Ruger #1 experiences

Nathan · February 3, 2015, 12:34 PM

I'm looking at a used one in 45-70.

How can I protect the stock when hunting?

How accurate are they usually?

What are your experiences? What should I look for or be aware of?

bucksnort13 · February 3, 2015, 12:52 PM

Hi Nathan I love the Ruger #1 I have a buddy that owns one in 45-70 and It is an awesome rifle I have tried to get him to sell it to me on several occasions

. He wont do it because he loves it to

. To protect the stock I have used McNett Camo form wraps from Cabelas and I have no complaints I just wrap them around whichever rifle I am taking Hunting and then take it back off when hunting season is over. I cant give specific accuracy to the rifle in inches because we never measure but I know that at 100 yds We could hold pretty nice groups for the purposes of deer hunting. Otherwise I have heard no complaints from my buddy and I have none Either I think they are awesome rifles. I am sure if you buy it will you will be pleased Ruger make good firearms in my opinion.

kraigwy · February 3, 2015, 01:29 PM

I have a Ruger #1 in 204 that I take out in some pretty nasty weather varmint hunting.

All I do is wife it down with furniture polish before and after I take it out.

The stock looks like it did when it came out of the store.

dakota1911 · February 3, 2015, 02:52 PM

Mine are in 30-06 and 375H&H. I use hard paste wax before and after hunting trips. Have a picture of 30-06 International. Ignore the rifle on the left. It is a Ruger SR-762. I know with the 30-06 I get three or four shot groups you can cover with a quarter at 100 yards from a rest with factory hunting ammo.

Nathan · February 3, 2015, 04:23 PM

Dakota,
That's a cry nice looking stock. I hope I find on close to that nice!

Saltydog235 · February 3, 2015, 04:46 PM

I have one in 7mmRM, it shoots a 140grn Barnes TTSX load I have sub MOA, most every other ammo I try is either 1" or 1 1/4". The trigger isn't too bad but could be better, it's heavy to me. I just haven't taken the time to ship it off and have a new one installed. Guess I could have the one in it polished and worked some.

Great guns and fun to carry.

WCWV · February 3, 2015, 05:39 PM

Good evening Nathan, I my self have a Ruger no-1 in a 25-06 in the Varminter and my brother has 3 of them. I've hunted with mine for the last 17 yrs and I just keep it cleaned up like any other rifle. The only issue that I've seen is that I moved my sling off the fore arm onto the barrel.
I had always been able to shoot a 1/4" 3 shot group and then one day I couldn't. I got to checking and what I found, was my fore arm was wanting to pull away from the barrel do to the weight, and my pressure point had been interrupted. I moved my sling to the barrel and it went right back to was. My brother also had to do this to two of his #1. That's been about 10 yrs ago and everything is still good. They are a really good shooting rifle

SaxonPig · February 4, 2015, 11:02 PM

I have a slight addiction to #1s.

If you carry a rifle in the woods it will show wear and minor damage to the gun over time.

flashhole · February 5, 2015, 06:30 PM

Mine is a 25-06 Varmint with the heavy bull barrel. I am a fan of Johnson's paste wax on the wood and light gun oil on the metal.

I will likely pick up one in 45-70 myself. Just haven't gotten around to it since Obutthead has been in office.

Kreyzhorse · February 5, 2015, 08:33 PM

I own a 45-70. Out to 150 yards, they are very accurate and easy to shoot. Beyond that, you get into the scary parts of the 45-70 ballastically. You can learn to shoot them beyond that but for me, 150 is about all I'd need it for.

As far as the stock, a little stock wax should cover it. Otherwise, try not to beat on it and you have no worries.

They are fantastic guns and there is zero reason not to take them out and enjoy them.

zachattack2 · February 6, 2015, 07:18 PM

Rugers have pretty good accuracy. Especially out of the box.

To cover the stock just put anything over it or you can buy a stock cover.

I don't have much experience with a ruger but I have recently bought a Remington 700 ADL (nice gun) and was looking at a ruger,many they are really nice too.

Do you have a link you could give me so I could look at the gun? Or just model?
Cause "ruger" is pretty vague.

Zach

Saltydog235 · February 6, 2015, 10:39 PM

What's vague about a Ruger No.1? He's not talking about an overall brand but a specific model shown in many photos above.

