I didn't know I wanted this - but I'm very glad I own it now...

[PALADIN85020]

Friday I attended one of the largest gun shows in the country, held annually for 3 days in Phoenix.

I've always admired Ruger No. 1 single shot rifles for their sheer elegance, pushing the single shot category to its arguable limit.

And I found a nearly perfect one in my favorite centerfire rifle caliber - .30-06. The satin finish on the nicely-figured walnut stock was superb. It truly called to me, and I managed to bargain the owner down to what I considered a reasonable price.

You could ask what the appeal is with a single shot. The first thing is the lack of any superfluous complexity. Load it and shoot it. You can fit a longer barrel to the very short action, making its overall length much handier than any other action type. It's undoubtedly sporting to use it for hunting - superior to muzzle loaders and bows and arrows, for sure. It reeks nostalgia, with the graceful lines of the famous Scottish Farquharson single shot "hammerless" rifles. The No. 1 was blessed with a superior design internally and externally, and well-executed finish and fitting. As many of you might know, I'm a traditionalist, and the single shots are as traditional as you can get.

So, here we go, with a couple of pictures:

(click for larger picture)

(click for larger picture)

I have ordered a suitable set of Ruger scope rings and a nice scope. Also a laser bore sighter! I should be ready to wring it out in a week or so. And yes, it will be the subject of a future article!

John

 

[Bobbysixkiller]

Very nice. Congrats

 

[dr. mordo]

Beautiful. I'd love to find one for a good price myself. A friend of mine had one 30 years ago and I always thought it was very cool.

 

[Old_Cop]

Beautiful rifle. I owned a No.3 in 30.40 many years ago, but the finish did not approach the No.1.

 

[krsmith58]

#1

congrats , beautiful rifle . the Ruger # 1 is on my wish list . caliber is a bit flexible as long it's .30 caliber and up . also must have iron sights on it . may adorn a scope also . really nice , thanks for sharing . kenny , texas

 

[kraynky]

Beautiful rifle indeed. Congratulations! I hunted with a Ruger #1 in .270 for about 20 years. It was my "bean field" gun of choice, and it never failed to drop any deer where it stood. (No, there was a 10 point buck that ran about 30 yards)

The rifle and the Redfield Golden 5 Star scope allowed me to take my longest DRT shot, of 375 yards. There is something about shooting a single shot that makes you really focus on your technique. I wore an elastic wrist band that held something like 3-4 more cartridges, just in case I needed a rapid second shot, but I never did.

I lost that farm lease to the state a few years back, and finally sold the Ruger last year. I wasn't using it hunting out behind the house, and it was time to move it to someone else that would enjoy it.

You're really going to like that rifle! It's a beaut!

 

[ParadiseRoad]

...I was looking for a No. 1 when I found my 1885 High Wall...

...I'd still like to have a No. 1 in 450/400 Nitro Express...I'm kicking myself for missing one that went for $800 buy it now on GB...

 

[gman51]

WOW! That is superb condition. Beautiful NO. 1.

 

[HOGSTR]

I have one of these in .25-06. It is a joy to shoot, either at the range or while hunting. There is something simple about it that reminds me of black powder hunts with my grandfather. You get one shot, better make it count!

 

[Drm50]

I'm strictly into classic firearms and have quite a few. People can't believe I don't own a AR type rifle. I tell them I do have a self loading 223. A #3 that shoots as fast as you can load it. I've had a few #1s and #3s and never felt a single shot was a handi cap in a hunting rifle. Now playing with #3 /375win and spitzer bullets. Ohio is straight case state for deer.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I had a No. I Tropical in 375 H&H for 5 or 6 years bout sold it in the mid 90's to a guy that "Just had to have it!" and paid accordingly. I miss that gun so much!!!

I still have 2. A 26" sighted in 218 Bee, and a 22" 7x57 also with sights, it is before 1976! Both with the Schnabel fore end. That 22" barrel is a joy to walk with, if you hold the gun by the wrist, it can hang straight down and still not touch the ground!

I have been very careful to leave the fore end mounting screw tension at the factory settings! They still shoot like they just came from the factory!

A note on factory 7 Mauser ammo: most American ammo in this caliber is on the weak side. The Norma 154 grain Semi spitzer soft point, is very hot! It mimics the 275 Rigby, post WWII Loading. Out of my No 1 it is almost 400fps faster than Remington 140 gr!!! About 1/2 MOA scoped and off a rest. I get 1 MOA (1.5") @ 150 yards offhand!

Ivan

 

[steveno]

I have had 5 Ruger #1's in 270 (2) , 7x 57 , 22-250 and 45-70. they all shot really well. the first one was a #1A in 270. I paid $278 new in 1979 and never paid more than $500 each for the other four.

 

[Valmet]

I don't know why I've wanted most of the firearms I own, but I'm pretty happy with them. Looks like a nice Ruger OP

 

[Narragansett]

Congrats!!! Beautiful gun in one of the best calibers ever

 

[Swissman]

I saw it in a gun catalogue more than 30 years ago. Then the gunshop, where I bought my first S&W revolver, had a new .30-06 at the shelf. Mine.....and it is still mine. Shoots great, but kicks mean, when not held like one should.

Swissman

 

[mckenney99]

One of the guys who got me started hunting prairie dogs had a custom HB No.1 built in 218 Mashburn Bee chambering. It was the sweetest shooting little rifle that got the most out of the 218 Mashburn Bee cartridge. I've lusted after a No.1 ever since so I could get my own 218 Mashburn Bee built. Absolutely a classic action.

 

[Shark Bait]

Beautiful gun. Looking forward to the range report.

 

[wyo-man]

Excellent rifle. I traded for one years ago. .30-06. Over the years I harvested 18 deer with 19 shots (missed one time). If I did my part it would cloverleaf 4 rounds at 100 yards with a 165 gr. Nosler Partition and IMR 4350.
Oldest son wanted it so now he has it. Every time he goes to the range it gets "drooled" on.

wyo-man

 

[woodsltc]

Congrats.....that is a beautiful rifle. Love the figure in the wood stock.

I'm not a Ruger expert, but I think the "red" buttpad is indicative of an early model #1.


Don

 

[6string]

There are only a small percentage of Rugers in current production that are pure "Bill Ruger".
The No. 1 is very near the top of the list. It was one of Bill's favorite.
If you get one that shoots, great. If you don't, tweak it to get it right.
They are a nice blend of precision capability, yet handle fast like a fine shotgun. Selecting nice wood was a priority for the No. 1, as well.
They are a pleasure, too, for the reloader.

Jim