"Ruger No. 1", or "I'm in so much trouble"

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Sylvilagus Aquaticus

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Hey y'all...

SWMBO and I were at a local Emporium the other day. Place is run by a friend of mine, who was (fortunatley) out over the weekend. While perusing the previously-loved rack of rifles SWMBO was trying on various light bolt action rifles for size. All seemed a lot too long in the LOP for her, as she's very short, kinda round, and has short arms.

Then she saw it. A Ruger No. 1S (I think) in .243. Instant appeal. IIRC it had a 20 or 22 inch barrel and the sling stud is on a barrel band. No sights but comes with Ruger rings on the quarter rib. Probably going to go back this week and can wheedle him down to around $450 on it. Gorgeous wood, no visible flaws.

Anyone got any experience with his in .243 or a similar small caliber? What sort of accuracy can I reasonably wring out of it with the usual mods to the forend?

Regards,
Rabbit.
 
What sort of accuracy can I reasonably wring out of it with the usual mods to the forend?
Click to expand...

#1's are not known for having the best OOTB accuracy, but being a single shot there is not limit to what you can do. I imagine simply neck sizing the fired cases would make a substatial improvement. It has in my NEF single shots.
 
Years ago I had a No.1 RSI in .243, let a friend talk me out of it in a moment of weakness. Mine was a pretty consistant 1 1/4" shooter, never better, and never much worse.
 
I have had several No 1's in 45/70 but I had a 223 as well.
I am a left handed shooter so the No 1 appeals to me but I LOVE single shot rifle in general Ruger,Sharps,and Browning 1885 are my favs. Now as to accuracy IIRC E Arthur Brown has a gadget that fits No.1's I believe it take the tension off the hanger that holds the fore arm which improves accuracy
 
Thanks for the replies so far.

I know the No. 1 isn't the most inherently accurate single shot going in. Under 2 1/2 inches at 100 meters from a solid benchrest would be fine for academic purposes, but improvements would be desired. I've seen a couple of the Arthur Brown attachments and it's on the list to acquire, should I spring for this rifle. I've also read an article in the past and probably still have a copy in the archives detailing a procedure to relieve pressure or make it consistent between shots by modifying the screw. She's right handed but left eye dominant and on top of that, has a fairly narrow field of vision because of an optic nerve problem. Needless to say, it's easy to sneak up on her from the sides, which I do with relish.

As the action is all downward, so to speak, she really took to the rifle in demo mode.

Regards,
Rabbit.
 
I've got the No1 RSI in .243. I agree with what other people have said about the size of group you can get with them. Mine has been greatly improved by the fitting of a Moyers trigger and it will print an 1" three shot group.
My exwife had a No1 in 25-06 and she shot very well with that
 
Sylv;

I have a #1V in .220 Swift. I have no problems with it's accuracy. The #1's can be made to come around & the cures are well known. I'm on lunch break & don't have time to get into the dirty details, but there are many competent smiths who can turn sow's ears into silk purses.

My personal choice in the .243 category has been the 6mm Remington. However, the .243 has proved time & again that it can put game animals up through the mulies on the table. My suggestion, if it shoots in that gun, is the Speer 90 grain spitzer. It's about as good as it gets for a tough 6mm game-getter.

900F
 
SA:

Handloader or Rifle magazine had an article by John Barsnes about accurizing the Ruger #1. If you spend over $400 on the rifle, paying a few more bucks to learn how to accurize it seems reasonable.
 
Thanks again, y'all. I figured the forend tricks were the biggies. Now if I can get her to unlearn how to use a military sling and not put a lateral strain on that front barrel band she'll have it made.

CB900F, I'm a fan of the 6mmRem. My cousin has a Rem 700 which is a dream. I figure 90wt is where she's going to like to be with it. Guess I need to get another Lee Loader and get her busy.

When I pick it up I'll bring it over and show you, JF. Better yet, come over and see the new house and have a Shiner, finally, dagnabbit.

