Ruger No 1 or No 3

[brstevns]

Just throwing this out there, but which would you chose and why. a Ruger No 1 or No 3 ?

[marlinman93]

A No. 1 without any question! It's a much nicer looking gun, with higher grade wood, and a nice locking lever. It also is available in a lot more caliber choices than a No. 3 Ruger. I'm not fond of the No. 3 barrel band for the forearm wood either. It's not pretty, nor does it promote an accurate way to mount a forearm. And considering the slight difference in price, the No. 1 is well worth the extra.

[Bigslug]

Depends. I wish Ruger still made the No.3 or something like it simply because the world needs an utterly bomb-proof, yet low-cost, utilitarian falling block. The No.1 is great if pretty is important to you, but knocking about $600 in high-end wood, sights, barrel-band sling mounts, and recoil pads off the price tag would sell a bunch of rifles - especially if you chambered some of them in "meat & potatoes" handgun cartridges suitable for woods hunting (i.e. .357 and .44 Magnums).

[gnostic]

I used to own a No 3 in 45-70 that was the most punishing rifle I've ever shot. The lever would bruise my finger within five shots. The number 1 is shooter friendly, beautiful to look at and delightful to touch.

[brstevns]

Well the No 1 is winning, what cal. do you guys like in it?

[Doc Highwall]

I had one in 22-250 a long time ago, now I have a No1 chambered in 30-30 Win. and so does one of my nephews.

Here is a picture of my No1 chambered in 30-30 Win. post #45

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?312617-Is-there-any-Bolt-rifle-that-can-be-rebored-rechambered-to-30-30-Win/page3

[brstevns]

Nice looking rifle.

[country gent]

I have 2 number ones one a 1 B in 300 win mag and a 1 V in 220 swift. You didnt state the uses for this rifle, this information would determine alot. Hunting, game animals size , Target, informal or formal, Jacketed or cast bullets? For simple plinking a number 1 in a smaller cased lighter caliber of 30 or so would be alot of fun. For deer sized game and plinking a 308 or 7mm 08 would be good. For outright rthumping a #1 in 45-70 should do the job nicely.

[brstevns]

No cal decided on, just looking to see what others are using and for what . It would be a cast bullet rifle unless in a .22 cal.

[Jedman]

Other than the action being the same, the two guns are as different as night and day.
Only you know what about them you like .

Jedman

[Drm50]

I have 3 no3s and 2 no 1s. I have had several more of each over the years. Right now my 3s
are (2) 375 wins & a 223 Rem. My 1s are 45/70 & 30/06. My brother has a 3 in 45/70 and 1s
in 22/250, 243, 375 H&H. All these rifles shoot better than your average off the rack B/A. Ohio
has deer season for limited rifle cals. - straight case, .38 cal minimum. That is why I went out of
my way to get 375Wins in 3s, they weren't produced in 1s. We shoot cast in 45/70s & 375s.
I have a #3/375W with a 2x8 scope that is unbelievable accurate. In it I am shooting Speer 235g
semi spitzers/ IMR-3031, turned in some very nice 100yd groups for a carbine/ barrel band. As
to #3 vs #1 in 45/70, the #3 does thrash you. We are ordering butt plates/ recoil pad that replaces factory plastic butt plate on #3.

[sharps4590]

I've had four #1's over the years and some of them was back when the #3 was readily available so that should tell which I prefer. For me life is too short to hunt with or shoot an ugly rifle, not that the #3 is ugly, I rather like it. However, there is an elegance to the #1 the #3 doesn't approach. It isn't a fine British or German single shot but it's pretty darn good!!!

Two of my #1's shot quite well. The 22-250 and the 375 H&H. One other was a 300 Win Mag. and given previous experience with that cartridge the #1 was barely capable of hunting accuracy. The only one I have left is a 450/400 and only because I can't afford a double in that cartridge. It is exceedingly accurate with a reduced, 400 gr. cast bullet load I worked up. Full house jacketed loads are "accurate enough", more so than the 300 ever was. Of course the difference in recoil has to make some of the difference in accuracy between the cast load and the jacketed load.