Nathan · February 7, 2015, 08:00 AM

Zach,
From my web musings, the Ruger #1....#1 is the model name....is Ruges best quality gun.

Triggers look adjustable for overtravel and weight. Stocks vary from pretty nicely figures to incredible. Bluing looks pretty good, but not Colt or old S&W nice.

Most have a quarter rib and barrel band front sight. Forearms have a weird notch from the euro gun that inspired them.

The best part are all the great oddball calibers! 45-70 is relatively normal, but others are more unique.

Nice guns. Honestly, the local cabelas has a wonderful one for $1400....great highly figured stock and 405 WCF.

Nathan · February 7, 2015, 05:38 PM

Well, looks good so far:

I'm pretty happy with what I received, price paid, etc. can't wait to load up some ammo for it!

flashhole · February 7, 2015, 06:43 PM

Very nice!

bamaranger · February 8, 2015, 06:52 PM

Congrats on your new rifle. The #1 fraternity have always been a bit cultish (in a good way) and you have joined.

I have anguished over a variety of #1's, and #3's for a good many years and never committed.

I'd clamp a low powered variable on that rig (45-70 right?) and hunt.

Nathan · February 8, 2015, 07:43 PM

When I get some money, I'll make some ammo and put a 2-8 BDC scope on it. I can't wait.

Kreyzhorse · February 8, 2015, 08:00 PM

Well done Nathan. You will enjoy it.

flashhole · February 8, 2015, 08:05 PM

I have a Marlin Guide Gun in 45-70. I put a Burris Fullfield II scope on it with a BDC reticle. My go-to load is zeroed at 100 yards, first tick down 150 yards, second tick down 200 yards. I didn't plan it like that or try and develop a special load, it just worked out that way. No complaints from me ... sometimes I'd rather be lucky than good.

Hornady 350 grain bullets with H-4895 powder.

johnwilliamson062 · February 9, 2015, 12:10 AM

I'd love to have one of the 6.5X55 Lipseys is selling right now.

mete · February 9, 2015, 03:12 AM

I have a Browning 1885 in 45-70 .Makes a great hunter for at least 200 yds. At 100 it's an easy 1" group with factory ammo. Mine and the #1 can be hotter loaded but that's not usually necessary.I use Barnes loads. The standard 300 gr at close range is too soft therefore I went to the 300 Barnes .

Nathan · February 9, 2015, 06:02 AM

For whitetail deer, I'm thinking about the 250 FTX bullet....what do you shoot?

Also, what do you wipe down the wood/metal with for protectant?

NoSecondBest · February 9, 2015, 09:36 AM

I had a Ruger #1 in 25-06 quite a few years ago. I never got the accuracy out of that gun that was expected no matter what I did with it. It was "OK" at best. The trigger was also just "OK". I finally got rid of it and wasn't too sorry I did. A couple of years ago I decided I wanted a single shot in 45-70. I now own a Winchester/Miroku 1885 in that caliber. It shoots everything I put in it very, very well. I have a number of loads developed that will shoot five shot 1" or slightly less groups fairly consistently at 100 yds. The trigger was pretty good when I got the gun and sending some parts out of the trigger to Lee Shaver got it to a nice 1.5lbs with no travel. I got the parts back quickly and it cost around thirty-five bucks to get it done. I have found on several 45-70s I own (Sharps, 1886 lever gun, and my High Wall) that the heavier bullets shoot much better than the lighter bullets. My best groups have all been with a 405g JHP bullet. I've gotten decent groups with lighter bullets, but not my best groups. I think that's generally true speaking to many other owners of guns in this caliber. Good luck with your new gun.

February 3, 2015, 12:52 PM	#2
bucksnort13 Member Join Date: October 29, 2014 Posts: 51	Hi Nathan I love the Ruger #1 I have a buddy that owns one in 45-70 and It is an awesome rifle I have tried to get him to sell it to me on several occasions. He wont do it because he loves it to. To protect the stock I have used McNett Camo form wraps from Cabelas and I have no complaints I just wrap them around whichever rifle I am taking Hunting and then take it back off when hunting season is over. I cant give specific accuracy to the rifle in inches because we never measure but I know that at 100 yds We could hold pretty nice groups for the purposes of deer hunting. Otherwise I have heard no complaints from my buddy and I have none Either I think they are awesome rifles. I am sure if you buy it will you will be pleased Ruger make good firearms in my opinion.

