I still remember the day I picked up my first new england firearms 20 gauge single shot model sb1 at a local gun show for a price that seemed almost too good to be true. It wasn't flashy, it didn't have a fancy walnut stock, and it certainly wasn't going to win any beauty contests against high-end over-unders. But there's something about the "Pardner" series that just sticks with you. It's the kind of shotgun that feels like an old friend the moment you shoulder it. If you grew up in a rural area or spent your weekends wandering through the woods, chances are you've seen one of these leaning against a farmhouse door or tucked away in a truck tool box.
A Legacy of Simplicity and Strength
When we talk about the new england firearms 20 gauge single shot model sb1, we have to talk about Harrington & Richardson (H&R). New England Firearms (NEF) was essentially a brand name used for the same designs, and the SB1 is the heart of that lineup. These guns were built in Gardner, Massachusetts, and they were designed with one philosophy in mind: make it work, and make it last.
The SB1 frame is the "shotgun" frame. It's a solid piece of investment-cast steel that provides a sturdy foundation for the break-action design. You might hear some folks talking about the SB2 frame, which was meant for higher-pressure rifle rounds, but for a 20 gauge, the SB1 is exactly what you need. It's overbuilt for a shotgun, which is why you still see so many of them in perfect working order today, despite decades of use and, occasionally, a bit of neglect.
Why the 20 Gauge is the Sweet Spot
I've always felt that the 20 gauge is the "Goldilocks" of the shotgun world. It's got enough punch to handle everything from squirrels and rabbits to upland birds and even deer with a proper slug, but it won't dislocate your shoulder like a lightweight 12 gauge might. In a single-shot platform like the new england firearms 20 gauge single shot model sb1, weight is everything. Since there's no semi-auto action to soak up the recoil, a 12 gauge can be a bit punishing.
The 20 gauge, however, is just right. It's light enough to carry all day through the brush without making your arms feel like lead, yet it delivers a dense enough pattern to be effective. For a young shooter or someone smaller in stature, it's the perfect starting point. But don't let that fool you—plenty of seasoned hunters prefer the 20 gauge because it requires a bit more skill and offers a much more pleasant shooting experience.
The Mechanics of the Break-Action
There is something incredibly satisfying about the mechanical "click" of an SB1 closing. To load it, you just push the thumb lever to the right, and the barrel drops open on a pivot. You slide a shell into the chamber, snap it shut, and you're ready to go. It's a manual process that forces you to slow down and make your one shot count.
One of the most famous (or infamous) features of the new england firearms 20 gauge single shot model sb1 is the ejector. Most of these models don't just "extract" the shell for you to pick out; they launch it. If you aren't careful, that spent hull will go flying over your shoulder and land ten feet behind you. It's a quirk that most NEF owners grow to love, though it does mean you have to be mindful of where you're standing if you want to keep your brass for reloading.
The Versatility of a Single Shot
You might wonder why anyone would want a single-shot gun in a world of high-capacity semi-autos and pump actions. Honestly, it comes down to reliability and focus. The new england firearms 20 gauge single shot model sb1 has very few moving parts. There's no magazine tube to get dented, no feed ramps to polish, and no complex gas system to keep clean. It just works.
A Great Tool for Beginners
If you're teaching someone how to shoot, there isn't a better tool than a single-shot 20 gauge. It is inherently safer because it's easy to see if the action is open and the gun is unloaded. Plus, it teaches "ammo discipline." When you know you only have one shot before a reload, you tend to take your time, check your lead, and squeeze the trigger only when the bird is truly in range.
The Ultimate "Truck Gun"
Because these guns are so affordable and rugged, they make the ultimate "just in case" firearm. Whether you're checking fences on a ranch or headed out for a spontaneous afternoon of small game hunting, the SB1 is easy to toss in the back of the vehicle. It doesn't take up much space, and you don't have to worry about a few scratches on the synthetic or hardwood furniture. It's a tool, plain and simple.
Customizing Your SB1
While many people keep their new england firearms 20 gauge single shot model sb1 in its factory configuration, these guns are a tinkerer's dream. Because they were produced in such massive quantities, there is a healthy market for parts and accessories.
I've seen guys swap out the standard beads for fiber optic sights to help with low-light hunting. Others like to add a slip-on recoil pad or a shell holder on the buttstock. Since the 20 gauge model is so light, a shell holder actually helps balance the gun a bit better while keeping extra rounds within easy reach.
There's also the survivalist crowd. A lot of folks like to take these single shots and cut the barrels down to the legal minimum (usually 18 or 18.5 inches) to create a compact "camp gun." While I personally prefer the balance of the standard 26-inch barrel for swinging on birds, the versatility is definitely there if you want to get creative.
What to Look for When Buying Used
Since NEF stopped production years ago, you're going to be looking at the used market to find a new england firearms 20 gauge single shot model sb1. The good news is they are still very common. You can find them at gun shops, online auctions, and estate sales.
When you're inspecting one, the first thing to check is the lockup. When the action is closed, there should be absolutely no "wiggle" or play between the barrel and the frame. It should feel like a solid piece of steel. Next, check the bore. Since these were often used as utility guns, sometimes the cleaning wasn't as frequent as it should have been. You want a bright, shiny bore without pitting.
Don't worry too much about the finish on the stock or the bluing on the barrel. These are easily fixed or, better yet, just left as "character." As long as the transfer bar safety is functioning and the firing pin is hitting hard, you've got a winner.
Final Thoughts on a Classic
The new england firearms 20 gauge single shot model sb1 isn't going to win any prizes for innovation, but it doesn't have to. It represents a time when you could buy a solid, American-made firearm for a week's worth of paper route money. It's a testament to the idea that simple is often better.
Whether you're looking for a lightweight woods gun, a first shotgun for a kid, or just a piece of nostalgia to take to the range, the SB1 fits the bill. It's loud, it's mechanical, it kicks a little, and it's a whole lot of fun. Every time I click mine shut, I'm reminded that you don't need a thousand-dollar setup to have a great day in the field. Sometimes, all you need is one good shot.