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Best Single Shot Hunting Rifles in Canada 2025: Top 5 Ruger No. 1, Browning BLR, CVA Scout V2, Henry Single Shot Rifle, Bergara BA13

Published on Monday, August 25, 2025

Simple, lightweight rifles offering excellent accuracy and reliability for hunters who prioritize precision and minimalism. Single shot hunting rifles, commonly found in break-action and falling-block formats, deliver crisp triggers, rigid actions, and repeatable performance that appeals to Canadian hunters who value backcountry packability, low weight, and mechanical simplicity. In Canada these rifles are popular for big game and varmint work where one carefully placed shot matters: they are chosen for their inherent stiffness, straightforward maintenance in cold or wet conditions, and the ethical precision they encourage. Consumer preferences in 2025 continue to favor models that balance proven action designs with modern barrel and stock materials, chamberings suitable for local game, and easy sighting options for variable terrain and long approaches.

Quick Menu

1. Best Classic Falling-Block

2. Best Lever-Action Alternative

3. Best Affordable Single-Shot

4. Best Traditional American Single-Shot

5. Best Precision Single-Shot

1
BEST CLASSIC FALLING-BLOCK

Ruger No. 1

Ruger

The Ruger No. 1 is a classic falling-block single-shot rifle prized for its smooth action, premium fit-and-finish, and inherent accuracy; it holds a best-in-class reputation among single-shot hunters who prioritize one-shot precision and a refined hunting rifle experience. Compared with the more versatile Browning BLR and budget CVA Scout V2, the No. 1 sacrifices rapid follow-ups and low cost for superior out-of-the-box accuracy and long-term value, making it a top choice for stalk-and-spot or mountain hunters who plan every shot.

4.6
★★★★☆

  • Falling-block elegance

  • Single-shot precision

  • Falling-block elegance

  • Single-shot precision

Review Summary

92%

"Owners consistently praise the Ruger No. 1 for its classic falling‑block action, excellent inherent accuracy, crisp trigger and great balance; criticisms focus on premium price and stout recoil in magnum chamberings."

  • Feels like jewelry

  • Elegant falling-block single-shot action renowned for strength and a smooth, crisp trigger.

  • Feels like jewelry

  • Elegant falling-block single-shot action renowned for strength and a smooth, crisp trigger.

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

The Ruger No. 1 is a classic falling-block single-shot rifle prized for its smooth action, premium fit-and-finish, and inherent accuracy; it holds a best-in-class reputation among single-shot hunters who prioritize one-shot precision and a refined hunting rifle experience. Compared with the more versatile Browning BLR and budget CVA Scout V2, the No. 1 sacrifices rapid follow-ups and low cost for superior out-of-the-box accuracy and long-term value, making it a top choice for stalk-and-spot or mountain hunters who plan every shot.

  • Falling-block elegance

  • Single-shot precision

  • Feels like jewelry

  • Elegant falling-block single-shot action renowned for strength and a smooth, crisp trigger.

  • Available in a wide range of hunting calibers with high-quality wood and finish options.

  • Falling-block elegance

  • Single-shot precision

  • Feels like jewelry

  • Elegant falling-block single-shot action renowned for strength and a smooth, crisp trigger.

  • Available in a wide range of hunting calibers with high-quality wood and finish options.

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$1,400-2,500 CAD

2
BEST LEVER-ACTION ALTERNATIVE

Browning BLR

Browning

The Browning BLR, while a lever-action repeater rather than a pure single-shot, is included as a market leader because it combines modern materials, scope-friendly geometry and magazine-fed cartridge flexibility to deliver rapid follow-ups and field-proven durability. Against the pure single-shot models like the Ruger No. 1 and Bergara BA13 it offers faster second shots and broader cartridge choices at competitive prices, making it the practical pick for hunters who need both reliability and pace of fire in rugged conditions.

4.4
★★★★☆

  • Lever-action speed

  • Detachable-mag versatility

  • Lever-action speed

  • Detachable-mag versatility

Review Summary

86%

"Buyers value the Browning BLR for its strong action, detachable box magazine and surprising accuracy for a lever gun, while common complaints cite weight, higher cost, and occasional finish/stock variation."

  • Smooth cowboy swagger

  • Lever-action rifle with detachable box magazine offering faster follow-up than traditional single-shots.

  • Smooth cowboy swagger

  • Lever-action rifle with detachable box magazine offering faster follow-up than traditional single-shots.