February 5, 2015, 06:30 PM	#9
flashhole Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2005 Location: Owego, NY Posts: 2,000	Mine is a 25-06 Varmint with the heavy bull barrel. I am a fan of Johnson's paste wax on the wood and light gun oil on the metal. I will likely pick up one in 45-70 myself. Just haven't gotten around to it since Obutthead has been in office. __________________ ,,, stupidity comes to some people very easily. 8/22/2017 my wife in a discussion about Liberals. Are you ready for civil war?

February 5, 2015, 08:33 PM	#10
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	I own a 45-70. Out to 150 yards, they are very accurate and easy to shoot. Beyond that, you get into the scary parts of the 45-70 ballastically. You can learn to shoot them beyond that but for me, 150 is about all I'd need it for. As far as the stock, a little stock wax should cover it. Otherwise, try not to beat on it and you have no worries. They are fantastic guns and there is zero reason not to take them out and enjoy them. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

February 6, 2015, 07:18 PM	#11
zachattack2 Senior Member Join Date: January 28, 2015 Posts: 167	Rugers have pretty good accuracy. Especially out of the box. To cover the stock just put anything over it or you can buy a stock cover. I don't have much experience with a ruger but I have recently bought a Remington 700 ADL (nice gun) and was looking at a ruger,many they are really nice too. Do you have a link you could give me so I could look at the gun? Or just model? Cause "ruger" is pretty vague. Zach __________________ I have a very strict gun control policy: if there's a gun around, I want to be in control of it - Clint Eastwood

February 7, 2015, 06:43 PM	#15
flashhole Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2005 Location: Owego, NY Posts: 2,000	Very nice! __________________ ,,, stupidity comes to some people very easily. 8/22/2017 my wife in a discussion about Liberals. Are you ready for civil war?

February 3, 2015, 12:34 PM	#1
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,323	Ruger #1 experiences I'm looking at a used one in 45-70. How can I protect the stock when hunting? How accurate are they usually? What are your experiences? What should I look for or be aware of?

February 3, 2015, 01:29 PM	#3
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	I have a Ruger #1 in 204 that I take out in some pretty nasty weather varmint hunting. All I do is wife it down with furniture polish before and after I take it out. The stock looks like it did when it came out of the store. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

February 3, 2015, 02:52 PM	#4
dakota1911 Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 2007 Location: The Great American Desert Posts: 501	Mine are in 30-06 and 375H&H. I use hard paste wax before and after hunting trips. Have a picture of 30-06 International. Ignore the rifle on the left. It is a Ruger SR-762. I know with the 30-06 I get three or four shot groups you can cover with a quarter at 100 yards from a rest with factory hunting ammo.

February 3, 2015, 04:23 PM	#5
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,323	Dakota, That's a cry nice looking stock. I hope I find on close to that nice!

February 3, 2015, 04:46 PM	#6
Saltydog235 Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2010 Location: Pawleys Island Posts: 1,563	I have one in 7mmRM, it shoots a 140grn Barnes TTSX load I have sub MOA, most every other ammo I try is either 1" or 1 1/4". The trigger isn't too bad but could be better, it's heavy to me. I just haven't taken the time to ship it off and have a new one installed. Guess I could have the one in it polished and worked some. Great guns and fun to carry.

February 3, 2015, 05:39 PM	#7
WCWV Senior Member Join Date: January 19, 2015 Posts: 137	Good evening Nathan, I my self have a Ruger no-1 in a 25-06 in the Varminter and my brother has 3 of them. I've hunted with mine for the last 17 yrs and I just keep it cleaned up like any other rifle. The only issue that I've seen is that I moved my sling off the fore arm onto the barrel. I had always been able to shoot a 1/4" 3 shot group and then one day I couldn't. I got to checking and what I found, was my fore arm was wanting to pull away from the barrel do to the weight, and my pressure point had been interrupted. I moved my sling to the barrel and it went right back to was. My brother also had to do this to two of his #1. That's been about 10 yrs ago and everything is still good. They are a really good shooting rifle

February 4, 2015, 11:02 PM	#8
SaxonPig Senior Member Join Date: April 24, 2006 Posts: 1,900	I have a slight addiction to #1s. If you carry a rifle in the woods it will show wear and minor damage to the gun over time.

