Is the Single Shot Outdated for Survival? Does it meet the Modern Woodsman's needs?

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Stay in the Woods,
Dan

[@bryanbreeden1802]

No gun is outdated. It is a gun. And they are all awesome.

[@znate6730]

France is a beautiful country, just like our friends in the USA, but we suck at carrying guns, and that's why I'm happy to be subscribed to your channel! Hello Americans!

[@DanCooper404]

Bonjour!

[@foggymountainman9138]

Hello from the mountains of North carolina. We are in survival mode here and hunting for food is definitely going to be happening here. Good to meet you 👍🤝🤝🤝🤝

[@znate6730]

​@@foggymountainman9138Hi, excellent! What makes me laugh is that each state in America is at least as big as the whole of France! You have a hell of a lot of land for hunting! ^^

[@MrArtemioP]

Whats going on brother. Big whats up from Texas.

[@88amona]

Greetings from Utah, brother 👋

[@barryjames3688]

I personally collect Single shot shotguns & rifles. I am 63, live in Arkansas. I have hunted my entire life. I have the necessary means to buy any brand, any style of shotgun/rifle but I love simplicity. As a young boy my dad taught me how to hunt with a single barrel. I am a HUGE Henry Arms collector & their lineup of single shot rifles & shotguns is amazing. I personally believe that a survivalist best option is a single shot in any caliber be it rifle or shotgun. Simple, dependable, accurate. Thanks for a great channel. Look at the Henry Arms selection of single shots.

[@liljimitwofeatherz9735]

Yeah I have my dad's and found one like it a 410 bn wanting a 12guage got 2 16gauge ..I bn wanting to get another 410

[@RandoCalrisiann]

Hello from a fellow Hog! I love my single shot shot shotguns. Handy and easy to carry on the property for issues that might arise.

[@greyscout01]

Taught my sons the way i was taught. "Here are your 5 rounds for today... dont miss." 10 minutes later, they'd come back empty handed begging for more. After just a week, they'd come back with a squirrel or rabbit and bullets left over... they learned to take their time and make their shots count.

[@NoNameNoFace-rr7li]

i got a whooping if i came home with no shells and no game.

[@tatsumaki9397]

@@NoNameNoFace-rr7liwtf why v

[@NoNameNoFace-rr7li]

@@tatsumaki9397 for wasting ammo if we shot the gun we were expected to bring game home not empty shells. we were so broke we couldnt afford to waste anything

[@leonardmelte3106]

Sounds like my dad 22 single shot also bull frogs.

[@NoNameNoFace-rr7li]

@@leonardmelte3106 looking back i think it was also "gun safety" in a way...guns were tools and firing for fun opened up the opportunity for accidents. it taught us to be good shots but it also taught us shooting was serious and should have a purpose.

[@betsystone5733]

When I was a teen, back in the seventies, I shot a 20-gauge double barrel shotgun. Loved to shoot clay targets! And by the way, I was a 90 lb 5’2” skinny girl. Loved that gun.

[@slowpoke1315]

I’ve had my 20ga since the 80’s and to this day every time I pick it up the first thing to pop in my head is 🎼The first thing you know old Jed’s a millionaire 🎼

[@AKCB4LIFE]

I have filled my freezer and kept it stocked using a H&R Topper 16 gauge. Never had to shoot a deer more than once. But also new the limits of the tool and my capabilities with it. I could hit a 4 inch group consistently with a smoothbore barrel and slug at 85 yards

[@stevekynard6658]

I'm old school. I love my wheel guns and single shot rifles and shotguns. I have a H&R 12 ga single shot. Pure simplicity. I did put a set of survivor stocks on it. In the forearm I have 3 extra rounds. In the stock I have an 20 ga adapter and 6 20 ga rounds. Also have a H&R single shot rifle in 444 Marlin. Survivor stocks on it too with extra ammo, lighters and cordage.

[@kenneth4992]

My first gun was a 20ga NEF I got by putting it in layaway at Kmart. I made the money by mowing yards. I now have a 22-250 & 12ga H&R I have a 20ga and 16ga single shots in other brands and I have been learning to reload using old Lee Loaders.

[@teddahrable]

Dan, you are so right!! The first gun I ever used on a deer hunt (Nov 1977) was a borrowed 12ga pump shotgun (with recoil pad). It didn't hit me too hard although I didn't get anything other than a grouse. That year, I got a Remington Single shot 20ga for Christmas. Throughout the winter, I shot dozens of rabbits and the fall, I got a grouse or rabbit nearly every day. During that time I also acquired a single shot .22LR that got quite a few rabbits. The fall of 1978, I shot my first deer with a 20ga slug. For a few years those two were all I had and they served me well. Once I grew up, I had an opportunity to grab a .410 and I actually got a deer with that. I looked for years for a 12ga to round out my set. I finally found one 5 or years ago (age 55). Now, like you, I am a fairly large guy. 6'2", about 225. I HAVE a Mossberg 500 in 12ga and I don't mind the recoil so I figured, "What the heck! No sense starting with birdshot, let's go right to a 3" slug." Yeah, I haven't been hit that hard with a magnum rifle. I felt that all the way down!! Not one I will use again until I have to, LOL! However, if I have to go on my own, with an adaptor kit, I know that shotgun can be a pretty effective tool (I have an adaptor kit for my 20ga just in case, though)

[@ManInTheWoods76]

I've always been a 12ga hunter, but recently I fell a huge tree and it hung up in another tree with one 5" branch. Too dangerous to continue cutting and we grabbed the tiny 20ga to demolish the branch. Yes, we have a large back stop; there's a huge tree that will also be firewood next. Anyhow, the low brass bird shot out of that 20ga single is nothing. But I loaded some buck in there and the recoil of that reminded me of my ol .356 Win big bore. 20ga ain't no joke.

