Ruger 1A? Are they worth the price/hassle?
- Thread starter buckhunter49
- Start date
I only have two at the time. A 303 and a 458 Win Mag.
The 303 is my Hunting rifle, and the 458 is a recent purchase that I'm still sorting out how I want it to be. Only about 20 rounds downrange so far. Would like to try swaging some bullets for it, since I can't seem to find 500 grain bullets for it at a decent plinking price. Good thing I cast my own.
The 303 hasn't seen very many factory loads through it, either. Mostly lead and paperpatch lead to account for the oversize bore. I even patched a few jacketed bullets to see how they would work, and I'm still dialing that load in.
My friends think I'm nuts for not hunting with a repeater. Doesn't matter. I am enjoying myself, and that is all that I care about.
The 303 is my Hunting rifle, and the 458 is a recent purchase that I'm still sorting out how I want it to be. Only about 20 rounds downrange so far. Would like to try swaging some bullets for it, since I can't seem to find 500 grain bullets for it at a decent plinking price. Good thing I cast my own.
The 303 hasn't seen very many factory loads through it, either. Mostly lead and paperpatch lead to account for the oversize bore. I even patched a few jacketed bullets to see how they would work, and I'm still dialing that load in.
My friends think I'm nuts for not hunting with a repeater. Doesn't matter. I am enjoying myself, and that is all that I care about.
This thread made me remember my no1 I had years ago. Bought one cheap in 416 Rigby. Shot everything into an inch so I put a 3-9 Leupold on it. I used that gun for all my hunting for 6 years. Moose elk deer. Never missed a beat and never needed a follow up shot. But I could load it almost as fast as a bolt gun. I foolishly sold it for what I paid for it. Bad habit of mine. I would love another but ...
You have to be choosy these days as far as "wood grain" goes... some are very bland, but there are still a good percentage that come out with nice grain and once in awhile something spectacular leaves the factory... gotta find those gems.
Londonshooter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- SW Ontario
I have no experience with single shot center-fire rifles but don't think one would reduce my success vs. a bolt action. Kind of looking for a backup or new-to-me primary rifle in 30.06. I see a lot of love for #1's. Do you feel that the Ruger has any advantages over a Browning B78? A model 70 featherweight would be lighter than a #1 and this seems odd to me.
The B78 tend to be longer but I don’t know if one is better than the other, I’m sure some one with the knowledge will chime in!
As for weight, the no1 aren’t the lightest in the safe lol! I think they could easily loose weight with less wood!!
The B78’s are lovely guns but tend to be quite heavy. I have experience with only one B78 and it was very accurate. It was chambered in 243 win. The stock and firearm were absolutely gorgeous. I prefer the 1885 low wall over the B78 personally. The Miroku made low walls are a joy to carry and all mine have shot well under MOA. I have three at the moment and only one Ruger #1 FWIW. Jed
- Location
- Southern Vancouver Island
Ageed. My B78 was in 25-06 & was a tack driver tho a tad hefty. The Miroku low wall in 6.5 Swede would be a dandy unit for me.
https://www.winchesterguns.com/prod...ts/model-1885-low-wall-hunter-high-grade.html
Londonshooter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- SW Ontario
Thanks for the wise counsel. I'm going to start my single shot foray with a B78 octagon with shotgun butt and see where it leads me. Now to choose the right optic.
That is some stunning walnut, Hoyt.
That is some stunning walnut, Hoyt.
Back when they were putting nice wood on them for sure!
The only heavy B78's I owned were the varmint models, and they were heavy for a reason.
Most were nice lightweight handling rifles.
The 1885 I have now has an RKS 26" barrel on it, scoped up is about 9 pounds but it doesn't feel like it.
Cat
Last Ruger I bought was the 1s in 7-08, it seems a bit slow, but I can see it wants to shoot, haven't had a chance to work on it enough yet to wring it out. Was a bit of a choker to pay the price they asked at the time, but, 1885 is the same money as them now. I've had #1's from 22-250 to 450-400NE, always been happy with them. Always been happy with 1885's as well. May consider a Low Wall again as they are back on the market in centrefire cartridges now. Don't think you can go wrong with a #1 or a Low wall in centerfire.
- Location
- Lloydminster
I am a big fan of all no. 1's. I have a few. I just acquired a 1-s in .35 Wh (the .35 Wh was also made in a 1-A). I will be using it for a musk ox fall hunt in a couple years. 