February 6, 2015, 10:39 PM	#12
Saltydog235 Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2010 Location: Pawleys Island Posts: 1,563	What's vague about a Ruger No.1? He's not talking about an overall brand but a specific model shown in many photos above.

February 7, 2015, 08:00 AM	#13
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,323	Zach, From my web musings, the Ruger #1....#1 is the model name....is Ruges best quality gun. Triggers look adjustable for overtravel and weight. Stocks vary from pretty nicely figures to incredible. Bluing looks pretty good, but not Colt or old S&W nice. Most have a quarter rib and barrel band front sight. Forearms have a weird notch from the euro gun that inspired them. The best part are all the great oddball calibers! 45-70 is relatively normal, but others are more unique. Nice guns. Honestly, the local cabelas has a wonderful one for $1400....great highly figured stock and 405 WCF.

February 7, 2015, 05:38 PM	#14
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,323	Well, looks good so far: I'm pretty happy with what I received, price paid, etc. can't wait to load up some ammo for it!

February 8, 2015, 06:52 PM	#16
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,300	good for you Congrats on your new rifle. The #1 fraternity have always been a bit cultish (in a good way) and you have joined. I have anguished over a variety of #1's, and #3's for a good many years and never committed. I'd clamp a low powered variable on that rig (45-70 right?) and hunt.

February 8, 2015, 07:43 PM	#17
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,323	When I get some money, I'll make some ammo and put a 2-8 BDC scope on it. I can't wait.

February 8, 2015, 08:00 PM	#18
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	Well done Nathan. You will enjoy it. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

February 8, 2015, 08:05 PM	#19
flashhole Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2005 Location: Owego, NY Posts: 2,000	I have a Marlin Guide Gun in 45-70. I put a Burris Fullfield II scope on it with a BDC reticle. My go-to load is zeroed at 100 yards, first tick down 150 yards, second tick down 200 yards. I didn't plan it like that or try and develop a special load, it just worked out that way. No complaints from me ... sometimes I'd rather be lucky than good. Hornady 350 grain bullets with H-4895 powder. __________________ ,,, stupidity comes to some people very easily. 8/22/2017 my wife in a discussion about Liberals. Are you ready for civil war?

February 9, 2015, 12:10 AM	#20
johnwilliamson062 Junior member Join Date: May 16, 2008 Posts: 9,995	I'd love to have one of the 6.5X55 Lipseys is selling right now.

February 9, 2015, 03:12 AM	#21
mete Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 6,575	I have a Browning 1885 in 45-70 .Makes a great hunter for at least 200 yds. At 100 it's an easy 1" group with factory ammo. Mine and the #1 can be hotter loaded but that's not usually necessary.I use Barnes loads. The standard 300 gr at close range is too soft therefore I went to the 300 Barnes . __________________ And Watson , bring your revolver !

February 9, 2015, 06:02 AM	#22
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,323	For whitetail deer, I'm thinking about the 250 FTX bullet....what do you shoot? Also, what do you wipe down the wood/metal with for protectant?

February 9, 2015, 09:36 AM	#23
NoSecondBest Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2009 Location: Western New York Posts: 2,736	I had a Ruger #1 in 25-06 quite a few years ago. I never got the accuracy out of that gun that was expected no matter what I did with it. It was "OK" at best. The trigger was also just "OK". I finally got rid of it and wasn't too sorry I did. A couple of years ago I decided I wanted a single shot in 45-70. I now own a Winchester/Miroku 1885 in that caliber. It shoots everything I put in it very, very well. I have a number of loads developed that will shoot five shot 1" or slightly less groups fairly consistently at 100 yds. The trigger was pretty good when I got the gun and sending some parts out of the trigger to Lee Shaver got it to a nice 1.5lbs with no travel. I got the parts back quickly and it cost around thirty-five bucks to get it done. I have found on several 45-70s I own (Sharps, 1886 lever gun, and my High Wall) that the heavier bullets shoot much better than the lighter bullets. My best groups have all been with a 405g JHP bullet. I've gotten decent groups with lighter bullets, but not my best groups. I think that's generally true speaking to many other owners of guns in this caliber. Good luck with your new gun.

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