[@charlesgrube7369]

I agree Dan. My first gun in the early 70s was a simple single shot 20 ga and for many years was my only gun. Squirrels rabbits grouse and turkey have all gone on the plate thanks to it. Also unsuccessfully hunted deer with slugs. Still use it. Got a turkey last season with it.

[@scottsivertson6591]

Savage 22 over 410 pretty versatile for trapline

[@robertuffman3041]

for almost all of my hunting years i used a 12 gauge single shot for everything.

[@stacyhazelwood4033]

I still have my H&R 20 ga single shot that has been instrumental in my childhood.I am 56 years old and still squirrel hunt with it. Thank you for sharing. Enjoy with beautiful weekend.!!!!

[@RadioactiveNapalm]

My dad has one, I recently got a 12g Marlin.

[@dhession64]

A buddy of mine had a single shot NEF and an H&R shotgun, and I've fired 12ga out of them. The stock butt is pretty wide, and spreads that recoil out enough to make it not necessarily pleasant, but okay to shoot. I was in my 20s at the time, and I was much more physically resilient than I am now. He then bought a 10ga and told me to try it. Never, ever, again. For short range (under fifty yards) shooting, these arms are just the ticket for someone who needs something trusty, almost bombproof, for everyday carry that's light enough, still delivers, and won't break the bank for ammo. Dave Canterbury advocated for them at one time, and I'm pretty sure he still does. I don't own one, but for the application and guidelines described, it's hard to beat this piece.

[@JugglesGrenades]

My very first truck gun, was a H&R single barrel break action 12 gauge. Someone had cut the barrel to 18 inches and mounted front and rear rifle sights.

[@unitedstatesirie7431]

The H&R Topper 88 is my favorite single shot 12 gauge shotgun for wilderness Survival. I bought a .44 Magnum barrel insert adapter and a 9mm barrel insert adapter and a .22 Magnum barrel insert adapter for my H&R Topper shotgun.

[@doubled3983]

Hello from Oklahoma! Good Video! I'm an old man that used to hunt Alot! When I was on the prairie chasing pheasants and such, the 20 Ga. 870 was the gun I carried. When I was in the duck blind, the 12 Ga. 870 is what I used. Also, if you take up reloading your own ammo. it increases the versatility even more. Now because things are the way they are and I'm older, I carry a single shot 20 Ga. quite a bit. I bought a 20" barrel for my 12 Ga. 870 for home defense.

[@rocketman3474]

I’m not a gun person but I watched this one until the end because every one of your videos are very informative and I enjoy every one. Another tool for my toolbox. Thanks for sharing. Keep up the great work.

[@adrockey]

Great video. I have a 20 gauge H&R that I’ve had for almost 30 years. I bought it when I was in the army from someone that needed money for $40. That’s one of my truck guns in the winter time. Just to dispatch a deer myself or someone else hit with a car.a few years ago I bought a 12 gauge H&R with intentions buy all the adapters for an ultimate survival gun. That was a video. I watched from David Canterbury many years ago someday I’ll get those adapters. They’ve definitely jumped up in price over the years.

[@archangel7673]

I have the 20 ga. H&R Love it! If you can find them all the barrels will interchange with the receiver!!!

[@alanrawson-wg8io]

My coworker has a NEF 12ga with a barrel shortened to 22in and fitted with screw in chokes. It has an express rifle shallow vee sight with a gold bead ramp front. He calls it his do-anything gun. He’s taken everything from rabbits to deer with it.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello 👋 Dan, thank you for sharing this informative video. All the best to you and your Family. Stay safe out there. 😊

[@henrydaubresse9652]

Sort of agree, but my carry is a Savage model 24, .22lr over 20 gauge, with a rifled 30-30 insert for the shotgun. It's always done the job for me.

[@elijahdimke5353]

I grew up on a 16ga and it has done me well.

[@liljimitwofeatherz9735]

Same here

[@mikeclay2381]

Man you opened up a can of worms, ha hahaha! Don’t forget the 16 gauge. Lines get blurred between end of days & just camping/ bush craft survival.

[@Blackwolf1400]

I have a single shot 12ga mod choke, had it for years. You can use it as a muzzleloader if need be using pyradex powder.

[@feralkid1879]

My bro's wife won't allow a gun in the house so I inherited every gun in the family. Half a dozen shotguns among them. One, a well used Ithaca 37 20ga featherlight and I couldn't agree more, Dan. Not the nicest but my favorite shotgun of the bunch.

