Ruger No.1 in 30-40 Krag

[loose noose]

Recently got back from a local gun show, and noted the above rifle/carbine in 30-40 Krag it had a walnut stock not fancy walnut by any means, and the price for it was at $650.00. It appeared to be brand new in unfired condition. The lady there stated the low price was due to the undesirable caliber.

My question is what are these rifles generally going for and is there any problem having the rifle re-chambered in a more compatible caliber.

 

[jakk280rem]

There's nothing wrong with the 30 Gov't cartridge. It's been over shadowed by more modern 30 cal cartridges that shoot faster and further. And ammo makers down load it, when they do load it, in deference to old surplus single lug rifles. If you reload, go for it. If you don't just buy the rifle you want. By the time you pay someone to rechamber it, you'll have spent more than what you ended up with would've cost in the first place.

 

[kudu]

Nothing wrong with the 30-40 Krag cartridge, a bit under powered, but more power than a 30-30, slightly less than a .308. Fun round if you reload, a good match in a #1, I would be all over that if it was local.

 

[loose noose]

I do reload, however not for the 30-40 Krag, but I'm quite sure I can get the equipment to do so. After further checking that out I noticed I believe it is a No.3 instead of the 1, as it has a very plain walnut sporter type stock, no pistol grip. If I'm not mistaken the No.1's all have pistol grip stocks, and beautiful Circassion (Spelling) walnut.

 

[jaysouth]

It seems that the No3s are commanding more than used no. 1s.

Cast bullet shooters will pay a premium for any single shot Ruger in a rimmed cartridge No.1 like the .303 Brit or .30-40 Krag.

 

[AK103K]

Does it look like this?

 

[kudu]

Not sure what going rate is for a #3, seems $650 would be right about average for that type gun, #1's around here go for $850 on up to $1500+ for the more rare or limited edition calibers.

 

[loose noose]

Ak, it looks exactly like that with the sporter type stock.

 

[jaysouth]

The local toy store has No. 1 from Lipseys in 7.62X39. The grove diameter is .311.

They are asking $850. I think I could get it for that out the door.

I found in my stash, 24 boxes of Federal Eagle loaded cartridges with brass cases and boxer primers which adds to my lust.

It is hard to go to sleep at night, and I have intrusive thoughts about it during the day. Being that mamma just bought me 2K in tool chests, I may have to pass on this and get some counseling. Could it be PTSD from not having that baby?

 

[SwaneeSR]

Doesn't seem worth a rebarrel job. If that was the case, you should just buy the rifle you really want.

I would buy the die sets and reload for it, find an accurate load. When you get done with that, you can always sell it with the die set.

 

[jaysouth]

I forgot to mention that 30-40 brass is very difficult to come by.

 

[AK103K]

it looks exactly like that with the sporter type stock.

Yup, #3.

Mines a 45/70. With heavy recoiling rounds, that stock isnt very pleasant to shoot with. Think heavy caliber 10/22. I inherited mine, and used to hate to shoot it when I was younger. My dad didnt reload for it, and only bought the heavy stuff. I never got through a box of 20 before I wanted to throw it in the creek. Almost sold it when it came to me, but got to looking around and found a light load for it, and now Im glad I didnt sell it off, its been a lot of fun.

I forgot to mention that 30-40 brass is very difficult to come by.

I havent found that to be the case. I also inherited a 30-40 as well, and had no troubles finding brass online for it.

I find its very much like a 308 or 30/06 shooting wise, and it shoots well using the 150 grain FMJ's I normally load in the other two.

 

[loose noose]

I've located some brass for it 50 rounds for $29.95 in Winchester. Fact is I'm going back tomorrow and if it is still there I'm going to take it home with me, if not I talked to the lady and she thought she might have a "No.1" in .223. Reckon I'm going to have to get there by 9:00 tomorrow morning.

Say Ak is that a No.1 or a No.3?

 

[AK103K]

Its a #3.

 

[Chief 101]

He said 'sporter stock' and that should make it a #1...and 650 would be a bargain around here for just about any #1 in good condition.

 

[rcmodel]

My question is what are these rifles generally going for and is there any problem having the rifle re-chambered in a more compatible caliber.

Dont even think about it!!

A Single-Shot action almost demands a rimmed round like the 30-40 to work perfectly.

And they don't make #3's anymore.

You can get brass, and its a wonderful round to handload and shoot, with all the power you need for most anything!!

rc

 

[loose noose]

I thank ya kindly RC for the good as usual advice, like I said I'll be up bright and early and get down there as soon as they open, around here very few shooters get the unusual caliber rifles.

 

[bannockburn]

While a Ruger Number 3 in .30-40 Krag would be interesting this is more to my way of thinking when it comes to that particular cartridge:

 

[tark]

Or this. This one is a Krag carbine that was never issued. It is brand new. Wish it were mine

 

[bannockburn]

tark

Beautiful! Would love to have a Krag carbine too! Have entertained thoughts, from time to time, about doing the necessary alterations to my Krag to make it more in line with a carbine configuration but have way too much time and effort with it's restoration to even consider such a notion.

 

[Slamfire]

The 30-40 Krag is an outstanding cast bullet cartridge, always was. You can put 220 cast bullets in the thing (which was the bullet weight of the service rifle ammunition) because the case neck is so long. The service round was a 220gr at 2200 fps or so. In a modern rifle the pressures can be raised from the service round limit of 40,000 psia (due to those old plain carbon steel, one lug Krags) to 50,000 psia. I have no idea what the performance of the round would be, but it would be much better in a Ruger #1 than in an 1894 Krag.

 

[loose noose]

Well I got back there at 9:00 AM this morning and got it right away for $650.00, noted it was made in 1976 per an inscription on the left side of the barrel which reads "made in the 200th year of America Liberty" with a serial number of 130-59XXX. Further it still had cosmoline in the barrel and definitely appeared to be unfired. Below are several photo's of the carbine.

 

[Slamfire]

Nice looking rifle. I think you did well.


I don't see the typical Ruger scope rail. How do you scope the thing?

 

[loose noose]

It is drilled and tapped for scope mounts.

 

[bannockburn]

loose noose

Glad to hear it was still there this morning! I think you did great picking it up at that price. I can't remember the last time I saw a Ruger No. 3, let alone one in .30-40 Krag.