Convert Ruger #1 to .22

[Gunslinger1911]

Anyone know of a gunsmith that does a Ruger #1 conversion to .22 lr ?

I was noodleing around on Rimfire Central and found a thread about this, going to call the recomended gunsmith tomorrow. Fella said cost was $310 ! Sounds very reasonable to me !

This sounds really cool - I have a 22-250 I never shoot, change to 22lr would be interesting !!

Just wondered if anyone had any info?

Thanks,
Ross

[Hairtrigger]

I have been wanting a No.1 in 22lr for a while. I even have an action purchased.
What I am thinking is the action is larger than needed.
Wood for the No.1 is not plentiful.
I am looking for a Japanese Winchester 1885 in 22lr instead
If you need a Ruger action let me know

[KCSO]

No never done a #1 but I did convert a shot out Trapdoor to 22 lr. Made a cool cowboy style rifle. Other than having to hand make the action it sounds like a pretty striaght forward conversion.

[bob208]

harry pope did it with a highwall. he made the leaver screw an encentric. so all he had to do was change barrels and then trun the screw to aline the firing pin. his was set up to go back and forth.

[Hairtrigger]

The Ruger No.1 Group on Yahoo has info, as well as a list of gunsmiths that may help

[BCRider]

For my part I'd suggest simply sell what you have then shop for a nice single shot .22 target rifle. If bolts are not your cup o' tea then consider one of the vintage, but very nicely maintained, BSA Martini actioned .22 single shot rifles. Or a nice condition Stevens pivoting block single shot rifle. Or maybe a good condition Remington Improved Model 6.

I've got a BSA Martini coming and I've got examples of the others. If the barrels are in good condition or can be relined by a good smith they make great single shot rimfire rifles.

[Crusty Deary Ol'Coot]

#1 to a .22, Hmmmmmmmmmmm?

Guess that would not be my cup of tea!

Back when I had contenders, I also had a .22 barrel. For a short time!

Now, I like a GREAT shoot'in .22 and have a Clark Custom, RUGER 77/22 that scratches that itch in spades.

However, I fear the .22 in a number 1 might be like the .22 was in the contender.

When I touched off the contender, I expected something to happen, the earth to shake, the world to spin a touch faster etc. and the .22 barrel on the contender was just much to do about nothing. Clearly sending a boy to do a man's work.

And yes, I have .22 hand guns.

I like my #1 rifle (45/70), and everyone that I've ever had (.300 win Mag, 22/250, .223, .270, etc) but if you can deal with a bolt action, something like a Clark Custom, a Kimber, Cooper, Annie, CZ or a Winchester model 52 might be a much better option and just as cheap.

Your 22/250, already in hand, now that walks an talks and makes the earth shake like a #1 should. [smilie=1:

Crusty Deary Ol'Coot

[Norbrat]

Even easier is to use an adaptor

http://www.mcace.com/adapters.htm

[Gunslinger1911]

Hi guys, thanks for all the input ! This is just something rolling around in my head lol.

Chamber adapter, hmmmm, I wonder about all that free bore and accuracy ? Price is low, might give it a try.
I've got a heavy bbl 10-22 I built - 1/2 " 50 yd groups or less
77-22 ...... 1/4 " groups if I'm having a good day
22 Contender, yup, scratches a different itch
45-70 Contender - theres your Earth mover Crusty !!

[Crusty Deary Ol'Coot]

Gunslinger1911,

Yep the 45/70 in a contender just might make the earth move!!!!!

I thought the 35 Remington made the .44 mag seem like a Sunday School Picnic, but the 45/70 might possibly top that :grin: :wink:

Crusty Deary Ol'Coot

[Gunslinger1911]

Ya, that was my go-to cannon when someone would say recoil didnt bother them ! .........

Then I got a 5" 500 Smith. lol Whole nother ball game !

[HARRYMPOPE]

A Guns and Ammo or Shooting Times writer did one in the 1980's.I cant remember who.John Taylor In Wa state may have done one as well.he has done a lot of stuff like that

[flounderman]

the BSA martini target rifle is sometimes available from the government surplus. fast locktime, accurate rifle. Probably buy the rifle cheaper than the conversion work

[.22-10-45]

Hello, Gunslinger1911. Don't give up on that idea yet! When I shot in the Michigan schuetzen society, Wayne Swartz made up a few .22 match rifles on the No. 1 action..he altered the link to change height of where block stopped. With their heavy barrels, these were tack drivers, and in our schuetzen matches, targets were anywhere from 50yds. out to 200yds.
Although Wayne is now retired, there are alot of single-shot riflesmiths out there who could help make this happen. Good luck!

[Gunslinger1911]

Hi .22-10-45 (some of my favorite calibers !)

Ya, I'm pretty stuck on this conversion, won't see too many of these around !

I have to get ahold of the guy recomended on Rimfire Central, he does the link mod and installs a match grade liner.