[@Swearengen1980]

So your bro is a beta? I won't even date a woman whose anti-firearm. Here's one that's worse though: Last week I helped a woman in the walmart parking lot as a 60 year old was stalking her young daughter (maybe 1-13). The old man tried to start conversation with her, asking her weird questions and following her. I didn't ask the mom why she left her daughter alone in the parking lot of a damn walmart. She did confront him and he kept defending himself and used, "I knew how old she was, it's ok" as his defense. Note, I'm always armed. After it was over, this lady mentioned she wanted to carry, but her husband was against guns and won't allow them. WTF....a man against firearms? And this was a roughneck type woman, can't imagine how she ended up with such a little bitch.

[@artoliver8740]

The Featherlight is a great gun. I've never tried it but it is said it can be fan fired. A bottom dumper is good for lefties too.

[@gringo3009]

Your poor bro needs to grow some balls. lol.

[@feralkid1879]

​@@gringo3009 I know, but saying anything only alienates me. Some guys like that sort of relationship I guess. Anyway, he signed on for it.

[@bretjohnson6188]

​@@gringo3009His bro needs a GOOD wife instead of the one he has.

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

The nice thing about a single break action is the ease of load/unloading if you are driving around or crossing a lot of fences looking for birds or small game. Real quick to pop a shell in or out rather than having to dump a pump or auto. Picked up a Chiappa Double badger 22/410 a few years ago. Chose it over the other offerings because it has a full choke on the 410 and nice set of Williams sights and a trigger for each barrel. That thing has paid for itself time and time again with grouse and rabbits. Second favorite is the 20g H&R as you show here.

[@chlebowg]

Got several single shots in .410 and 16 ga. Used to have a Savage 24 .22LR/.410 growing up in Central Texas. Took a lot of rabbits with it. For the Ulimate Survival rifle there is the German Verlings, four barrels usuall SxS shotgun (16ga), Centerfire rifle (30 cal ish) and small bore rifle (ie .22LR/.22 Hornet)

[@johnndavis7647]

I have a 12 gauge and a 20 gauge single-shot. I have hunted small game with single shots since I was big enough to hunt by myself. Where the 12 gauge shines is with big buckshot. 00 or 000 deer loads. Recoil can be stiff. But a slip on Limb-Saver recoil pad makes a world of difference. If you don't need buckshot loads, then the 20 gauge will do anything that needs doing with less weight and recoil. I like #6 shot in 20 and 12 gauge loads. It has the best balance of size of shot for penetration and the most pellets per ounce for good patterns. Only for small birds like dove or quail do I use #8 shot. You can use 7-1/2 shot on small game like squirrels if you keep the range to around 20 to 25 yards. A poor mountain boy had to make every shot count. A box of shells lasts a long time in a single shot.

[@jeffreyelliott622]

Yes sir that's what I've got on mine model 58 H&R 12ga. very first real gun for Christmas of 1978 !!!

[@zfotoguy71]

I learned something new today. Thank you! I had no idea there were adapters for shotguns.

[@petezahrbock]

Mr,Coalcracker. .410 is a great gun for survival. All tricked with a.22 adapter it's a whole lot of fun. Plus most guys learned on a single shot. Anyway your videos are outstanding! Keep up the awesome work 👌

[@thefeatheredfrontiersman8135]

My Henry 450 bushmaster single shot is one of my most prized possessions. It is every bit as accurate as the AR 15 or bolt action -06. It's the fact that they are very affordable, compact, reliable and accurate. two screws and it will fit in a backpack. Only one or two things that can malfunction on it. Anybody with a part time job can afford one. They are very underrated. I will definitely keep all of mine.

[@etchediniron4249]

Love me some wood furniture!

[@mikehammons2829]

It's the most natural feeling to aim out if anything I've ever fired. Still have the one I learned to bird hunt with 43 years ago. A Harrington and Richardson. Still shoots great.

[@Skills2survive]

I love all of my single shots they are very versatile.

[@tonyadams6375]

I have a savage model 24C. It is a 22 long rifle over 20 gauge. It’s a combination gun. I modified a shell holder for the butt stock with 20 gauge shot shells on one side and 22 long rifle on the other. It also has ammunition storage under a little sliding cover in the butt stock. I have a little container of gun oil and a small ferro rod under that cover It is definitely one of my favorite guns. It has a selector on the hammer that switches it from the top barrel 22 to the bottom barrel 20 gauge shotgun. I usually carry it with the selector on the shotgun barrel. That way if I jump something, the shotgun barrel is ready to go. I can easily switch to the 22 lr for a more precise shot. Thanks for the excellent video as always.

[@Grynslvr2]

My solution to the problem of not being comfortable with the kick of a 12 GA. in my old age, is to use the mini shells. No, they don't pack the same payload, but I can control them and not hurt during or after firing. It is all about making do, with what you can do. Further, I didn't have to buy another shotgun.

[@Magnum_Express]

My first gun was a New England Firearms Pardner 20ga. My dad has it now so I went and got the new Stevens version also in 20 ga and I like it too. Single shot shotguns just have a special place in my heart. I take it camping loaded with buckshot and bring along some turkey loads when it's in season.