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

The Browning BLR, while a lever-action repeater rather than a pure single-shot, is included as a market leader because it combines modern materials, scope-friendly geometry and magazine-fed cartridge flexibility to deliver rapid follow-ups and field-proven durability. Against the pure single-shot models like the Ruger No. 1 and Bergara BA13 it offers faster second shots and broader cartridge choices at competitive prices, making it the practical pick for hunters who need both reliability and pace of fire in rugged conditions.

  • Lever-action speed

  • Detachable-mag versatility

  • Smooth cowboy swagger

  • Lever-action rifle with detachable box magazine offering faster follow-up than traditional single-shots.

  • Chambered in a variety of powerful calibers suitable for hunting across North America.

  • Lever-action speed

  • Detachable-mag versatility

  • Smooth cowboy swagger

  • Lever-action rifle with detachable box magazine offering faster follow-up than traditional single-shots.

  • Chambered in a variety of powerful calibers suitable for hunting across North America.

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$1,000-1,800 CAD

3
BEST AFFORDABLE SINGLE-SHOT

CVA Scout V2

CVA

The CVA Scout V2 is the budget-oriented single-shot option in this lineup, offering a lightweight, no-nonsense design and the lowest entry cost while remaining fully capable for hunting small to medium game. Its simple, easy-to-maintain construction makes it ideal for new shooters or as a pack/survival rifle, although it concedes some trigger refinement, premium bedding and the ultimate accuracy potential found in pricier rifles like the Ruger No. 1 and Bergara BA13.

4.1
★★★★☆

  • Lightweight handling

  • Easy takedown

  • Lightweight handling

  • Easy takedown

Review Summary

78%

"The CVA Scout V2 is widely regarded as a good-value single‑shot: rugged, accurate enough for hunting and affordable out of the box, though reviewers note basic fit/finish, a mediocre trigger and some QC inconsistencies."

  • Good camp companion

  • Lightweight single-shot design suited for scout-style carry and short- to mid-range hunting.

  • Good camp companion

  • Lightweight single-shot design suited for scout-style carry and short- to mid-range hunting.

Recreational Enjoyment

Time-Saving Convenience

Skill Development & Mastery

The CVA Scout V2 is the budget-oriented single-shot option in this lineup, offering a lightweight, no-nonsense design and the lowest entry cost while remaining fully capable for hunting small to medium game. Its simple, easy-to-maintain construction makes it ideal for new shooters or as a pack/survival rifle, although it concedes some trigger refinement, premium bedding and the ultimate accuracy potential found in pricier rifles like the Ruger No. 1 and Bergara BA13.

  • Lightweight handling

  • Easy takedown

  • Good camp companion

  • Lightweight single-shot design suited for scout-style carry and short- to mid-range hunting.

  • Durable synthetic stock and a receiver-mounted rail for low-profile optics.

  • Lightweight handling

  • Easy takedown

  • Good camp companion

  • Lightweight single-shot design suited for scout-style carry and short- to mid-range hunting.

  • Durable synthetic stock and a receiver-mounted rail for low-profile optics.

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$400-600 CAD

4
BEST TRADITIONAL AMERICAN SINGLE-SHOT

Henry Single Shot Rifle

Henry

The Henry Single Shot Rifle delivers a heritage-styled, value-focused single-shot platform that pairs classic American aesthetics with practical hunting capability; it typically undercuts the premium Ruger and Bergara offerings while presenting a nicer finish and collector appeal than most entry-level rifles. For hunters seeking a dependable, attractively finished single-shot for close- to mid-range work, Henry balances affordability and quality and is a strong choice for those who want a distinctive rifle without paying boutique prices.

4.5
★★★★☆

  • Classic profile

  • Rugged hardwood stock

  • Classic profile

  • Rugged hardwood stock

Review Summary

89%

"Henry's Single Shot rifles earn praise for solid build quality, attractive finish and reliable on‑game accuracy; reviewers say the action is satisfying but remind buyers the single‑shot format and limited caliber choices are tradeoffs."

  • Makes ancestors proud

  • Classic American styling with quality stock options and a straightforward single-shot action.

  • Makes ancestors proud

  • Classic American styling with quality stock options and a straightforward single-shot action.

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

The Henry Single Shot Rifle delivers a heritage-styled, value-focused single-shot platform that pairs classic American aesthetics with practical hunting capability; it typically undercuts the premium Ruger and Bergara offerings while presenting a nicer finish and collector appeal than most entry-level rifles. For hunters seeking a dependable, attractively finished single-shot for close- to mid-range work, Henry balances affordability and quality and is a strong choice for those who want a distinctive rifle without paying boutique prices.

