Are single-shot rifles less accurate than bolt-actions?

Q: My uncle gave me a Ruger No 1 light sporter model in .270 that he had no more use for. It has only fired 20 shots, all at deer, and is in tip-top condition. 

Recently I read that single-shot rifles aren’t as accurate as bolt-actions due to the two-piece stock. Is this true? 

Do you think I should trade the No 1 on a new Ruger M77 in .270?

Jack Cassidy

A: Single-shot rifles are considered to be less accurate than bolt-action rifles because their two-piece stocks offer less firm bedding. This is a broad judgement, though, and I know of single-shots that shoot tight groups and provide exceptional accuracy.

I’ve used some Ruger No 1s that were capable of ½ MOA groups, but will admit that if a Ruger No 1 isn’t shooting well, it’s harder to tune than an inaccurate bolt-action because of its two-piece stock.

You can get fine accuracy from a properly bedded No 1. Don’t take everything you read as being gospel. 

Shoot your No 1 at a target before you race to trade it on an M77.