[@commonsensepatriot9450]

I agree with you. I love my single shot 12. I mitigate the recoil by using the 1 3/4 shells. I also have the 8" rifled .22lr adapter and a 20ga adapter. I believe it's the most versatile combo there is. JMHO Thanks for the video.

[@woodswalker2919]

I deer hunt with 2 single shots H&R 243 and H&R ultra slug 12 gague basically a 12 gague rifle Love the reliability

[@cmv7284]

At one time I had the whole set. 10,12,16,20,28 and 410 gauge single shot collection. Wish I had kept a few of them now…

[@jasonallen6179]

I had them all too. The only one I still have is th 410.

[@JO-rk5gu]

Whew, I remember the first time I shot a 10 gauge, that will knock your dick in the dirt for sure LOL

[@alexmacdonald258]

Today's version of this is the Savage 301, with replaceable chokes. Carlson sells more choke tubes for this. I have one, with 2 other choke tubes, so I use the little gun for everything from turkey to grouse. Keep in mind-this is a .410 bore (41 caliber) gun. .410 in the U.S., is hard to find, and expensive: I reload, so this isn't an issue. .410 shells are small, light, and you can carry 25 of them without a real weight penalty unlike 12bore ammunition. To be a good shot demands a lot of practice but, once you're "on" your bird, you're on your bird. This makes a 12bore superfluous, so you've saved several pounds. Practice enough until you're consistently accurate. Also, a shotgun has to fit you, or you'll never be accurate. When shouldered (mounted), the top of the buttstock has to come up to your cheekbone, rather than your cheekbone going down to the stock. This gun is easy to clean; a Bore Snake, a small bottle of oil, another of bore cleaner, and you're good. Again, you DON'T need a bazooka to bring down game if you're a decent shot.

[@Joe3pops]

I have the same shotgun. But in 10 gauge magnum. Here in Northern Alberta, its my truck gun for personal security when doing outdoors volunteer work. With ten rounds premium 00 buckshot. Edit: i also own two 20 gauge shotguns. Literally taken hundreds of rabbits. And dozens of grouse. Full agreement here.

[@JohnPublic-dk7zd]

Recently found a winchester model 37 12 gauge at an auction for $100 and fees, and it makes me happy...runs fine, and being what it is, dependability is off the charts...a single shot IS a single shot, aim the gun...! I keep eyes open for good deals, looking to expand the single shot collection...

[@user-yu1zp2vu9x]

Love the video and love the shotguns. The first gun my dad bought me was a H&R single shot 20 gauge. Later on I bought a 30/30 barrel and a 22 hornet barrel. You weren’t going to be shooting anything long distance, or, I wouldn’t be hitting anything very far away. 75 yards was a pretty good shot. It was great for a skeet gun. Since I just had one shot I took my time and focused and got real consistent. Later on I bought a used single shot 10 gauge. The barrel was 30” if I remember correctly. It was terrible. I felt like it would be comparable to picking up a cannon and shooting it. Ahhhh…….too much information. Thanks for the video.

[@10glocks40]

H&R single shots are among my very favorite guns. They are well made, reliable, fun to shoot, and the low cost makes them easy to collect. The variations are numerous and that keeps them interesting. And there are lots of them out there that are still in amazing, or like-new condition.

[@WannabeWoodsman]

My single shot stevens 301 is a fantastic gun for less than $200 last time I checked. Removable choke, even simpler to breakdown but the bad thing, to me, is it's polymer. HOWEVER, it's not at all flimsy, it's actually quite stout, and there is a VERY large cavity under the very nice recoil pad which can be opened with the Phillips head screw driver on the 93/91 mm swiss army knife. I've so found full length rifled adapters for calibers as large as .45-70, which the adapter manufacturer said the 301 is one of their test guns.

[@timlacy2284]

Dan, My first shotgun was a H&R Tree Topper 12 ga. I was11 years old my dad gave it to me. I took Doves,Quail, Squirrels, Rabbits, Ducks. Yes it did stomped me every time I pulled the trigger but I was never afraid to shoot it.

[@telosmonos_gustavo]

Another solid tool for the outdoors toolbox! I've got two Midland single shot break-action shotguns, a 12 gauge and a .410; they were intended to pair up with a backpack from Midland that never materialized. Honestly, they don't fold down all that well, but overall they're pretty solid little guns.

[@bobwillisrealestate]

I have a 12 gauge single shot shotgun and 3 Chaszel barrel inserts: .327 Federal Magnum, .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum. The shotgun barrel is 20 inches, and each adapter is 18 inches long.

[@HarshmanHills]

I love single shots. They are so versatile and have many sub caliber adapters for them

[@johnfessenden3771]

LOL, 100% agree! I’m 6’2” 300# and my 20ga is the one in my hands.. not my 12ga. In the Georgia woods!

