Tire kicking for a Ruger #1

[Backyardsniper]

I saw the one that @Racinjason had listed here and it got me thinking, I have never owned a #1 and I might like too. I'm curious what all is out there. I don't have a specific caliber in mind and I would be open for anything from pistol calibers to a 500 Nitro. Maybe a sweet 450/400 or 470 if they even make them in that caliber, or perhaps a 275 rigby or even a plain old 30/06. If you happen to have a Ruger #1 you are considering parting with please let me know what you have.
Thanks!

 

[rookhawk]

The #1 action is a real beast so it can be customized to hold virtually any cartridge, although getting a 470NE or 500NE is not trivial. You're talking about custom gunsmithing that modifies the action to fit a beast of a cartridge.

The bigger concern is they are lightweight stalking rifles. When you put a medium sized cartridge in them, they kick like a mule. Larger rimmed cartridges also tend to get stuck up on the OEM safety which leads to expensive gunsmithing of a custom tang safety.

The biggest factory made ruger I'd recommend is the 450-400 which is still a big kicker in a light gun. The most pleasant would be 375HH flanged, but I'm not sure they ever made 375 rimmed.

 

[Backyardsniper]

I may look closer at the 375 H&H listed on here. That loaded down with some 235 grain Barnes would make a sweet little plains game rifle

 

[rookhawk]

I may look closer at the 375 H&H listed on here. That loaded down with some 235 grain Barnes would make a sweet little plains game rifle

I gave you my advice (rimmed cartridges with mild powders). You're heading a different direction.

 

[PARA45]

Here ya go.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1006534750

https://www.gunbroker.com/Single-Shot-Rifles/search?Keywords=ruger%20no%201&PageSize=24&Sort=13&View=1&Ch-Caliber=.450%2F400%20Nitro%20Express

I'm here to help you spend your money.

 

[Backyardsniper]

I was just perusing the GB #1's. I like the 450/400 idea quite a lot actually, they just seem hard to find ammo and components for. I suppose once I got a good supply of them it wouldn't matter then would it? Somebody out there has some for sale somewhere.

 

[rookhawk]

Excluding custom guns, here is the known universe of what Ruger #1s exist. If they made them in limited years, you can infer they are very rare. Also, there are several weights/sizes of barrels and forestocks that make unique versions, plus mannlichers, plus stainless, plus laminate production runs.

* RUGER # 1 CATALOGUED CALIBERS BY TYPE AND YEARS MFG *
NOTE: All Years are Aprox.

* 1967-1969 *

RUGER # 1 S-22-L 22" LIGHT WEIGHT
CALIBER YEARS MFG
222 Rem 1967-1967
22-250 Rem 1967-1968
243 Win 1967-1968
6 MM Rem 1967-1968
7 MM Rem Mag 1967-1968
308 Win 1967-1968
30-06 Sprg 1967-1968

RUGER # 1 S-26-M 26" MEDIUM WEIGHT
CALIBER YEARS MFG
222 Rem 1967-1969
22-250 Rem 1967-1969
243 Win 1967-1969
6 MM Rem 1967-1969
264 Win Mag 1969-1969
6.5 MM Mag 1969-1969
7 MM Rem Mag 1967-1969
7 X 57 Mauser 1969-1969
270 Win 1968-1969
280 Rem 1969-1969
308 Win 1967-1968
30-06 Sprg 1967-1969
300 Win Mag 1968-1969

RUGER # 1 S-24-H 24" HEAVY WEIGHT
CALIBER YEARS MFG
375 H&H Mag 1969-1969
45-70 Govt 1969-1969
458 Win Mag 1967-1969



AH - ALEX HENRY SB - SEMI BEAVERTAIL K - STAINLESS RSI -
INTERNATIONAL
NOTE: All Years are Aprox.