[MostlyLeverGuns]

I had a Ruger #1B in 7mm Mag, I found it heavy and awkward. Had nice wood, decent trigger. Never shot it, after 6-8 years I sold it. Got a a .375 Win Ruger #3 - NIB - I do prefer the handling over
over the #1, but neither handles like a light Savage 99 .358.

[brstevns]

This great information, I am still rounding different cal in my mind. 223, 7x57 and 45/70 seem to fascinate me for some reason.
I am selling off 3 or 4 guns to try to fund the purchase. Turned 66 this past year and think it is time to have 1 really nice rifle.

[Artful]

I have 2 Ruger #3's I've kept - a .223 and .375 - Don't like the #3 in 45-70 but wish I had picked one up in 30-40 Krag - the #1 in 257 Roberts is gone, I like the shorter handier #3.
If someone made a short handy 357 Max single shot I'd get it. All the Single shots can do with a bit of tuning but once they are set up most shoot as good as the shooter can.

[marlinman93]

What caliber I would want is probably just my personal choice for various favorite calibers. I had a Lyman Centennial Ruger in .45-70 and loved it for the caliber, but also for the look those guns have. The longer, heavier barrel is more appealing to me for shooting. But for a hunting rifle, or just playing around rifle, I am a fan of the old 7x57 Mauser chambering, and the next #1 I buy will be that caliber.
I've owned numerous bolt action milsurp rifles in 7x57, and shot cast bullets in all of them. Lot of fun, and very accurate at lower velocities. A #1 in 7x57 would probably rarely see any jacketed bullets in my hands.

[Good Cheer]

In about 1982 I swapped off the .375 Big Bore lever action and got a No.3. After shooting cast in it a while rechambered it to .375H&H. In the meanwhile was making my list and checking it twice, doing research into how to accomplish my goal of cast deer rifle with all the bullet points addressed. Arrived at a design and got it done. So my fave cartridge is that one, a cast boolit .375x45-70 wildcat that I call the .38 Long Cox.

Runner up is the 9.3x74R in the No.1.

[rockrat]

Artful, just get one of the 357magnum #1's and rechamber to 357max. Works great!!

As far as #1 calibers go, my 375 H&H is very accurate with the BRP 310gr boolit, over 4759. If you want a lighter gun with plenty of "thump", as Good Cheer said, the 9.3 x 74R would be good. Also the 35 Whelen would be good, plenty of moulds to choose from and you could load it from mild to wild. The lighter gun, you will feel the recoil though.

[skeettx]

I like my Ruger #1 in 38-55 :)

[Bent Ramrod]

I have a #1 in 7 x 57 mm and a #3 in .22 Hornet. Both shoot OK, but not spectacularly, with jacketed or cast boolits. I think my #1 has the old, long throat for the Military bullets, so it's difficult getting accuracy with the shorter designs.

I got the #1 with the slim barrel, iron sights and the Alex Henry forend, the classiest form of the rifle Ruger makes. Maybe those fat forend types with thicker barrels and no iron sights shoot better, but they are not aesthetic enough for me. Only nifty-cool rifles are interesting, to me at least, and accuracy, to some acceptable level, can usually be tweaked out later.

I found a butchered-up #3 in .30-40 Krag on a table at a Gun Show one time. The stock had been badly reshaped and the "S" part of the lever had been cut off, so the lever looked like the one on a Sharps-Borchardt. Hoping to get a hefty discount on it and use it for a cast boolit shooter, I asked the table owner how much. He quoted me a price in excess of what a new #3 went for. I told him that the "custom" work on the rifle must detract from the price, and he denied it. He said that this specimen was a factory-stock Ruger #2.

There was a sign up at the Gun Show stating that misrepresentation of items for sale would get one kicked out of the place, so he must have been telling the truth. :roll: I went home without getting this rare factory variation.

[Sur-shot]

Well, just to be different, I like my #13. I have several 1s and 3s but found a trashed 22 Hornet #3 and refinished it, put a #1 wood set, #1 barrel with an extractor and cut off the leaver to fit the #1 stock, made it a 7mm R Mag. So I call it a #13. I free floated the forend and it shoots .5 inches with 140s. :)
Ed

185394

[Wayne R. Scott]

I had my No. 1V .22-250 re-bored and re-chambered to .338-06. It seems to work on elk so far.