[@tylertapp131]

Good stuff, I grew up on these NEF and H&R shotguns, they awesome little guns, did a ton of campin and huntin with them. That bein said for the average guy, I'd still recommend gettin it in 12. Buy the 20 gauge and 410/45 colt adapters at the bare minimum makin you capable of bein able to shoot all the most common shells through that gun. Then I'd highly recommend the 8 inch 22lr adapter for tons of reasons if you plan on havin it as a woods gun, trapline gun or other things like that. I personally have about 11 or 12 different calibers for mine just to have, but only carry the 22lr rifled adapter and what ever gauge shells with or without the adapter needed for a day in the woods. Bein able to go up or down in gauge depending on what you want to do is pretty awesome and take up alot less room in the gun safe vs havin 3 to 5 shotguns in my opinion.

[@dugie5246]

I've got H&R 20ga. I carry in truck with 20ga slugs and buck shot and #4 shot. That and my Ruger 357mag 4" are my go to woods and survival setup. Great video

[@johnny30806]

@Coalcraker Bushcraft you can put a mercury recoil suppressor tube in the stock, takes considerable recoil out of the 12 gauge kick

[@dinoquintana4319]

Great video .i bought a beautiful woodstocked chiappa 20guage brand new for 175 dollars from a ffl friend whose customer backed out.his cost.i bought a 357 adapter/insert.perfect im looking for a 45 lc adapter.ideal gun

[@ToddFessenden-gz2zq]

In my opinion, the single shot makes you more serious about making the shot more focused on not missing because you don't have multiple shots to correct a miss.

[@Demonarrows1]

the best professional athletes miss shots/passes all the time, would you trust your life with 1 shot?

[@Vikingwerk]

@@Demonarrows1 It’s situational. In a gunfight? No. In a ‘hunting a rabbit for food’ survival situation? Yes.

[@sinisterthoughts2896]

Thats what a lot of people say, but it never applied to me. if you are about to make a shot, you need to make the shot. I don't think a lot of people think if I miss that standing shot on a deer, I can totally make a running shot on it. anytime you take a first shot, it's likely the best opportunity. even shooting clays every subsequent shot is further away and needs more lead time and suffers more from shot dispersion. So, I think that viewpoint might apply to some very few people, in general I think it's just some cool sounding catch-phrase level advice that carries more weight at making one sound insightful than being insightful on its own. and the entire point of repeating arms is built around the fact that missies happen, and the ability to remedy that as quickly as possible is better than to not have that ability. If one believes people need to rely on limiting themselves via the equipment in order to be better marksman, then that means they aren't addressing the real issue of poor marksmanship and poor trigger discipline. instead of hobbling themselves they should learn to make better shots and to only take necessary shots when most advantageous. relying on handicapping equipment to compensate for poor fundamentals sounds like terrible Fudd lore gun shop advice. No offense intended, I'm just offering the counterpoint. I personally like using a single shot because they are lighter and sportier, and used to challenge friends when squirrel hunting. used to rile a buddy up when I would out do him every time with a breakover 410 when he had a pump 12 ga. I'm just trying to challenge a lot of the advice we have been handed down over the years, because a lot of it very flawed or outdated. just my 2 cents, and I hope you have a nice day.

[@sinisterthoughts2896]

@@Vikingwerk why trust in only one shot when trust in a shot? hunting for food is hunting for life, I want to make sure I get the rabbit, or maybe get lucky and get two, one shot kind of limits your ability to feed yourself in that scenario. I'm fine with single shots but relying on having one instead of learning trigger discipline sounds like a terrible crutch to keep from developing an incredibly important and fundamental skill. honestly, if using it as a crutch is the matter, which the OP seemed to allude to, sounds like classic Fudd lore.

[@Vikingwerk]

@@sinisterthoughts2896 I learned to shoot using single shot firearms. What you call a crutch is a valuable teaching tool. You have to *focus*; breathing, sights, smooth trigger pull, everything must be done right to make the shot. And after the shot, reloading is almost a ritual where your hands work while your mind considers how the shot went and how to do it better. Learning this way, before moving on to semi-auto firearms, results in a shooter capable of making every shot measured and careful. I don’t need a single shot to keep me from ‘spray and pray’ shooting, because I learned. Now, I still miss shots; just like everyone else but my instinct is not to just rattle off more rounds in hope of hitting, but to wait and take the next available good shot.

[@Vikingwerk]

I remember reading an account of military members who actually had to rely on their survival rifles for food in a few situations. They said they preferred the M6 scout over the Henry survival rifle, as the single shot action forced them to take more careful shots, where the semi auto action resulted in wasted ammo because a follow up shot was easy if you missed. TPS arms is building an updated version of the M6 scout in various newer calibers, with a barrel threaded for a chokes, which in my opinion greatly improves the platform.

[@greyscout01]

Taught my sons the way i was taught. "Here are your 5 rounds for today... dont miss." 10 minutes later, they'd come back empty handed begging for more. After just a week, they'd come back with a squirrel or rabbit and bullets left over... they learned to take their time and make their shots count.

[@weirdmusicmixmaster]

grew up hunting with a single shot 20 gauge and i completely agree its much more pleasant to use and still takes the same game as the 12, id MAYBE not want to take it out for larger bears but i dont hunt bear anyways

[@LeatherSoup-c5j]

I got a Henry single shot 12 gauge. I would rather have a 12 gauge because bigger shell means more pellets. More pellets mean a better hit probability. Plus with the adaptors that you talked about I can go down to 20 gauge but I can't go up to 12 gauge if I had a 20 gauge shotgun.

[@tomconway8881]

I also went the 20 gauge route. Pump and single shot.

[@ROE1300]

👍 I really enjoy my 20 gauge H&R single shot with my .22LR adapter. I would give this firearm a 9 out 10 and the .410/.22 survival rifle a 7 or 8 out of 10 because for me the 20 gauge is a more versatile firearm.

[@mikecollins8241]

I've owned my share of guns, including the M6, and even with a safe full, my H&R single shot 20 gauge is still one of my "go to" guns.. can take anything with the right load, light, easy to carry etc.. 12 was a bit too much recoil for the extra bit of shot IMO.

[@jayoutdoors07m96]

For my survival gun I chose a 20gauge double, over and under. I have a rifled choke in the top barrel with adjustable turkey sights for slugs or my cast patched round ball and a 8 inch 22 adapter that I can hit 6 inch plates with out to about 50yards off hand. The lower barrel has a Briley Excentrix choke that puts the shot pattern from the lower barrel where the sights are. I can select which barrel I want to fire with the safety so I can have a ball or 22 in the top barrel for larger / small game on the ground and a shot shell in the lower barrel for birds or squirrels in trees, etc. And it only weights 6lbs, idk what more I would need.

[@troybartlett4584]

Also, Chaszel adapters!

[@christopherbeckerdite4273]

I have a very nice short barrel Riverside arms stage coach gun.

[@normvw4053]

I have a NEF SB 1, chambered for 410/45 Colt, and an SB 2, Handi-rifle, a 20 gauge barrel, 3 rifle cartridges and one pistol cartridge. I also have a Savage 24 V, 222 Rem over a 20 gauge.

[@WyattEarp-zx7ps]

So, in 1938 Grandpa purchased a brand new Savage Model 219 in 30-30. Ordered it through the mail and had to walk about 3 miles to the nearby little town of Wesco, MO, to meet the train and pick up his new rifle. Walking home, and the first time he ever fired the rifle, he killed 2 deer with 1 shot. All of us boys grew up hunting with that gun. I'm 69 now and I still use it the first day of deer season every year. It is an absolute nail driver. And if we had notched the stock every time one of us boys killed a deer with it, the buttstock would be down to a nub. Because of that rifle, I now collect the Savage Model 219's. My full-time "truck" gun is a 219 in .22 Hornet with a vintage 2.5 power Redfield scope. Simply put -- it is deadly. The 47 grain hollow point is devastating to deer at almost any range. And the gun is so accurate anywhere under about 125 yds., I do a head shot. In a one-on-one gunfight, the man I would fear the most is one who has one shot and knows it, and knows he has to make it count

[@oldsoldier181]

So, I used to work in H&R, back in the 90s, in Gardner MA. We made both H&R AND the New England Firearms single shots. Man, that was a tough factory job, lol. I wanted to work in the testing dept-but the old man who was the tester, refused to take on an apprentice. He was literally the only one who test fired each and every gun. And he was CRANKY

[@elzippo488]

Underpaid and over taxed in MA would make anyone cranky! The State has gone to the birds

[@User-nx7rs]

You think he was cranky when he was working at the factory, I can only imagine how cranky he was when he realized the factory was closing and he was losing his job.

[@oldsoldier181]

@@User-nx7rs that happened as he was ready to retire. The guy was in his 70s when I was there, so, he should had retired already by that time. But, it was a family business, so they let him stay on as long as he wanted.

[@User-nx7rs]

@@oldsoldier181 that sounded like a good job and he well easily could have retired but he's selfishly held on to it to just to make sure nobody else had it but him

[@BrawndoTheThirstMutilator]

Don’t forget with a single shot you can easily reload your own shells with black powder and BB gun bb’s and not have to worry as much about the black powder residue gumming up the gun. Not as efficient as modern gunpowder but if ammo becomes scarce again it’s a good thing to know. Plus the reusable brass shotgun shells work well for this.

[@SonnyCrocket-p6h]

yeah, where you gonna get the SULPHUR to make your black powder? If you dont immediatlely scrub that residue out of the gun, you'l have pitting in your bore, which will swiftly ruin your shot patters. Steel pellet score the hell out of your bore doing the same thing as pitting.

[@trailblazer632]

​@SonnyCrocket-p6h you can still get copper or copper coated bbs, and sulpher depending on your area is easy to come by. Its also by no means required to make blackpowder. There are several recipes for no sulphur blackpowder including a nitrocellulose replacememt option.

[@maxpinson5002]

I've been hunting with and shooting black powder muzzleloaders since the 80's You don't have to immediately swab the gun, but you don't want to leave it lay for a week. Internet myth just like those that say Pyrodex won't corrode like black powder does.

