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?

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.

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

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 .

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.

what scope did you find with the right eye relief.

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

Leupold M8.

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

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.

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