Benchrest rifles, why No No. 1's??

Nomercy · 12-18-2002, 11:10 AM

As everyone knows, I've been looking for a benchrest shooter for some time now, and I'm pretty well set on finishing the deal on this Remington 700PSS .308, but I got to cruising around Ruger's site the other day, and remembered the amazing No. 1, and wondered if they made a heavy barreled varminter version. Sure enough Ruger No. 1-V.
Then I got to thinking, why doesn't anyone use them for benchrest shooting??? If they are as accurate as the other rifles I've been looking at, I'd opt for the No. 1 in a heart beat, but I've never seen a No. 1 shoot at long ranges, and never in the Varminter version. Anyone know anything??

Screw the 10 ring, keep them in the zero!!!

jed · 12-18-2002, 11:24 AM

I've got the varmitter in 22-250. Haven't made it to the bench yet, but it does OK in the field, course haven't tried a shot over 150 yards yet either but I have faith. My old #1 in 280 with a handload shot a 3 shot group at 100 yards of .345. I am not a benchrest shooter and only know those guys shoot clover leafs all day. But if I can do it with mine surely good shots like those guys could make any #1 speak. Course I am a fan of the #1 and a bit biased. I will be watching this post with interest. Glad you asked.

eldeguello · 12-18-2002, 11:35 AM

It seems to me that although the modern benchrest business started off with rifles built, for the most part, on Schuetzen single-shot actions, like the Stevens 44 1/2 and Winchester Hi-wall, that today's field includes only bolt-actions of various types. But, I believe it would still be possible to make a single-shot accurate enough to compete. However, I have heard that it is more difficult to get ultimate accuracy out of a gun that uses a two-piece stock setup like the No. 1 has.

Keep yore powder dry!!

jed · 12-18-2002, 01:12 PM

ELDEGULLO MAKES SENCE ALTHOUGH A SIMPLE RUBBER O-RING OR WASHER ON THE FOREARM SCREW FREE FLOATS IT NICELY

boltman · 12-19-2002, 01:06 AM

The accuracy requirements to be competitive in benchrest are far above the capabilities of the No.1 action. It's fine for a light duty varmit gun, but it won't come near any of the custom built bolt guns the benchrest guys use. 1/2" groups will get you at the bottom of the list in a benchrest competition. FWIW, there aren't that many factory actions of any make shooting benchrest either. Most use custom actions and of those shooting factory actions they're highly, highly modified, most using the rem 700 action.

aunsaber · 12-19-2002, 08:35 PM

The Ruger no.1 has a unique forearm hanger that does not lend it's self to being a bench rest type firearm.
It can be made to shoot alot better than factory although I have never seen one of benchrest quality.(the benchrest guys I know call one hole average.)
I know of a couple of places that specialize in the no.1's but I can't seem to find their addresses.