[Artful]

Actually the Ruger #2 was made up by a gunwriter - Took the Ruger #3 - altered the lever, called the factory for the plainest Ruger #1 stock available - had a few other things done I think - but it was his baby not Bill Rugers. I have seen a few at gunshows myself.

[rockrat]

Have seen a few "#2's" too

[Doc Highwall]

Here is a site that sells Ruger No 1's I would recommend you book mark on your computer.


http://www.classicsportingarms.com/ruger-no-1-rifles-for-sale/

[Leadmelter]

I have a No 3 in 45/70. I just shoot reduced loads: 405gr RCBS and 22gr 2400.
Leadmelter
MI

[Artful]

I have a No 3 in 45/70. I just shoot reduced loads: 405gr RCBS and 22gr 2400.
Leadmelter
MI

Wisdom in that - I just changed to 375 big bore cartridge version and over time it got a recoil pad.
At that time of my life it was load to the max - I am wiser now (I think)

[Bill*B]

My 2 cents, which you should take with a grain (or maybe a block) of salt - a No. 3 will fit the woods loafer who is satisfied with open iron sights quite well - but I would prefer the No. 1 for any other purpose.

[Pavogrande]

I have a #3 in 22 hornet --- real can killer -

[6.5 mike]

Classic calibers, #3. Anything else #1.

[tdoyka]

#1 in 270

[Texas by God]

If they made it I would want a #1 light sporter (AH forearm & sights) in 30-40 Krag.

[square butte]

Yep - I'd buy one of those too.

[Mr Humble]

I have a few....

185521

Plus a 270 (sold), 7mm remmag, 7x57 #1 RSI (sold), 450 3&1/2 Nitro Express (sold), 45-70 (sold), 22-250V (sold) and ...... a #3 45-70 bought because unlike every #3 I've ever seen, it has 3X wood. Yes I am a wood freak.

The #3 in 45-70 with full house loads is a killer. Nice walk around gun should you meet something that bites. Mine, with trail boss and roundballs is a ball. The load will put 3 balls @700 fps in a man target at 50 yards. At 25 the group is 3".

Since Bill passed, Ruger has done the #1 no favors. The wood, especially is boring with a very poor spray on finish. When you see $400 Turkish semi shotguns with beautiful wood, it's clear Ruger isn't trying at all. That's why I mostly buy red pads or steal wood off them (450-400 above) to upgrade post red pad chamberings.

Still on the hunt for a red pad 257 & 7mm Weatherbys.

Outside of the Browning High/Low walls, Rugers are it, if you want a single shot.

[square butte]

Why buy em unless they have purty wood like yours ? ?

[marlinman93]

Not sure about determining the age of a Ruger #1, but if you can an early #1 it would be nice to own. From the 1950's to 1969 Marlin built barrels for Ruger handguns and rifles. In late 1969 they had to stop supplying barrels as they were too busy with their own production to continue the contract.

[smokinfeathers]

I have 2 no1a one a 7x57 n the other a 45/70, had a couple b's n past but prefer the lighter a n they usually have better wood

[Texas by God]

I had a #3 45-70 as a young man and used Trapdoor loads in it. It was fun&accurate with irons only and I felt fearless carrying it around. Power in a little package

[HawkEyeEarl]

That is a tough choice.

the 3 is pretty and light and handy and a little harder to find.
the 1 is beautiful and heavier and suited to more calibers and there are many more to be had.

I enjoy shooting both of them.

If I had the money, I would probably snatch another no 3 first, that I do not have, all personal preferences considered.

[flint45]

I would pick a no. 3 with custom stock, did not like factory one to well no barrel band on fore end.Cal .32-40.

[brstevns]

Going to have put buying one on hold for awhile. Still I like seeing what everyone has to say

[skeettx]

I said before I liked my 22 Hornet, I really like my 30-40 Krag :)

[marlinman93]

Don't wait too long! They're only going one direction while you wait!

[DocSavage]

Ages ago I spoke to a reboring shop and they had a No 3 in 45/70 being rebored to 470 NE. There is only 1 word to describe this conversion ouch.

[021]

186019The #1, and it begs to be chambered in 6.5x55.