* 1970-2006 *

RUGER # 1-A 22" LIGHT WEIGHT AH FOREARM WITH SIGHTS
CALIBER YEARS MFG
204 Ruger 2005-2006
243 Win 1970-2006
270 Win 1970-2006
7 X 57 Mauser 1977-2006
30-06 Sprg 1970-2006

RUGER # 1-AB 22" LIGHT WEIGHT SB FOREARM NO SIGHTS
CALIBER YEARS MFG
204 Ruger 2006-2006
223 Rem 1980-1983
270 Win 1980-1983
7 X 57 Mauser 1980-1983
30-06 Sprg 1980-1983

RUGER # 1-B 26" MEDIUM WEIGHT SB FOREARM NO SIGHTS
CALIBER YEARS MFG
204 Ruger 2004-2006
218 Bee 2003-2006
22 Hornet 2003-2006
222 Rem 1971-1971
223 Rem 1980-2006
22-250 Rem 1970-2006
220 Swift 1988-2006
6 MM Rem 1970-2003
243 Win 1970-2006
257 Roberts 1980-2003
25-06 Rem 1973-2006
270 Win 1970-2006
270 Wby Mag 1988-2006
280 Rem 1980-2003
7 MM Rem Mag 1970-2006
308 Win 2003-2006
30-06 Sprg 1970-2006
300 Win Mag 1970-2006
300 Wby Mag 1988-2006
338 Win Mag 1979-2006

RUGER # 1-KB 26" MEDIUM WEIGHT SB FOREARM NO SIGHTS
CALIBER YEARS MFG
243 Win 2003-2006
25-06 Rem 2003-2006
270 Win 2003-2006
7 MM Rem Mag 2003-2006
7 MM STW 2003-2003
308 Win 2003-2006
30-06 Sprg 2003-2006
300 Win Mag 2003-2006

RUGER # 1-H 24" HEAVY WEIGHT AH FOREARM WITH SIGHTS
CALIBER YEARS MFG
9.3 X 74-R 2006-2006
375 H&H Mag 1970-2006
405 Win 2003-2006
416 Rigby 1991-2006
416 Rem Mag 2003-2003
458 Win Mag 1970-2006
458 Lott 2004-2006

RUGER # 1-KH 24" HEAVY WEIGHT WITH SIGHTS
CALIBER YEARS MFG
375 H&H Mag 2003-2006
405 Win 2003-2006
416 Rigby 2003-2006
458 Lott 2003-2006

RUGER # 1-S 26" MEDIUM WEIGHT AH FOREARM WITH SIGHTS
CALIBER YEARS MFG
218 Bee 2003-2003
7 MM Rem Mag 1970-2003
300 Win Mag 1970-2003
338 Win Mag 1979-2003
45-70 Govt 1970-2006 22"

RUGER # 1-KS 22" MEDIUM WEIGHT WITH SIGHTS
CALIBER YEARS MFG
45-70 Govt 2003-2006

RUGER # 1-V 24" HEAVY WEIGHT SB FOREARM NO SIGHTS
CALIBER YEARS MFG
223 Rem 1980-2006
22-250 Rem 1970-2006
220 Swift 1979-2006 26"
22 PPC 1993-1993
6 MM PPC 1993-1994
6 MM Rem 1980-2003
243 Win 1982-1985
7 MM Rem Mag 1973-1978
25-06 Rem 1971-2006
280 Rem 1980-1983
300 Win Mag 1973-1978

RUGER # 1-KV 24" HEAVY WEIGHT SB FOREARM NO SIGHTS
CALIBER YEARS MFG
204 Ruger 2004-2006
22-250 Rem 2003-2006

RUGER # 1-RSI 20" FULL STOCK INTERNATIONAL WITH SIGHTS
CALIBER YEARS MFG
243 Win 1983-2006
270 Win 1983-2006
7 X 57 Mauser 1983-2006
30-06 Sprg 1985-2006



* RUGER # 1 NON-CATALOGUED CALIBERS *

CALIBER YEARS MFG TYPE COMMENTS
357 Mag 1981-1981 1-A CHP Issue 1820 Mfg. #'s 132-33856 to
45356


* 43 Ruger Single-Shot Calibers *

204 Ruger 270 Weatherby 357 Mag
22 Hornet 280 Rem 375 Win
218 Bee 6.5 Rem Mag 9.3 X 74-R
222 Rem 7 X 57 Mauser 38-55 Win
223 Rem 7 MM Rem Mag 375 H & H Mag
220 Swift 7 MM STW 404 Jeffrey
22-250 Rem 7 MM-08 405 Win
22 PPC 7.63 X 39 416 Rem
6 MM PPC 30-40 Krag 416 Rigby
6 MM Rem 308 Win 44 Rem Mag
243 Win 30-06 Spfd 45-70 Spfd
257 Roberts 300 H & H Mag 458 Win
25-06 Rem 300 Win Mag 458 Lott
264 Win Mag 300 Weatherby
270 Win 338 Win Mag

 

[rookhawk]

Craig Boddington Limited edition included 450NE and 450-400 3" in the mix as well.

