Ruger #1 good vs. bad barrel serial nos.

[Wile E.]

Hi,I've been thinking about buying a used Ruger #1 and in my research I came across a claim that some Ruger #1's have Douglas barrels and some have "junk" farmed out barrels;can anyone tell me a source that would list the serial number ranges for the ones with "good" barrels.Also,I am most interested in one in 7mm-08 but it appears as though this was a rare caliber for the Ruger #1??Thanks,for any information.

[oldelkhunter]

I believe anything made prior to the Mid 70's is pretty much a douglas barrel proposition at least that is what I read. The new ones have inhouse barrels and are a good buy as well..I have owned 3 of the newer ones and they all shot great 7 Rem mag 45/70 270 win 280 remington

[NUMBERFARMER]

I have 9 Ruger #1s starting from early non prefix rifles up to 2002 production. These rifles will all shoot 3 shot one inch groups at 100 yds with matched handloads. The calibers include 22 hornet, 218 bee, 223, 220 swift, 243, 25-06, 7mm STW, 30-06 and 458. I have heard about and read the articles on bad barrels, and assume that they are true, but in all my Ruger #1 trading, I have never had one shoot 3 shot factory ammo groups of more than 2 inches at 100 yds. I will be interested to see the additional information that you receive on this question. Those barrels probably exist, and it would be nice to know which ones they are.
Good luck!

[NVMIKE]

Mine are all fine, just buy one, if the thing wont shoot after shimming the forestock send it to Chrestensen arms for a graphite shilen barrel.