Ruger #1 "Custom" .375 Winchester 11 lbs. 12 oz.

[M71]

Hello, wanted to share my new found Ruger #1 with the forum. I was fortunate enough to be first in line to secure this 11 lb. 12 oz. "Custom" build in .375 Win. The 1/2 round 1/2 octagon barrel measures 28" and is 1" at the muzzle. The trigger is a "Canjar" single set that is measured in ounces, not lbs. I quickly secured some brass and a box of "Hornady" 225gr. Spire Points and a pound of Reloader #7. I've got a bunch of "Goex" FFg but it was easier to quickly locate the jacketed variety of bullets, though I'm on the lookout for some good "cast boolits" to send down range. The gun is drilled and tapped for a receiver mounted peep sight but it also came equipped with a nice vintage "Redfield one piece scope base. I mounted a good quality "Burris" 30mm tubed 2X12X40 scope for now but "Brownells" has a "Williams" receiver sight with my name on it. When I was experimenting with bullet seating I was amazed at how far out I could seat that 225 SP. The bullet is only seated .080 into the case with an overall case length of 3.0435, that's long! This gun really excites me! Check out the photos:

[smoked turkey]

M71 your new Ruger in 375 Win is as nice as any No. 1 I have seen. Nice in every way. I like the barrel combo of octagon/round, the nice trigger and of course the stock is extremely nice. I like the 375 Win. Mine is the Marlin, so not as nice as yours being more of a hunting rifle. It is a great cartridge. I know you will enjoy that fine Ruger.

[M71]

smoked turkey, I got my cow elk tag yesterday and last year I shot my elk 60 yards from the tent. I wouldn't rule out using this one come fall. My loading indicated 2000 pounds of energy at 300 yards so it's got enough juice to easily get the job done. This gun came out of an estate and the barrel is neatly stamped "C. Pingry". I'd sure like to meet him. The twist rate is 1 turn in 18", more common in 38-55's. It's been too hot to sight in and test my hand loads. I can't wait for some cooler days here in Colorado.

[JeffinNZ]

Beautiful rifle and a near perfect boolit rig.

[NVScouter]

Stunning wood grain!

[LynC2]

Stunning wood grain!

That might even be an understatement!

[ColColt]

Stunning wood grain!

+1...Absolutely gorgeous. That's a kicker, better wear a sissy pad.:D Canjar triggers are about as good as it gets.

[Fluxed]

Super nice!

[ACrowe25]

Some of the nicest grain I've seen... Wow

[Euan]

Wow! very nice

[Lefty SRH]

Beautiful rifle, interesting foreend cap. What is it?

[M71]

Leftey SRH, The forend cap is The poured pewter variety often seen on Shiloh Sharps and C. Sharps manufactured in Big Timber Montana. I believe the forend is secured with a mould and the pewter is poured. The melting point of the pewter is so low that the wood is undamaged and the nose cap is seamlessly attached to the forend.
I have amassed 350 new Winchester brass now, so considering they can be reloaded multiple times there should be enough for several generations. I appreciate everyone's compliments. Just my opinion but this gun represents top shelf "Eye Candy". The sad part is that the previous owner is deceased and all of the history behind the custom build is gone. The only clue is the barrel marked "C. Pingry". We are only caretakers of our firearms and though we certainly enjoy them we must educate our sons and daughters to understand and appreciate them.

[DeanWinchester]

Holy smokes this GORGEOUS!
Hang on to it, the No1 is kaput and they're going to be quite a prize....not they already ain't.

[rockrat]

Saw that in the store. Picked it up and almost drooled over the stockwork, and in one of my favorite calibers!! It took all my willpower to not buy the thing. I agree, it was one beautiful rifle. Glad someone here on the forum got the beauty



PS--I was going back there this weekend. If it was still there, then maybe!!!!!!!

[M71]

Rockrat, When I saw the #1 on the net I immediately called (10 minutes before they opened) and had them "hold" the gun. The next day I was on a road trip of 600 miles. I brought a couple of "Parker Bros." shotguns to entertain a trade. I expressed that I would prefer to only trade one but brought two so they could choose between the two. I wasn't leaving the building without "My" rifle. Well they wanted both of them so I left the building with the #1 and a pocket full of cash. A successful trade because they gave me a price break for driving so far and I since collect "Parker" shotguns it was easy to pick two out of the "Herd" that were my least favorite though desirable none the less. I just love it when a plan comes together. They are good people over there and I would gladly travel the distance to do business with them in the future.

[DeanWinchester]

Wow, not many rifles are worth that long a drive......that one....IS.
Very jealous.

