Ruger No. 1 Fifty Years .45-70 Gov’t 22” Falling Block Single Shot Rifle

SOLD FOR: $2,113.99

LSB#: WY250330GC097

Make: Sturm Ruger 

Model: No. 1 Single Shot Rifle Fifty Years Anniversary

Serial Number: 133-62969

Year of Manufacture: 1999 (https://ruger.com/dataProcess/serialHistory/)

Caliber: .45-70 Gov’t

Action Type: Single Shot Breech Loading, Falling Block, Lever actuated

Markings: The bottom of the receiver is marked “133-62969”. The left side of the barrel is marked “.45-70 GOVT” with a PR proof. The top of the barrel is marked with a 2-Line Ruger Warning/Address. The top of the receiver is marked “RUGER / No.1”.  Both sides of the receiver are marked with Ruger 50 Years motifs and are engraved.

Barrel Length: 22”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed fore-to-aft to a raised base banded to the muzzle. The top of the barrel is mounted with a Ruger Scope Rail for Ruger scope rings. The rail has an empty dovetail. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered walnut with traditional capped pistol grip, straight comb, two sling studs front and rear, and rubber buttpad.  There is no visible handling wear.  The checkering is crisp and the peaks are sharp.  There are no chips or cracks.  The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad.  The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.  There is a small nick on the left side of the buttstock.  

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition:  The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp and deep. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.  

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish.  The screw heads are undamaged.  The markings are clear. There are a few minor marks on the exterior of the barrel. Other than that this rifle is pristine. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics:  The action functions correctly. The lever lockup is strong. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements. Tang Safety. 

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with its factory box, factory spent casing, owner’s manual, and gun lock. 

Our Assessment: The Ruger No. 1 50th Anniversary Edition is a distinguished single-shot rifle, commemorating half a century of Ruger’s firearm craftsmanship. Released in 1999, this limited edition model—only 1,500 units produced—celebrates Ruger’s founding in 1949. Chambered in .45-70 Government, it features a 22-inch round barrel with a barrel band ramp-mounted bead front sight and a folding leaf rear sight on a quarter rib. The rifle’s action is adorned with scroll engraving, gold borders, and a gold Ruger emblem, along with the inscription “1949-1999 FIFTY YEARS” and William B. Ruger’s signature on the bottom. The stock is crafted from high-grade Circassian walnut with cut checkering, a steel grip cap, and a black Ruger recoil pad. This model is not only a functional firearm but also a collector’s piece, reflecting Ruger’s legacy. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.