[horseman308]

I had a Ruger # 1 in .308 a few years ago. Initially, it took some work, but after working on the forearm a bit, I got really good cold-bore hunting accuracy out of it. What I mean is, I could put the first shot in practically the same hole every time; the second shot was almost always touching. Once I found a good load, I got 3-shot groups that were < 1".

I loved that rifle and wish I still had it, but I have come to believe that the #1 (at least in the standard-weight barrels) are best used as purely hunting rifles. When you go expecting to take only one or two shots, they're perfect. They point well, carry well, and weigh just enough to be steady off-hand. However, I wouldn't want one for a precision target rifle. I've never shot one of the Internationals, but I understand their barrels are especially thin, so they probably have the same issue, only somewhat exaggerated. Having said that, I will almost certainly buy another # 1 the next time I need a hunting rifle. I love 'em.