What is the "B" in Ruger #1B? I've had a #1. But what does the B stand for?
Some kind of factory second indicator?

This is from the Blue book of gun values: The "B" suffix designates semi beavertail forearm with medium barrel.

Thanks! Is this an older model then? I don't see the "B" on the Ruger site or other on-line stores.

When you look on Rugers website at the particular models it shows under the picture of the gun - Rifle 1-B , or Rifle 1-V, or Rifle 1-A etc, etc. The B model is pretty much a #1 standard model. V is for the varminter model, A is for the light sporter, S is for the medium sporter, H is for the tropical model, and there is a couple of others.

The No. 1B has, as mentioned, a semi-beavertail forend and a 26" Medium Heavy barrel, and noiron sights. I think it is probably the most numerous model of the No.1 made. It is still very much a part of the Ruger No. 1 line. THERE ARE NO "FACTORY SECONDS" of ANYRuger firearm!

The very first Ruger No. 1 I ever got was a No 1B7mm Rem. Mag. (1969). This rifle shot 1", 5-shotgroups AT 200 YARDS right out of the box, (Leup. 2X-7X scope). It will launch 140-grain Nosler Partition bullets at 3350 FPS and Nosler Partition 175's at 3070 FPS., with half-MOA accuracy! I have not shot it very much (got a 1A in 7X57 because the 1B is so heavy!) and it still performs like this.

The 1A's and 1RSI's are sexier, but there's a certain "feel" you get when a 1B is in your hands-maybe it just has great balance, despite the weight.....

Actually...while not neccessarily called 'seconds" there have been many shipped with indications of them being "used". They're brand new as far as never being sold but were specimins used for demonstrations, displays or shows. These are marked with a "U" in the serial number.