[wtfooptimax200]

Despite my love of black rifles, plastic handguns, and synthetic stocked hunting rifles that gun reinforces the fact that no. 1s are down right sexy! Beautiful gun, I'm very jealous.

[Gibbs44]

Thanks for sharing the photos. It is a beautiful rifle. Let us know how she shoots when you get a chance, though I can guess how it will go.

[Artful]

I'm so jealous - I have a 375 #3 but I would trade it out for your's in a heart beat.

[nekshot]

WOW, congrats on a beautiful gun! I look at the market of todays guns and smile knowing the more painted and plastic is used, the nicer bluing and wood look.

[ph4570]

WOW -- that is one fine rifle.

[358wcf]

Wow!
Blued steel and walnut can't be beat- it is a canvas for an artist's craftsmanship to be shown, as it is on your #1- Simply gorgeous! Tastefully done-- too bad the #1 is not conducive to iron sights for a buffalo rifle look, but that is only a matter of taste- Oh, so very well done!
358wcf

[GLL]

Exceptional !

That is the very nicest Ruger #1 I have ever seen !

My .38-55 #1 is very jealous right now ! :)

Jerry

[M71]

Loaded 36 grains of "Reloader" #7 behind "Hornady" 225gr. SP's and the results were really good. The "throat" is so long the bullet is only seated .080. The next time out I'm using the "once fired" cases with just enough forming to have a tight bullet fit. I'll try to tighten up that group. :razz:
http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o631/pinbacks4pics/Custom%20Ruger%20no%201/IMG_0002800x600.jpg (http://s1151.photobucket.com/user/pinbacks4pics/media/Custom%20Ruger%20no%201/IMG_0002800x600.jpg.html)
http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o631/pinbacks4pics/Custom%20Ruger%20no%201/DSC_0018.jpg (http://s1151.photobucket.com/user/pinbacks4pics/media/Custom%20Ruger%20no%201/DSC_0018.jpg.html)
http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o631/pinbacks4pics/Custom%20Ruger%20no%201/IMG_0006800x549.jpg (http://s1151.photobucket.com/user/pinbacks4pics/media/Custom%20Ruger%20no%201/IMG_0006800x549.jpg.html)

[.45Cole]

M71-are you up in the Red Feathers area? I'm in FOCO and I am wondering what auction you got that at! There was a guy up in Drake that built beautiful single shots, I wonder if it is from his collection?

[Lloyd Smale]

thats a beauty. Some spent some serious coin building that.

[missionary5155]

Greetings
That is one fine piece of Firearms Art ! 375's rank right up there in my log as a top caliber.
I also have a #3 in 375 Winchester. No where near a handsome rifle as your's !
Mike in peru

[M71]

Thanks to everyone for the accolades.
.45Cole, the gun was advertised on 'Guns International", they have all the "new listings" every morning for "Cabela's". When I viewed it I decided it was "MY" rifle and called them 10 minutes before the store opened. They answered and I told them to "Hold" the gun until I got to Grand Junction. I have collected "Parker Bros." shotguns for awhile and we made a swap. The barrel is neatly stamped "C. Pingry". His whereabouts are unknown and since the gun came from an estate of an elderly man (he had the gun for many years) the origin of the piece is likely lost. I sure am pleased with the performance and "looks" too.
My 59th birthday is coming up and I'm pretty sure a "Crony" is on it's way to help develop some match grade hand loads, not that the ones I have need much improvment. I believe using the minimally processed "once fired" brass will shrink my little groups even more.
I live between Ft. Collins and Masonville and have a place to shoot 7 miles from home up the "Buckhorn", a few miles North of "Bobcat Ridge" the way the "crow fly's".
http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o631/pinbacks4pics/Custom%20Ruger%20no%201/DSC_0003-2.jpg (http://s1151.photobucket.com/user/pinbacks4pics/media/Custom%20Ruger%20no%201/DSC_0003-2.jpg.html)
http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o631/pinbacks4pics/Custom%20Ruger%20no%201/DSC_0004-1.jpg (http://s1151.photobucket.com/user/pinbacks4pics/media/Custom%20Ruger%20no%201/DSC_0004-1.jpg.html)

[.45Cole]

The irony of it all, I'm writing this from GJ!!! There is a really good single shot guy in Drake if that ever needs work. That rifle is absolutely gorgeous, and in a great caliber. Now all you have to do is get a moose permit! I would be even more envious if you said you had one of those nice horse properties between Masonville and 34.

[TheGrimReaper]

WOW!!! That rifle is a work of art. What beautiful wood she's got.

[LynC2]

OK, enough! I can't take it any longer, what is your address so I can liberate said rifle. :mrgreen: