o-n, or without hyphen, poon, seems to be a dirty word??) guns!
If we disregard the replica recreations, one of the longest lived rifles in 'normal' production (BSA Mk V production ended in the 1970's, I believe - and free pistols are still being made...)
Of course, I might be prejudiced (probably am too!)   

Another one of those guys across the pond thinking you need a hog's ear on a rifle!  Just start counting the number of parts and compare both the Martini and the peabody...  The lock alone probably has about as many parts as the complete martini action!  Plus it is among the safest and strongest SS actions around - one of the fastest locktimes too.  Very good buttstock fastening, very simple.  IMHO, Martini gave the design the edge it needed to get 'there' - as more than a century of production proved.

it is the 'walls' or nothing at alls..

..ttfn..grampa..

Yep, everybody should have at least one....of each maker and model!

    The most popular ? I think that would be the one that you wanted to have yourself. I only have three now but I can tell you there will be more. There were more Rollers made than Sharps. So what, I like Rollers and Sharps rifles.
     Now witch one shoots better ? Well everyone knows that!!
    
     Good shooting >>> Tombstone