I've hunted with a #1 in 7x57 since 1983 or so. My Dad had given me a very nice custom .308 win. (Mod 700) for a HS grad present, but it got stolen. So I started using the 7x57 he had bought for my younger brother (who never really liked hunting and maybe fired the rifle 5 times).
I killed dozens of Texas whitetails with it, only one took more than one shot, and that was due to my poor shooting.
I just killed the biggest buck of my life with it tonight at dusk, just finished getting it cut up and cooling in the shop. I was still hunting and he popped up at maybe 30 yards, one shot spined him and the next was a finisher in the neck.
I always have carried a round in the chamber while hunting, but unload if the ground is rough, climbing a fence, in the truck, etc.
I don't recall ever being handicapped on a second shot with the #1. I suppose I could be, but I rarely if ever shoot at running game.
Besides, the #1 is such a beautiful rifle, even with all the dings and scratches in the stock.
REgards.