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

I was just perusing the GB #1's. I like the 450/400 idea quite a lot actually, they just seem hard to find ammo and components for. I suppose once I got a good supply of them it wouldn't matter then would it? Somebody out there has some for sale somewhere.

There is some brass out there

 

[Backyardsniper]

It looks like from the research I was doing you can run the 450/400 quite a bit hotter in the #1. Not that it is necessary but it is nice to have the option. I think cutting edge makes some good bullets for it. Could be an interesting project. Make a nice iron sight rifle with an NECG aperture sight!

 

[rookhawk]

It looks like from the research I was doing you can run the 450/400 quite a bit hotter in the #1. Not that it is necessary but it is nice to have the option. I think cutting edge makes some good bullets for it. Could be an interesting project. Make a nice iron sight rifle with an NECG aperture sight!

More importantly, you run it milder using original kynoch load data. That's why I suggested 375 flanged (doesn't look like they made it) as well since its so much milder than 375hH and has a rim. You don't want a stuck case in a single shot!

450-400 in a 10.25 gun puts out 42lbs of recoil. The ruger is probably 8.25, 9.5 with an optic. Even it will kick like a mule. Which is why using a powder similar to 3031 at original service pressures would be key to remove some of the sting. A recoil reducer in the stock would also be a good idea.

 

[Backyardsniper]

I will also add that should anyone be interested I have a glock model 4010mm with all the RMR plates and 2000 rounds of ammo that I would possibly trade. If anyone happens to want to buy it I would let it go for $1800 with all the ammo. The ammo is S&B 180 grain FMJ I also have a box of 250 200 grain Nosler ASP hollow points and I think 150 pieces of new brass. I had planned to set it up with an RMR and start hunting with it, but I haven't so I would part with it and the ammo.

 

[ktk120]

I am a big fan of the NO 1. The fit and finish is excellent and you feel like you have a gun of much higher price point than they are or were at least. I have a 458 win mag with a radial break and its very pleasant to shoot. I have a second 458 win mag now with Oregon Gunsmithing to be rebored and chambered for 500 Jeffery that I hope to have back in the next few months. I am having a radial break installed on it as well.

 

[mediumbore]

I have a 450/400, 416 Rem Mag and 9.3x62 in custom No 1s. I don't find them unpleasant to shoot but then again I don't shoot them off a bench for very long. When hunting I never think about or feel the recoil.

 

[rookhawk]

I have a 450/400, 416 Rem Mag and 9.3x62 in custom No 1s. I don't find them unpleasant to shoot but then again I don't shoot them off a bench for very long. When hunting I never think about or feel the recoil.

A 9.3x62 would be an idyllic small bore do-all caliber for a lightweight stalking rifle. Minimal shooting, maximum hunting. These are not recreational guns, they are super comfortable, compact weapons for stalking game.

 

[PARA45]

BTW @Backyardsniper, I believe I have the perfect small to medium plains game rifle, a No 1 in 275 Rigby. Unfortunately, she is not for sale.

 

[Backyardsniper]

That would be a sweet rig indeed!

 

[K E Johnson]

.450-400 Nitro Ammo

In-stock best prices for 450-400 Nitro Ammo | Bulk 450-400 Nitro Ammunition - AmmoSeek.com

ammoseek.com

Hornady must have just released some solid ammunition. I have not found any brass for sale.
I have toyed with the idea of the Ruger #1 myself. I would prefer a Dakota 10 myself, but they are more money.
The #1 in .300 H&H in a Ruger #1 has intrigued me. I did not see it on Rook’s list above.

 

[mediumbore]

The 300H&H was a produced in very limited quantity as part of a Craig Boddington series. I shoot 200 GR Barnes TSX in mine.

 

[Altitude sickness]

Rookhawk, just for fun try to find a Ruger #1 in .450 bushmaster in (Walnut and blued) . The only ones you will find are stainless and Laminated
They are not in the Ruger system.

50 total. (Walnut and blue) .450 bushmaster ruger #1 were made. And they were not distributed
I lucked out and have one