[historicfirearms]

I have owned two number ones, but I still own three number threes. There are way too many numbers in that last sentence but what I am trying to say is that I love the number threes for some reason. I think that they remind me of my youth when dad let me use his 10/22.

[Doc Highwall]

I have a Browning low wall chambered in 260 Remington that is real nice, sort of a modern 6.5x55mm.

[rockrat]

021, the #1 has been chambered in 6.5 x 55 already. There was a run of blue guns, then a run of stainles K1a's and then last year the blue ones.

[021]

021, the #1 has been chambered in 6.5 x 55 already. There was a run of blue guns, then a run of stainles K1a's and then last year the blue ones.

Yes it has! Those are my two rifles. But the OP wanted to know what rifle-#1 or #3 would be best and that was my, somewhat obtuse, response. :) After rereading my post I tried to make it clearer. Thanks 021

[BAGTIC]

The No. 3 IS ugly and uncomfortable to shoot in other than the mildest calibers. With heavy recoil the 'S' lever does pound fingers. I have Ruger SS in calibers 22 Hornet, .223. 7x57, .357 Magnum, 357 Maximum, 44 Magnum, 445 Maximum, and 45-70. I reserve the No. 3's for the pistol calibers. I no longer shoot 'magnum' rifle calibers because of surgery on both shoulders. Too much of a good thing.

The No. 1 in 7x57 is a great caliber especially for a reloader.

[shdwlkr]

I kind of like the size of the No. 3 Ruger and yes wished they still made them. If they made them in light recoil calibers might be fun to see how many one could collect.

For all those who have No. 3 Rugers and don't like them PM me and I will gladly take them off your hands and give them a good home. They will be free right??

[Mr Humble]

shdwlkr (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/member.php?1613-shdwlkr) wants them free ..... heck, I'll give $100 bucks for each one you want to dump.

[shdwlkr]

shdwlkr (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/member.php?1613-shdwlkr) wants them free ..... heck, I'll give $100 bucks for each one you want to dump.

heck I might even be able to do that wouldn't want folks to feel cheated

[Mr Humble]

I'll go to $200 ! Let the bidding begin !

[ogre]

I purchased my first No. 1 ever, yesterday. It's in .357 Magnum (not the CHP model) and I'm looking forward to some fun times.

[Bill*B]

My 1976 #3 has THE best trigger of any rifle that I own, about 4 lbs but with NO travel - just press and BANG. If only all of my rifles had triggers like that!

[brstevns]

Going to sell off a few guns and start looking again

[skeettx]

SWEET, what are you going to sell????

[swamp]

There is a #1 here in 7x57 that I ma trying to resist. Don't want to set up for a new caliber..

[Texas by God]

Just removing the barrel band and reshaping the forend makes the #3 look better in my eyes. I like the #3's light weight because recoil is temporary but gravity is constant.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[MOA]

I've owned two. One chambered in 450/400, the other in 9.3X74R. No.3's IMHO are nice for 7X57 or similar power level cartridges down to and including 22 hornet. No.1's tropical for the heavyweights, No.1B's for all the milder between the two. Just my two cents worth.

[brstevns]

SWEET, what are you going to sell????

Not sure yet, anything special you are looking for?

[brstevns]

There is a #1 here in 7x57 that I ma trying to resist. Don't want to set up for a new caliber..

What is it going for ?

[WILCO]

There is a #1 here in 7x57 that I ma trying to resist. Don't want to set up for a new caliber..

Give in to it. No big deal on new caliber set up. Actually quite fun. Ask me how I know.

[swamp]

QUOTE=brstevns;4184419]What is it going for ?[/QUOTE]

He wants a $1000.00 for it. It is not a bad deal.
swamp

[Drm50]

I had a Sako 375H&H I bought new in late 60s. One of most accurate rifles I have owned. The
Rugers and Winchester rifles made in 375H&H were short barreled "tropical" guns. I got to using
the 375H&H for deer with 235gr Speer Semi Spitzer. I have a good supply of the Speer 235gr
left and decided to try them in Ruger #3/375win. Most accurate bullet so far in the 375Win.
Having said that I like #1s better, I wish they made a light barreled 26" in 375 Win. That would
be the ultimate Ohio deer rifle. My main peeve with #3 is stock is to short.