Regards,
Rabbit.
 
SA - I got my #1 specifically for 45-70 - and with that gun I can shoot some shoulder-bashing loads :evil; As a gun they have for me a great appeal - nice wood, good feel and very totable too. I added a Leupold to mine and it shoots ''OK'' - meaning hardly stellar groups but - a Buffalo if it got in the way would take great umbrage at the 405 grain pill :D

I have a Savage 99c in .243 and like that cal a lot and so imagine a #1 in that cal could be rather pleasing. I have tried homeloads with a heavy 105 grain Speer spitzer but can't get good groups so - may try 85 grain and 100 grain for comparison.


ruger-no1-86-s.jpg
 
I think the #1 (A1 version) is one of the most beautiful rifles ever built. I have two; one in .243 and one in 7x57 (pictured). The #1 is generally not thought to be a tack-driver but accuracy for hunting is OK.

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I took a little time and went over and cut a deal on the rifle this afternoon. The proprietor made a little, I saved a bundle plus he threw in a serviceable hard molded case. Now to find a suitable scope for it. I'm thinking Leupold. A fine rifle deserves a superior optical device on top. Possibly a compact 2x7, but I'm thinking probably a full-size Vari-X like you have, Chris.

Needless to say, SWMBO was overjoyed, truly. Unfortunately, as this is the last week of the state fair, it'll be next week before any range time occurs.

An interesting note- it appears it was never equipped with sights. Now to look up and cross-reference the serial number for birthdate.

Thanks for the assistance in the decision, y'all.

Regards,
Rabbit.
 
Hi Sylvilagus...

Well, Syl - I'm going to break tradition with the "Ya gotta tinker with the forend Crowd" - only because I have owned (and shot frequently) five #1s, two of which were .243s. (one a standard and one a mannlicher).
The Standard like the one you just got a tremendous deal on was one I bought used and put a Redfield Widefield 2x7 on. It shot my pet load very, very well (as has every .243 I've tried it in). By very well I mean the best 5-shot/100 yard group with it measured .452 inches. It would shoot 5 shots into 3/4 inch all week long with that load. The Mannlicher version wouldn't do that well but would shoot at 1 MOA or very slightly larger all the time.
All five of my #1s (incl. a 25/06, 270, and .308) would shoot MOA anytime I felt like doing MY part. And I never had to tinker with any of the rifles at all. My experience with #1s is that finding the right load is THE key. An Thass a Fac, Jac !:)

By the way... the .243 load is 42.5gr IMR4350, Winchester brass and primers, and an 87gr Hornady BTHP seated so it is just barely (as in microcopically) touching the lands. Have seen this load be a tackdriver in probably 35-40 .243s of all action types except semi-autos.

You and your lady got a mind-boggling deal and I hope you both enjoy your rifle as much as I always enjoyed mine.:D
 
early 243

The 243 is a GREAT! cal. I have an early 4 digit serial number 2376 number 1 and it loves 43 grns. imr 4350 and hornady 100grn. b.t.s.p. it will put them in about 5/8 to 3/4 group all day. It also has some really good looking wood which alot of the new one's have just plain striaght grain but for the money it's a good gun. I think all new shooters should have to learn on a single shot!!!! It will make a person think about that first shot alot more and make it count! So many just rely on a follow up shot, why not just drop him on the first in his tracks. I feel the gun is good to 350 yrds.with a well placed shot easy.I've retired it from service a few years ago and took off the Ziess 3x9 and brought a old but new set trigger Sauer 90 243 on line and it does a great job to.
 

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Thanks for all the replies. I checked the 'born-on date' and it's surprisingly a 1977 vintage. Obviously it was a safe queen.

Just picked up a laser boresight from CTD Saturday via the Big Truck o' Sweetness and I need to rummage around for a scope in one of my stashes to play with.

I also figured out it's a model 1B Medium, hence, no sights. Never had them.

Photos eventually.

Regards,
Rabbit.
 
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