Hey guys, I hang out over on the Savage forum, but I've got a hankerin for a single shot. I'm getting ready to retire and I've been going over my wish list of guns. I'd like to build a custom in 22 Hornet, falling block, rolling block, maybe break open, no bolt gun. Pre WWII, ex military is OK. My parameters are pretty open. The action has to be strong enough for the 22 Hornet, that's about it. There is a Martini Cadet on GB that is along the lines of what I want, but $1600 is out. I want to have it built to my specs. What other actions, besides the Cadet, should I start looking for?Thanks for any thoughts, Joe.

Dang, it's tempting to just suggest a Ruger, already with a .22 Hornet barrel...

Guy

Browning or Winchester low Wall.....

I thought of the low walls, but I didn't want something new out of the box. I wanted something different, a bit unusual. One of my other wish list guns would be a 30-40 Krag custom take down in 35 WCF. The 30-40 would probably do all the 35 WCF would, it just wouldn't be what I want. I just remembered I have an old Fladermans down stairs some where. If I can dig it out I'll do some window shopping and see what I come up with. Last night I checked "single shots" on GB and kinda liked the old Stevens. Keep the Ideas coming. Who knows what will ring my bell, thanks, Joe.

Taylors imports low walls that have a little more old timey character than the Browning/Winchester ones, including nice iron sights.

The Ballard Rifle Co. has all kinds of neat stuff on their site. If nothing else, they might provide you with some ideas.

The thing is, Joe, buying a single shot (whether it be a complete rifle to cannibalize the action, or a bare action) that fits your specifications won't be cheap. After performing all the modifications, new barrel, new wood, sights/scope, you will likely have enough in it to make that $1600 Martini look good. But sometimes a not-cost effective custom rifle is just good for the soul!

We can hash out this idea a bit more on our road trip next month. I'm thinking along the same lines, and am hell bent to start with a Martini cadet (or other small BSA or Greener action). But of course if a trashed out original LoWall fell into my lap I wouldn't kick it away.

+1 on the expensive part.

Whatever you do in the way of a custom, be dang sure it's what you want, because you will never get your money out of it, especially a niche item like you're discussing here.

The Ballard stuff is very nice, but it will cost you dearly. Lots of what they show online has no price listed; never a good sign.

Just me but Id like a single shot 22HP! but iv never heard of one chambered in the 22hp.

The thing about the hornet is it really calls for a svelte action. As fine as the Ruger #1 is, it's a large action and IMHO is just overkill for the little hornet.

Some other options to consider is the CPA action, a modern stevens 44 1/2 and for $1100 for a new action not unreasonable.



The E Arthur Brown 97



(not personally a fan of the aesthetics)

Hagn mini action



Not cheap, but for a once in a lifetime rifle might be worth it.

You could start with this and have it polished up a bit.


Fraser .22 Hornet

Nice rifles, guys.

Those EABCOs just took a huge price jump. They were interesting, if a little strange looking. Now they're just over-priced. For what they're asking now, you can get a NIB Browning with killer wood off Gunbroker.

Gary, that's why I didn't send you a PM, figured I'd have trapped for a couple days, Joe.

John, don't think I wasn't thinking about that too. Looking at a Stevens 44 take down, I was thinking switch barrel, Joe.

Thanks guys, now we're rolling. The CPA looks sweet and I like the Hagn mini. Spending a couple grand isn't out of the question, I just don't want to plop down that kind of money for a NIB rifle. I want to build something special for me, Joe

C. Sharps Arms will sell you an 1885 Low Wall action in the white

The dakota 10 is another thought.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=469916287

I like the high wall due to it having an ejector. I just did a project using a Ruger #1 action in 7mm/08. I bought the cheapest gun I could find sold off the barrel and wood. I had it built exactly like I wanted with a 24 inch tapered octagon barrel, skelton grip cap, metal butt, QD rings,cstom built quarter rib, inletted swivel studs and the metal case hardened and exhibition wood. If you want to PM me a e-mail address I'll send pics as I don't know how to post them. I looked at a Dakota but to have one done my way was much more than what I wanted to spend and anything that came close always had that ugly rubber recoil pad.
I know where an original Winchester Low Wall action is but I don't know if it will Handel a 22 Hornet.

Was that an original Ruger #1 in 7mm-08?

That caliber is fairly rare, and sought-after by collectors.

The original low walls are plenty strong enough for a Hornet, if in good condition.

Owning two Hornets I can assure you the are somewhat finicky to reload.

The Ruger Hornets had the wrong twist.

The 22 K Hornet is a far better cartridge as is the new 17 Hornet.

I'd just buy a new low wall, play with it for a bit, then part it out and build the wood and bbl you want.

When you have an action you can put a 600 Nitro in (No. 1) it's just overkill for a light sleek varmint rifle.