Any Ruger No 1 Gurus? Need Some Input on a Project...

[Will_Power]

I was a bit of a late bloomer and got into firearms only several years ago. From the get-go, I've been enamored with the .358 Win, and am now in the position where I can start putting money towards a pet project.

As such, I've got some questions for you Ruger gurus:

Ultimately, I want to build my way into a Ruger No 1 International with the Mannlicher stock in .358 Win.

1. Has the International come in .308, or has it only ever been offered in 7x57?
2. Is there anything unique or difficult about the chamber of the No 1 that makes rebarrelling one troublesome for a gunsmith?
3. Likewise, is there anything difficult on the chamber end of things that would prevent me from reboring a .308 (or variant) barrel up to .358?
4. If it would be much simpler to go with one of the standard No 1's, is it possible to get replacement or aftermarket Mannlicher foreends for the No 1?

 

[dmazur]

I can answer #2 -

Pac-Nor is one barrel maker who performs the "Ruger cut" necessary for the extractor.

I believe they are made short-chambered so the gunsmith fitting the barrel can do the final reaming for headspace.

If you change the barrel taper, a custom quarter rib may be necessary to have a correct scope mount.

Also, the extractors are made in several different sizes to fit different cartridges. The gunsmith may have to swap this part if the extractor on the base rifle is the wrong size.

Question #4 -

I asked Wenig to make a "1AB" stock for .30-06 and .243. This was a slightly longer forearm, long enough for a sling swivel, but smaller than the forearm on a "1B". They offered it in either walnut or laminated and I chose laminated.

Wenig might be able to make an "International" forend for a custom barrel.

I don't believe you will be able to reuse the muzzle piece of the Ruger International if you cut down a standard Ruger #1 in the caliber you want.

 

[lloveless]

You might ask this over on the Ruger forum(rugerforum.com).
ll

 

[Will_Power]

Thanks for the in-depth reply, dmazur.

I didn't realize Pac-Nor mage Ruger No 1 barrels. That may be an option, then.

There's no question Wenig does spectacular work, but I'm afraid they may be a little out of my price range, even on a not-cheap project like this.

 

[Kerf]

if you haven't already, you might want to check out .35caliber.com. They do rifle reboring and seem to be in your neck of the woods. They also appear to work on #1s.

http://www.35caliber.com/2.html

I had McGowen Rifle Barrels (now retired) rebarrel 3 or 4 Ruger #1s years ago with out much difficulty. Wood and the end cap will be a problem with the Mannlicher stock, though. I gave up on them due to the trigger design; not much you could do with it. I was too used to the Rem 700 adjustable triggers. I even tried a couple of Canjar triggers on them, to little effect. Of course, with a .358 Win for deer, the standard trigger shouldn't be an issue.

kerf

 

[gralewaj]

You want to make one of these?

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=347598797