Ruger No. 1 Single Shot Rifle .243 Win. 26” Falling Block Rifle 1969 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,000.00
LSB#: LSB250528MY009
Make: Sturm Ruger & Co.
Model: No. 1
Serial Number: 7863
Year of Manufacture: 1969 (https://ruger.com/dataProcess/serialHistory/)
Caliber: .243 Winchester
Action Type: Single Shot Breech Loading, Falling Block, Lever actuated
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked with the Ruger Southport address. The left side of the barrel is marked “.243 WIN.”. The top of the receiver is marked “RUGER / NO. 1”. The bottom left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 26”
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. This top of the barrel is mounted with 1” Ruger rings for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut stock set, with a capped semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, red rubber buttpad, a checkered forend, and sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stocks show light wear, with scattered scratches, dings, and scuffs throughout. The buttstock has patches of discoloration on the left side, and there are some dings in the checkering. The stocks fit the frame tightly, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Good to Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light surface corrosion and pitting on the lever, grip cap, sling studs, trigger guard, top of the quarter rib & scope rings, and inside the action. The bluing is mostly deep and dark throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the tang safety. The lever lockup is strong, but it is stiff due to the corrosion in the receiver. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the scope rings as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: This Ruger No. 1 single-shot presents as a well-made hunting rifle with some wear, but can be in useable condition with sound mechanics in a very short time. Chambered here in .243 Winchester, this cartrige was introduced by Winchester in 1955 and quickly established itself as a versatile varmint and medium-game round. Its combination of a relatively small, high-velocity 6mm (.243″) bullet and moderate recoil made it popular with hunters and target shooters for attaining flat trajectories and good sectional density for ethical deer-sized game at typical hunting ranges. Paired with the strong, simple Ruger No. 1 falling-block action, the .243 Winchester offers a reliable, accurate single-shot hunting package.
The action cycles and the tang safety functions as intended, though the lever lockup is noticeably stiff due to surface corrosion in the receiver; a professional cleaning and light rust mitigation should restore normal lever feel. The metal retains approximately 95% of its original blued finish with the bluing remaining deep and dark in unaffected areas. Notable finish issues include light surface corrosion and small areas of pitting concentrated on the lever, grip cap, sling studs, trigger guard, the top of the quarter rib and scope rings, and inside the action. The stock set fits tightly and shows light wear—scattered scratches, dings, and some discoloration on the left side of the buttstock—placing the wood in Good to Very Good condition. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and shows only some fouling in the grooves; the bore rates approximately 9/10 in this writer’s opinion. Overall, the rifle rates in Good condition and is a handsome, functional example of Ruger’s falling-block single-shot rifle.
This rifle will appeal to a buyer seeking a classic, single-shot hunting rifle in a practical and popular chambering.. Minor cosmetic restoration could further elevate resale or collector value, but the rifle is serviceable as presented after the recommended maintenance. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
