Any Ruger No. 1 fans?

[Richard Simmons]

I've never owned one and I'm pretty sure I've never fired one either but I have always been attracted to the looks of the Ruger No.1 rifles. There's just something about the way they look, particularly the models with the barrel mounted sling attachment. Not sure if that's the Tropical or Sporter or both but I just love the look.

The full stocked model ain't bad lookin either but I kinda like the other style more. Putting a scope on them kinda ruins the look for me as well but with my aging eyes it's a look I'd probably learn to live with were I ever to acquire one.

Was just wondering if we had any owners and or fans here and if so perhaps your opinions, experiences and photos could be posted? I do know that recently Ruger started making this model in only one caliber per year. At least that's what I seem to recall. Maybe it was one caliber for each version per year but either way if you want a new one in say, 30.06 you can't just run out and order one unless that's the caliber for this year.

Was thinking if I had the opportunity I'd like to get one in 30.06, (one of my favorite calibers) as well as something with a little more bore like say, 45-70. While I like the looks of the Tropical models I doubt I could find a practical use for a .458 Winchester Magnum or one of the other big magnums.

Anyway, like I said, just wondering if anyone else has an interest in this particular firearm?

 

[federali]

Classic Rifle

I've never owned a #1 but a good friend of mine had one in .45-70. These are really nice rifles and you're hardly handicapped assuming you're a decent shot.

Compared to a repeater, the Number 1 is about six inches shorter than a repeater with a comparable length. If you like the rifle, go for it.

Ruger 1s could be more accurate than they usually are. I competent gunsmith who knows Rugers can improve accuracy with work on the fore-end hanger.

 

[gunnails]

In 270.

 

[Spookypeanut1]

I have one in 45-70 that I really like, except for the kick. I should have gotten one in a lesser caliber. I do like the simple design and the way it handles. It is a little over- kill on the little deer that I chase around.

 

[30-30remchester]

I have owned a few over the years. I had an early 458 Tropical that had wood to die for. It was wonderfully accurate and have several cloverleaf groups at 100 yards using iron sights when my eyes were much younger. I admire all single shot guns but most are built real cheap, not a problem with the Number 1. It is a copy of the old British Furgenson actions. A problem I have with the 1's, for me anyway, is the scoping of the rifle. I am a little rough on my guns. I hunt in rough country in bad weather. I fall quite often and many of my rifles have went flying from my hands. The rear ring is so far forward that too much of the scope is unsupported and vulnerable to being bent and knocked out of alignment. I could easily hunt the remainder of my career using nothing but single shots.

 

[Ed Fowler]

I have several, my 375 H&H is a real joy, 300 Win Mag fun for long rang target practice, 30-06 for deer & antelope, 6mm Rem a real beater outside but shoots great, owned by another rancher and rode in his pickup for 15 years, and a 223 with custom barrel.

Had to tune them up for best accuracy, each is an individual but if you pay attention they will shoot very well. The single shots are kind of special, but what I was brought up with so came to understand them. Just do everything the same every time.

 

[Smithboomer]

.45/70 for me, and I handload to keep the kick reasonable.

 

[Richard Simmons]

Thanks for the replies. On gunnails rifle it looks like it has the Alexander-Henry forearm. What exactly is the purpose of this design? I've always wondered if the groove element is intended to serve some purpose or is just there for the asthetics? Nice rifle by the way gunnails!

 

[Rigor Mortis]

They are my favorite rifle. At one time I collected them and had about all calibers except the Tropicals and .308. I'm down to just a few of my favorites now. They are built like a tank and peak accuracy is achieved by the pressure of the for end against the barrel. Gun smithing is not necessary, you can work it out by trial and error.

 

[aphelion]

I like all mine. Hickok45 just put out a vid with a 375 No.1.

 

[5-Shot]

Guess it was just me! Had a 270 and a 375 in the configuration you describe. They were never very accurate. I believe that since I dumped mine...very many years ago..folks have learned to bed them so that they shoot well. I have to agree that they are beautiful.

Ed

 

[gdogs]

My dad has a 270, and a good friend has a 22-250. Beautiful rifles, but I wouldn't want to carry either one around much. "Built like a tank" translates to heavy. I've thought about picking one up, but these day a good used one brings nearly a grand. Too many better ways to spend the money for me. But if I ever come across a nice one cheap...

 

[Bekeart]

I have both 45/70 and 458 Win Mag.
Got carried away at recent show and bought the 458.
Do NOT need the 458. It will be for sale.

Alex Henry Forend:
A groove at the forend tip, typical of this fine Scottish maker, (for tying a rifle into a vehicle-mounted rack?).
Adopted by the traditionalist Bill Ruger for his single shot Model No. 1.

Source for the above: Alex Henry Forend

 

[Jeff Barnes]

Had the #1 Tropical 458. The Leopold 1.5 x 5 scope hit me right between the eyes, went back to iron sights! Got me into reloading as factory ammunition was quite expensive. Never met a tree it wouldn't shoot through and blew a steel sign post in half! 500 gr. FMJ
Was loads of fun to let new shooters to a 458 have a go! Beautiful rifle.
Wish I still had it.

 

[stan v]

Yep. Have a 257 Roberts with gorgeous wood from 1980. It's a tack driver too.

 

[Chubbo]

Ruger #1

http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=233989&stc=1&d=1460676848http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=233992&stc=1&d=1460677906
This is my only Ruger #1, it's in .243 Win. Another nice little Ruger rifle, not as popular, or made anymore? Is the Ruger #3. It's a Plane Jane, straight grip stock version of the #1. I have one in .22 Hornet. Thought You might enjoy seeing both.
Chubbo

 

[Leonard]

My custom # 1 heavily modified in a 338 wildcat of my own design built in early 80's

 

[moosedog]

I've got one in 223. Super accurate rifle and well made. Works great on Coyotes and smaller critters.
There's something about using a single shot rifle that dictates one to keep better concentration because you only have one chance. At least that's how I feel when I use it.

 

[RobertJ.]

I love the No. 1!

Years ago, I had a No.3, in .45-70. I foolishly traded it away, even though it was a great little rifle.

So, for years I thought about replacing it. However, I don't enjoy shooting a .45-70 as much as I used to. A couple years ago, my LGS had this No. 1 in .270 Winchester, and I had to have it. I wanted something big enough to take an elk, but flat shooting, since coyotes are really the most likely target anymore. The scope is just a Leupold VX1, 3-9x40, nothing high end, but it works for me. This combo set me back a grand, but it's worth every penny.

I have the open sights zeroed at 50 yards, with 150 gr. SP's. I have the scope zeroed 2" high at at 100, with 100 gr. HP's. That load will stay just under an inch at 100. I have a nice selection of powders and projectiles for it, but haven't experimented nearly enough yet.

This is my single favorite rifle I own:

 

[StickShift]

There's a part of me that want's a RSI in 6.5x55 Swedish or 7x57 Mauser, even though I have precisely zero use for one. There's little more classic than a full stocked single shot in a European cartridge.