First Year Ruger No. 1 .22-250 Rem. 24″ Heavy Barrel Single Shot, 1967 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,025.00
LSB#: LSB260707JR005
Make: Sturm Ruger & Co.
Model: No. 1
Serial Number: 1893
Year of Manufacture: 1967 / C&R
Caliber: .22-250 Remington
Action Type: Falling Block, Single Shot.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked with Ruger’s Southport address. The left side of the barrel is marked “.22-250”. The top of the receiver is marked “RUGER / No.1”. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number “1893”.
Barrel Length: 24″ Heavy Contour.
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The top of the barrel is mounted with a two-piece dovetail scope mount 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 Ruger buttpad, a checkered forend, and sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stocks show light wear, with light scratches, dings, and compressions scattered throughout. The stock’s finish is intact, and the checkering is well defined. The barrel channel in the forend has been sanded out in order to free-float the barrel. The wrist has a repaired crack in it. The crack may or may not be able to be seen in the photos, but it does come off of the top tang, and down the left side of the wrist. The stocks fit tightly to the barreled action, with no play. Overall, the stocks rate in Fair to Good condition. The stocks would rate higher, but the repaired crack brings the overall rating down a bit.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows minor freckling of surface corrosion on the top of the receiver and on the grip cap, light pitting on the top tang, and moderate pitting on the right side of the receiver, where the buttstock meets up with the receiver. Otherwise, the bluing is largely intact. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are tooled, but retain strong and serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. 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 mount as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Ruger No. 1 is one of the most distinctive modern American single-shot rifles, built around a strong falling-block action and styled after the classic sporting rifles of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Introduced in 1967, the No. 1 immediately established itself as a premium sporting rifle, and this low-serial-number example dates from that first year of production. Chambered in .22-250 Remington with a 24″ heavy-contour barrel, it is especially well suited for varmint and precision shooting, while its early production date and classic walnut-and-blue configuration add meaningful collector interest.
This rifle is in Good condition overall, retaining about 90% of its original blue finish with minor surface corrosion freckling on the receiver and grip cap, light pitting on the top tang, and moderate pitting on the right side of the receiver at the stock line. The checkered walnut stocks rate in Fair to Good condition with scattered light handling wear, a repaired wrist crack extending from the top tang down the left side, and a forend barrel channel that has been sanded to free-float the barrel. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 10/10, while the falling-block action and safety function correctly. It includes the installed two-piece scope mount. As a first-year 1967 Ruger No. 1 in .22-250 Remington, this remains an interesting early example despite its stock repairs and metal pitting. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.