  • Classic profile

  • Rugged hardwood stock

  • Makes ancestors proud

  • Classic American styling with quality stock options and a straightforward single-shot action.

  • Dependable, no-frills mechanism ideal for hunting, training, and range practice.

  • Classic profile

  • Rugged hardwood stock

  • Makes ancestors proud

  • Classic American styling with quality stock options and a straightforward single-shot action.

  • Dependable, no-frills mechanism ideal for hunting, training, and range practice.

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$500-900 CAD

5
BEST PRECISION SINGLE-SHOT

Bergara BA13

Bergara

The Bergara BA13 emphasizes precision: leveraging Bergara's reputation for match-grade barrels and rigorous bedding, it is tailored for hunters who demand the highest accuracy from a single-shot hunting platform. Although it comes at a premium compared with the CVA and Henry models, its technical advantages in barrel quality and consistency frequently give it an edge over both the Ruger No. 1 and others when long-range, single-shot accuracy is the primary objective.

4.6
★★★★☆

  • Barrel accuracy

  • Target-grade build

  • Barrel accuracy

  • Target-grade build

Review Summary

90%

"The Bergara BA13 is frequently lauded for exceptional accuracy, premium fit and a crisp trigger, making it a top choice for precision hunting single‑shots; negatives are the premium price, weight and niche appeal."

  • Benchrest bliss

  • Features a Bergara match-grade barrel and attention to harmonics for strong accuracy potential.

  • Benchrest bliss

  • Features a Bergara match-grade barrel and attention to harmonics for strong accuracy potential.

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

The Bergara BA13 emphasizes precision: leveraging Bergara's reputation for match-grade barrels and rigorous bedding, it is tailored for hunters who demand the highest accuracy from a single-shot hunting platform. Although it comes at a premium compared with the CVA and Henry models, its technical advantages in barrel quality and consistency frequently give it an edge over both the Ruger No. 1 and others when long-range, single-shot accuracy is the primary objective.

  • Barrel accuracy

  • Target-grade build

  • Benchrest bliss

  • Features a Bergara match-grade barrel and attention to harmonics for strong accuracy potential.

  • Built as a stable, precision-oriented platform with quality triggers and consistent bedding.

  • Barrel accuracy

  • Target-grade build

  • Benchrest bliss

  • Features a Bergara match-grade barrel and attention to harmonics for strong accuracy potential.

  • Built as a stable, precision-oriented platform with quality triggers and consistent bedding.

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$1,100-1,900 CAD

The Science Behind Single Shot Rifle Accuracy and Reliability

Mechanical and ballistic testing, along with benchmaster and gunsmith evaluations, explain why single shot rifles often deliver superior repeatability. Rigid falling-block and break-action designs minimize flex and inconsistent headspace, reducing variables that can shift point of impact. Simple trigger mechanisms reduce creep and allow more consistent trigger pull, which directly improves shot-to-shot dispersion. Barrel harmonics, chambering selection, and harmonized stock bedding also contribute to consistent accuracy, while fewer moving parts improve reliability in extreme weather and reduce maintenance needs.

Action rigidity: Falling-block and solid break-action designs increase stiffness, which reduces shot-to-shot variation compared to more complex repeating actions.

Trigger consistency: Simpler single-shot triggers typically have less mechanical creep, aiding shooter-controlled, repeatable breaks.

Reduced moving mass: Fewer reciprocating parts mean less disturbance to barrel harmonics at the moment of fire, improving group size.

Cold weather reliability: Simpler mechanisms with fewer parts are less prone to freezing or fouling in Canadian winter field conditions.

Ballistics and ammunition: Choosing proper cartridge and bullet weight for intended game maximizes the accuracy potential of a single-shot platform.

In the Canadian context, single shot hunting rifles like the Ruger No. 1, Browning BLR, CVA Scout V2, Henry Single Shot Rifle, and Bergara BA13 provide lightweight, accurate, and reliable options for backcountry and fair-chase hunting. For most precision-oriented hunters who want a proven, all-around match of accuracy, heritage, and versatility, the Ruger No. 1 stands out as the best choice among these five. We hope you found what you were looking for; if you want to refine or expand your search, please use the site search to filter by caliber, action type, or price.

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