Ruger No. 1, any thoughts?

[JMHNL]

Always wanted one, my dad's hunting partner had one in 375 H&H when I was a kid and it brings back memories. I wouldn't mind trying a single shot for hunting now and again to make me really focus on that first shot.

A few questions:

1. Are they reasonably precise?

2. Are any aftermarket composite stocks available for them?

3. Is it straightforward to rechamber or swap barrels?

Thanks in advance!

 

[HARPERC]

Like anything else factory models can vary a bit. At the end of the day with best components in both, a bolt action is likely to be more accurate, most builders have more experience with bolt guns.

I just sent mine off with Oregunsmithing in Pendleton, to be re-stocked with a composite. He's got a couple that aren't pictured on the site yet. Good looking stock, pillar bedded, both front, and back. I've had others that shot extremely well as is, this 30-06 has been finicky.

A little fore-end pressure has made it better, so I suspect the bedding, and stock isn't optimum. However just like I would a bolt gun if it doesn't perform after the new stock it will be re-barreled.

A good trigger job, or replacement is usually a good thing.

Stock configuration looks good, but especially on the #1A's aren't really helpful from the bench, too skinny to ride the bags well, or offer a good cheek weld, the new stock addresses these issues. Point being while it may be accurate getting the most out of one can be more difficult.

My expectation when it's all done is easily sub MOA, as I've had others that readily gave that.

Good Luck!

 

[KyCarl]

I had one in 22-250 and really liked it!
Traded it and wish I hadn't....

 

[CLP]

I've had a couple of these over the years and they've all been <1 MOA guns with the right load combo. I have one that was re-chambered into a 257 STW and it is an absolutely phenomenal gun. I wish there were more aftermarket items out there for them but I don't know that it would help improve much over the factory gun.

 

[JMHNL]

Thanks for your thoughts guys. Sounds like I should take the plunge and scratch the new gun itch... I found one in 25-06, laminate stainless, which is a caliber I haven't tried or put a lot of thought into. I'm thinking if I don't like it, good opportunity to rebarrel to something more useful for my needs.

I've seen some cutaway diagrams of the action, looks like there is more than meets the eye going on internally. May look for a cheap synthetic stock to cut in half and bore out to accommodate those parts. Anyway, stay tuned because I may end up building a Frankenstein!

 

[JMHNL]

Like anything else factory models can vary a bit. At the end of the day with best components in both, a bolt action is likely to be more accurate, most builders have more experience with bolt guns.

I just sent mine off with Oregunsmithing in Pendleton, to be re-stocked with a composite. He's got a couple that aren't pictured on the site yet. Good looking stock, pillar bedded, both front, and back. I've had others that shot extremely well as is, this 30-06 has been finicky.

A little fore-end pressure has made it better, so I suspect the bedding, and stock isn't optimum. However just like I would a bolt gun if it doesn't perform after the new stock it will be re-barreled.

A good trigger job, or replacement is usually a good thing.

Stock configuration looks good, but especially on the #1A's aren't really helpful from the bench, too skinny to ride the bags well, or offer a good cheek weld, the new stock addresses these issues. Point being while it may be accurate getting the most out of one can be more difficult.

My expectation when it's all done is easily sub MOA, as I've had others that readily gave that.

Good Luck!

Is an aftermarket trigger available as a drop in?

 

[NEMTHunter]

Is an aftermarket trigger available as a drop in?

https://www.eabco.net/Ruger-Number-One-Trigger-Replacement-Black_p_15061.html

seems a little spendy. But looks like it should be a good one.

 

[Canhunter35]

I believe there's a kepplinger trigger available for replacement. The triggers are not too bad, mines some where around 3lbs. One downside is the long lock time when you do squeeze the trigger.
I know some smiths aren't fans of rebarrelling them with the one piece scope rail and the difference in barrel contours, but find a smith that likes them and they're game.
Mine is sub Moa accurate, I put stainless spacers between the forestock hanger and barrel to try and add consistency to barrel pressure. Seems to have worked out well.
They're beautiful guns though and very unique

 

[HARPERC]

Triggers are available from Jard. Kepplinger is no longer available, nor is Canjar. I get tempted to buy a rifle for just the trigger now and then. I've placed ads for them without success. In factory mode I like the laminates better.

 

[Timnterra]

I rebarreled one for a friend last year and it was very different than working with a bolt action. I ordered a custom barrel taper with a 5" shank to mount a picatinny rail and do away with the ruger rings. The breach block was not square to the breach end of the barrel and there was nothing I could do to fix it. But after test firing the lack of squareness had no adverse effects on accuracy. It is a 250-3000 and shoots .25" groups. I had to remove a lotof wood from the forend to fit the heavy barrel but I was shocked by the accuracy!

 

[HARPERC]

The EABCO rail that attaches to the quarter rib works well. I just saw some contoured, barrel mounted rails Oregunsmithing made for a custom barrel, also a good set up.

 

[WeiserBucks]

I love mine, it's a factory stainless laminate in 7 STW circa 2003-4 . 3/4 MOA regardless of ammo.

 

[cjl2010]

Christensen put one of there barrels on my dads about 10 years ago. It's a 5/8" rifle chambered in 300 rum.

 

[jjmp]

Like you said you always wanted one. My vote is buy it ,& I think it's a Beautiful Rifle just as is ,but that 25/06 will grow on you! Congrats and enjoy her !!!