CajunLawyer started a thread that made me buy a No. 1 in .45-70 - since it's his fault I'm still waiting for him to kick in part of the purchase price. I bought a Ruger 50th anniversary model from 1999; it was a comparable price as the same gun in similar condition in the plainer versions.

The question I have conerns the top of the breechblock, which is blued. I've seen several No. 1's over they years, still have another one, but don't remember ever seeing one with the top of the breechblock blued. But sometimes I don't remember my name, so there's that.

There's evidently a good book by a Mr. Clayton on No. 1's, but it's out of print, and several hundred dollars on the used market. I know we have some Ruger collectors here and was hoping someone could help me satisfy my curiosity. Thanks in advance.

I have only really paid attention to two number 1 Rugers. Mine.


As you can see, the one without a scope on it (45/70, c1976) has a blue breech block top.


The one with the scope on it (223, 1997) also has a blue breech block top.


Appears that we are three for three.

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__________________
I always take precautions

I can only speak to my #1 Varmint in .25-06, and the top of the breechblock is blue.

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The two I currently own and the one I used to own all have the top blued.

Ivan

I have had five Ruger #1's and didn't to look. it wouldn't bother me one way or the other. they all shot quite well

Only have one in 220 Swift but the breech block is not blued on mine.

Thanks to everyone for taking time to reply. It's also gratifying to see how relatively popular these are in the synthetic age.

Blued top to the breech block was standard on Ruger factory offerings for years.

I was told the more recent 'in-the white' breech block tops were those rifles that were special runs for a distributor like the Lipsey offerings or other special short run offerings in odd calibers, or bbl lengths, stock style ect.

I don't know if this is absolutely true, but it's what I was told when I asked the same question some time ago.

I don't collect them, or much of anything. I just wondered about the difference in some.
I thought it was maybe just a shortcut in production actually.
Just polish and leave the block in the white instead of polish it, blue it and then re-polish the sides to get the blued top effect.
Factorys are always looking to save a buck or 2 in production.

Bob ...

Sorry for the delay in answering your question but haven't had occasion to dig into the dark and dusty corners of my man cave until today. I also have a 1999 production year "Fifty Year" 45-70 No. 1 and the top of the breech block is blued while the sides remain unblued. This is also the arrangement on my only other No. 1, a 7x57 Mauser produced in 1984. Your prick of the litter on those 2 45-70 rifles was certainly an easy one ... especially at the same price. Can't recall having seen a "Fifty Year" 45-70 No. 1 that wasn't a beautiful rifle. Very nice selection of wood, tasteful engraving and appropriate use of gold. Enjoy shooting her there in NC sir !!

It is nice looking. Oddly enough it had the original box, but not the scope rings. I've ordered some, and when they arrive I'll try it out.

My 6mm Remington No.1 had a blued breech block.

#1 standard model made about 1975, caliber .25-06. Top of the breech block is blued.

#1 Light Sporter, about 1976, caliber .30-06. Top of the breech block is blued.

Rescued #1 action rebarreled by Ralph Carter with a 26" tapered octagon barrel (with integral scope mount) in 7mm Rem Mag about 1979. Top of the breech block is blued.

Absolutely perfect hunting rifles, in my opinion. The Light Sporter .30-06 became my favorite over 40 years ago! 1.75-4.5 Bushnell scope in the factory rings. Brings home the elk and deer again and again, as long as I do my part properly.

My love affair with the Ruger #1 rifles started about 45 years ago and I have found no reason to look any further. Sure, I have other rifles but the #1 Sporter is my go-to rifle for Colorado hunting.

Bullet Bob, sounds like you're feeling' the blues. Not a bad question, though!