[@frankmorris4790]

Another lovely thing about open breech guns, They are not picky eaters in the least. if you can get it in the chamber and closed, it'll go . AS a teen with a 1926 Ithica Flues I was the happy recipient of All, and I say ALL with no small pride as I was the fortunate curator of the rejects, from ALL the benches of THREE fine gentleman, for a couple years. Yes there were some rather shredded Quail. Oh, those WERE Fives... But it made for an interesting day. Paper case from the early 50's. Ok some swelled a little, a gentle massage with a knife handle, Poof!

[@jeffreyelliott622]

I still have my very first shotgun and it was the H&R Topper model 58 in 12ga. single shot modified fixed choke 28 in. barrel and yes is the most versatile gun I own for I too can shoot not only 12 ga. out of it but also 20ga and 410 bore and the muzzleloader shot as well and the rifled adapters in .22LR .22Mag. .38 Spec. 9mm .45Colt !!!

[@bernielamont825]

Hey Coalcracker, yes the 12 gauge can rock you with the traditional 2/34 low brass. I shot a 3/12"ultra mag about 45 years ago, I'm a small guy (5' 6" 150) and I still remember it! LOL

[@shadowcastre]

bernielamont825... Shotshell brass height makes no difference.

[@911life5]

A 10/10 is the savage model 24. You’ll love it

[@ivymike2691]

Another big benefit of 20 gauge over 12 is that the shells don't weigh as much. Depends on what you're doing whether that matters, but it's a lot more pleasant to carry a box or two of 20 gauge shells in your bag.

[@lesliepaulkovacs6442]

Just a reminder. The minimum length for a shotgun barrel is 18 inches under Federal Law. Anything shorter, then you have to deal with the NFA and paperwork and fees, etc. But any competent Gunsmith could trim the barrel down and still keep it Legal if you have a longer barrel shotgun and you want to make it “Canoe” length. I’d also add a Sling and a Buttstock Shell holder to the shotgun. Much easier to carry and you have the ammunition ready if you need a follow up shot. Hope this helps.

[@JAB671]

The first firearm I owned was a .410 single that I got as a Christmas gift from my parents when I was 14. My second was a 12 gauge single from my parents for Christmas when I was 16. Be careful generalizing about recoil. I have no issues with 12 gauge being unpleasant. For perspective, the recoil of my Mosin-Nagant doesn't bother me and I don't dread the recoil of my Steyr-,Mannlicher carbine. The only two firearms I own that I consider to be prohibitively uncomfortable to shoot without a butt pad - as in I refuse to do so - are a Savage/Stevens semi-auto 16 gauge and a Stevens 94C pre-serial number (so early 1960s, at least) single barrel 20 gauge - and the 20 gauge is the worse of the two Two #7.5 from that thing with no butt pad and I was done for the day. I like the twelve gauge because there are more commonly available ammo choices, at least where I live, if you prefer to buy in a brick and mortar store. There are also reduced recoil rounds in 12 gauge and I am not sure that is the case for 20 gauge. Don't get me wrong, a 20 gauge is great - I have a couple of singles in 20 (including the shoulder annihilator) as well as an old Sears bolt action that has an Accu-Choke. A person is definitely not unarmed with any of them and you probably can find something in 20 gauge ammo to do what you need even though choices may be more limited. With the adapters, though,one thing to consider is you could have a 12 gauge single then have an adapter for 20 gauge. That way you can still shoot 20 if you prefer but have 12 as an option with the same shotgun. Part of the reason I like singles for some applications - like woods walking on my property - is that they are break open and not repeaters. Put on a butt cuff ammo holder, carry a few small game loads, a couple of buckshot and maybe one slug. Traditionally, for safety purposes, you are supposed to carry one across your non-dominant forearm, broken open with an empty chamber. With that butt cuff, then, it is easy to select the type of shell you need, grab it from the butt cuff, slide it into the chamber, close, hammer back, fire. It is even faster if you always stage the same type of ammo in the same position on the butt cuff so you know what is where and don't even have to check what you are loading into the gun.

[@maxpinson5002]

I use a PAST pad for target and scope zero and zero check shooting. Bought one years ago and it still works just fine. Anytime I've ever shot an animal, I've never felt the hardest recoil from any firearm I was using. If you're scared of recoil from target shooting unprotected, you surely will develop a flinch and flub your shot miserably. I've seen guys at a gun range close their eyes as they pull the trigger. Buy a pad of some kind

[@robertspindle6464]

I still have several single shot shotguns in 12 and 20 gauge. Great truck guns.

[@Greybeard1357]

I like my single shot shotgun in 12ga. Vary the shells depending on game, sleeves for .22, .357, and others. And you can load black powder in brass shells for more fun.

[@badbadbob1]

Us old timers use 12 or 20g cut shells. Target shot becomes a slug with a surprise.

[@jwarehouse1]

I agree 20ga easier to shoot than 12ga....and will do the job...and a great choice. For a suvival situation I would pick the 12ga, as availability and variety of loads better than 20ga...at least in my State.

[@feralkid1879]

It was the resounding choice and often the only gun the sod house settlers deemed necessary.

