Hunting with a Single Shot
Posted: Mon May 27, 2019 6:16 am
I'm eagerly anticipating the arrival of my .357 s/shot. I don't even know for sure if it is a brass or a steel model... although I imagine it is steel seeing the price I was quoted is comparable to another steel version I've seen advertised locally. I heard that the importer had one .357 coming so I instantly claimed it without asking questions. In case anyone is interested, the price is NZ$899.
I reckon this compact, simple rifle will be ideal for the times I am wandering around the local scrubby areas where I might see a goat, pig, hare or rabbit. I have done a lot of shooting with open sights, and I much prefer carrying a rifle that is not complicated by a telescopic sight... although they are obviously superior for some conditions. If this .357 works well, I am very tempted to order a .308 for those longer shots.
I'd be interested to read about the experiences of people who have used their s/shot Henrys for hunting, particularly if they use open sights. I'm also curious about the type of ammo they prefer.... and how they carry it in the field.
I think a butt cuff would be useful. I generally carry a few cartridges in an open, sturdy ziploc bag in my right pocket. I like to use the bag to help prevent grit and fluff from sticking to the bullet lube of my lead projectiles. I might also carry a few more cartridges in a plastic box if I think I might need them.
I haven't done a lot of hunting with a single shot, and most of my single shot hunting has been done with a .22 rimfire.... mostly for small game. I was fortunate to get a decent shot at close range at the black boar shown in the picture below... and the rifle I used was a little Rossi .22. However I don't recommend using such a small slow bullet on big pigs unless it is the best/safest practical option. I've since sold that tiny Rossi to help finance the incoming Henry (and to fulfil the unwritten domestic guideline that it is a heck of a lot more acceptable to buy a new rifle after I've sold another). Anyway... below are some photos that might give an idea of what we hunt in my area. The lever gun in the photo is my current .357 magnum. The bolt rifle is a Lee-Enfield which my dad converted to shoot the 7.62 x 39 cartridge.
Best wishes....
I reckon this compact, simple rifle will be ideal for the times I am wandering around the local scrubby areas where I might see a goat, pig, hare or rabbit. I have done a lot of shooting with open sights, and I much prefer carrying a rifle that is not complicated by a telescopic sight... although they are obviously superior for some conditions. If this .357 works well, I am very tempted to order a .308 for those longer shots.
I'd be interested to read about the experiences of people who have used their s/shot Henrys for hunting, particularly if they use open sights. I'm also curious about the type of ammo they prefer.... and how they carry it in the field.
I think a butt cuff would be useful. I generally carry a few cartridges in an open, sturdy ziploc bag in my right pocket. I like to use the bag to help prevent grit and fluff from sticking to the bullet lube of my lead projectiles. I might also carry a few more cartridges in a plastic box if I think I might need them.
I haven't done a lot of hunting with a single shot, and most of my single shot hunting has been done with a .22 rimfire.... mostly for small game. I was fortunate to get a decent shot at close range at the black boar shown in the picture below... and the rifle I used was a little Rossi .22. However I don't recommend using such a small slow bullet on big pigs unless it is the best/safest practical option. I've since sold that tiny Rossi to help finance the incoming Henry (and to fulfil the unwritten domestic guideline that it is a heck of a lot more acceptable to buy a new rifle after I've sold another). Anyway... below are some photos that might give an idea of what we hunt in my area. The lever gun in the photo is my current .357 magnum. The bolt rifle is a Lee-Enfield which my dad converted to shoot the 7.62 x 39 cartridge.
Best wishes....