Ruger #1s, Pro - Cons

Gadd Zooks · 02-10-2005, 03:15 PM

Ruger #1s rifles are really good looking to me, but are they any good for hunting? (Deer, elk, bear, in the open and/or heavy wooded areas)

Seeing how our fore-fathers used single shots, I've thought about using one. If you used one, what caliber/s would you pick and why.

What would be their pros or cons?

biscuit jake · 02-10-2005, 04:06 PM

About the only con that I see to the #1 is that they are slightly slower to reload than a repeater, but since ejection is automatic, they reload faster than many suppose. The magnums come in a 26" bl, which is great for powder burners. They are also shorter overall because they have short actions. My #1 is a 45 70, but that is because I go places where critters eat your horse. You can pick your cartridge for your terrain. If I lived in Montana or Idaho, I would want a flat screamer, too.

Ruger-Redhawk · 02-10-2005, 04:53 PM

The #1's are very accurate and have very stong receivers. I only own one which was a Ruger's Gold Label Dealers special deal. It's a S/S w/ a green laminated stock in 45/70.I got it used from a guy who bought it strickly to work up loads for it and the 45/70.I was there when UPS delivered it.Before trading for it I shot it a few times. @100 yards the shots were low but were just about touching.He was knocking the x ring out.With a little practice you can reload quickly. I would recommend the #1 if you want a single shot.I don't think you'll fine a better one.

Ruger Redhawk

halcon · 02-11-2005, 01:52 AM

I have the #1 RSI in 243 win and a #1 -B in 25-06 . I can't say how they shoot because I've never shot them . I picked them up at a estate sale new in box for about half price .

Portage · 02-11-2005, 07:03 AM

I have a 1-B in 7mm Remington magnum and can't really think of many cons. I really like the rifle and think there is something special about owning a classy single shot. My particular rifle is accurate beyond my expecations and I would take it on a hunt of a lifetime.

I guess a con would be the scope mounting system and placement. You need a scope with long eye relief (or at least I did). The scope is mounted quite a ways forward. My rifle came with offset rings which helped considerably.

Would I buy another one. Not at the current prices which are beginning to push the $900 range here. I certainly would look for a decent used one.

ceton · 02-11-2005, 05:13 PM

what scope did you find with the right eye relief.

Ruger-Redhawk · 02-11-2005, 06:34 PM

On my #1 I hate to admit it ,it has a Simmons 44 mag scope. I had no problem with the eye relief. It was on the rifle when I made the trade. This is my first Simmons.He shot probaly between 80- 100 rounds thru this 45/70 and it's held up so far.These were hot loads. I wouldn't hesitate taking this rifle on any hunt.It's a tack driver.

Ruger Redhawk

Portage · 02-11-2005, 06:51 PM

Leupold M8.

It came with a VariX-II which was fine also.

biscuit jake · 02-11-2005, 10:18 PM

I put a Burris Signature Safari on my Ruger #1 45 70, 1.75 to 5 power. Although I am sure other scopes would do. I found that for my build, I needed a scope set back as far as the adjustment knobs would allow to come to a natural point. Indeed, the Ruger #1 mounts are more forward than what I see on bolt actions. I gave $650 for it new at Scheel's. When I tried the trigger, it only took 4 seconds of thought to buy it. The thing that I noticed about Ruger #1's is that I found that the stock really begs for a scope in terms of natural sight alignment for me. With my Marlin Guide "Gun", the natural point was for iron sights.

halcon · 02-12-2005, 02:06 AM

You can buy offset rings to help with your eye relief on the Ruger #1 . Burris and Leupold both make them .