[@308dad8]

I need documentation to substantiate that the 410 break action was “developed for the military”. The old standard we all shot growing up, H&R’s as I remember, are great. They’re unassuming and blend seamlessly as a youth squirrel gun. Cheap! I even see new ones (imports obviously) for around $100.

[@cheeseburger3119]

I’ve used all major types, a single shot shotgun has exceptional handling. That makes it very appealing where firepower isn’t an asset. Game rich fields, animal dispatch, trap shooting and ammo testing. I’d recommend taking one as an auxiliary firearm!

[@allanleighton-hc1bc]

Thanks

[@ronaldfeagle8231]

I'll tell you what is the best. Dan and his awesome videos !!!!!

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Thanks Fan😊

[@lawrencemartin1113]

Here in the UK, as a regular shotgun and rifle shooter, a few years ago, I bought a second hand AYA 12 bore, single shot Cosmos shotgun. It has a very short (legal minimum for UK) barrel and I have loved using it in the woods. I use a nice padded stock/butt pad which slightly extends the length of pull as well as taking out a massive amount of the recoil. I would love a 20 bore with the same length barrel, but would need to buy one and have it cut down as they were never made with such compact barrels in the UK. Obviously, cutting down a barrel hugely affects the choke and therefore lessons the effective range for tight patterns with shot, but having said that, I tested my 12 bore (which had been shortened many years ago by a previous owner) out on the clay range and with simple 21 gram cartridges firing 7.5 shot we were smacking clays consistently at 35 yards!! We were astonished by the performance. These little single shot shotguns are fantastic to own and are relatively cheap to pick up as so few people seem to want them these days. I love your little 20 bore canoe gun......I just wish I could take mine out canoeing here in the UK.....but for that, I would need access to.private land and water ways with permission.....like that's gonna happen! 😢

[@artoliver8740]

The twenty gauge, especially a more compact youth model, is a plenty for most game. The twelve offers a better ammo selection. It's ugly to think about but a survival situation could mean a self defense situation. I'd want more than one shot at a time for that.

[@mkshffr4936]

Single shot rifles and shotguns are primo weapons that are immensely practical for all the reasons you mention. When it comes to calibers I would like to suggest you consider a somewhat unconventional choice. That is the 357. The shotgun is indeed flexible but it is not quiet. A 22 LR can be quiet and cover a lot of options but I think the 357 really shines in broad spectrum use. -Like the 22 and 12ga there is often a pretty good supply of commercial loads from target wadcutters to heavy hardcast dangerous game loads available. -The ammo is not as light and compact as rimfire ammo but it is lighter and more compact than most other options including shotshells. -Custom reloads of all kinds are easily accomplished with a small and portable Lee hand press using one powder for light loads and another for "bear" loads. -38 special loads that are as quiet or quieter that 22LR yet more effective for small game are a snap. - So one rifle and 2 or 3 load levels of ammo has you ready for almost any situation you are likely to find yourself in especially if you carry a defensive sidearm (which BTW can be the same caliber). -And yes, in a survival situation noone is going to shun you for shooting game birds on the ground with your rifle.

[@darrinrebagliati5365]

Always liked over under, rifle and shotgun. But barrel inserts make single 12ga into pistol calibers at least.

[@joey-iz3td]

I used to go out for dove with my H&R pardner. I'd get ten birds with ten shells. None of my buddies with pumps did that

[@johnbroussard3666]

The advantage to the 12 gauge is that there are plenty of cheap sub-gauge adapters which allow the shooter to use 20ga or .410 in the 12 gauge. They are surprising in their efficiency.

[@avatargunner6776]

I've always bounced between a 16 gauge and a 20 gauge

[@liljimitwofeatherz9735]

Like the 16gauge

[@Scarywoody]

Think of the shotgun like a Bow. As you depress the trigger you push with left arm and it reduces felt recoil.

[@frankmorris4790]

No, if you do that the buttstock moves away from the shoulder. you must think you are doing very very well! I feel for ya. Not to worry, I'm about to change your life. When taking up an gun with actual recoil, the object is to not allow the gun to move, so as you are pushing away it is pushing back. the gun WILL move in a straight line. You WILL NOT. This WILL cause one to get slapped and it WILL adversley effect accuracy. climb right down on that bugger an hugg it! Climb down on it and mash yourself on to it*, with feet comfortably spread, bend a bit and lean in. Let er rip. Just thinking your recoil management might improve, watch for it. * Get some heavy field loads, #4? Take them to a sporting clay or Trap range. Find a guy close to your size and have him touch a couple off, you stand off and watch the body mechanics. then , go find a BIG boy. Same drill, not much changes.. Big guys can get slapped as good as anybody.

[@michaellacy8510]

If you are depending on it for food, there are very few people who would choose a single shot over a double, pump, or auto. That second/third shot could be the difference between eating or not. For nostalgia, sure, get a single shot and have fun. But for real get a good pump action.

[@pithicus52]

I didn't know that adapters to shoot 22LR from a shotgun existed. I will have to look out for them. I am subscribing to the channel for more of that kind of information.

[@ClaudeBohls]

I like the over under 20/22 mag. The single shot MAKES YOU slow down and deliberate your objective. Blamunition lasts too.