[Artful]

That would be the ultimate Ohio deer rifle. My main peeve with #3 is stock is to short.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1004673628/john-masen-recoil-pad-ruger-10-22-44-carbine-mini-14-and-mini-30-rifle-extended-rubber-black
https://media.midwayusa.com/productimages/880x660/Primary/425/425407.jpg

A black extended rubber recoil pad adds 1" to the length and helps with recoil absorption for the Ruger 10/22, 44 Carbine, Mini-14 and Mini-30.

Technical Information

Notes:
Uses original screws for installation.
Adds approximately 1" to length of stock.
Not compatible with plastic stocks, meant for use with factory wooden stocks, or aftermarket stocks properly inletted for the shape of the recoil pad.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/mgm-content/sites/armslist/uploads/posts/2015/03/08/4115960_01_ruger_10_22_parts_package__640.jpg
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41tbVKZLp-L.jpg

Pad works on 10/22, Mini-14, #3's anything else Ruger that uses that recoil pad/plate design.

[brstevns]

QUOTE=brstevns;4184419]What is it going for ?

He wants a $1000.00 for it. It is not a bad deal.
swamp[/QUOTE]

That is not bad. If I did not have a Old rem. RB in 7mm I would be looking for one.
Probably look for a 45/70

[brstevns]

Well I did it. sold off 4 of my utility type guns and got a use but nice Ruger 1S 45/70 coming my way.
Anyone else have this model? and how about a few loads , Something in the 1200-1300fps area. Have a 300 gr and 405 gr mold.
Have Unique, Bullseye, and Imr 4198 to work with.

[eck0313]

The #3s are handy carbines. My 375 is still fun to shoot with the heaviest of loads, as is the 30-40. Scoping can be a challenge; depending on the scope, you migh need extended rings to get in the the right “zone” for your head position. Buehler mounts (RIP) are beautiful, but require removing the rear sight.

BTW, the barrel band has not proven to be the basis of an accuracy problem on any of my #3s

[HawkEyeEarl]

I have had trouble reaching my scope on my number 3's.
I do not get full circle of light when I shoot usually since I am too far back.

I had considered buying a set of Buehler mounts to replace the Weaver #85 & #86 Top Mount Bases I have on one of the rifles.
With those bases I have I do not have to remove the rear sight I am careful.

Did Ruger make bases ? I have a set on one rifle that I have assumed were Ruger bases.
They look like the Buehler bases I saw for sale on line. Maybe mine are Buehler bases?
I have never removed them. and I have my rear sight still mounted with them.

[skeettx]

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/MVC-067S1.JPG

[kens]

#1H tropical, .375H&H
a real handful of rifle !!!!!

[HawkEyeEarl]

I have looked closer and then online. My mounts are Redfield I believe.
They have an R on them that I took to be Ruger.
But they are bigger than ruger mounts from the pictures I see. I like them.
They hang over the back a little for a little more rear positioning apparently.

Here is the picture I see of the Redfield on a post in Castboolits.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=116735&d=1411041550

Here are the Buehler
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=116740&d=1411042756

Here are the ruger mounts.
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=116737&d=1411041918

[Idaho Mule]

I am a fan of Bill Ruger's single shot rifles. First one I bought was for my oldest son, #1A in 270 Win. Very nice rifle (purchased used) that has really proven itself in the field. Second one (also used) is a #1B in 270 Win. for youngest son. He opted out of that rifle and traded me for another, so it is now mine, and will remain so. My third purchase of a Ruger #1 is when I found one on GunBroker.com , a #1A in 303 British, so I bought it. I let that gun stand in the safe for several years, and then finally started shooting it, and will be keeping it as well. And then we move on to the #3, bought one from another member here (thanks Alan) in 22 Hornet. I love 'em. JW

[ticket machine]

Just bought a Hybrid-A #3 in .30-40 Krag with a custom foreend and a No.1 Stock. Price was right and I can use it for hunting without ruining the value too much. I have 16 No. 1's from 6mm to .458 including 2 that were rebarreled, one in 6.5x53R and the other in .375 Rimless Nitro Express (9.5x57 M-S). My all time favorite for hunting is a No.1-B in .257 Roberts.

[jeffs4wheeler]

I had a Ruger no.3 in 22 hornet. it was a fun gun to shoot.