Ruger No. 1 Number One .45-70 Govt 22" Single Shot Falling Block Rifle 1978

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Sold For: $1,251

LSB#: 200709ZP75

Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.

Model: No. 1

Serial Number: 131-19658

Year of Manufacture: 1978 (https://ruger.com/dataProcess/serialHistory/)

Caliber: .45-70 Govt.

Action Type: Falling Block Action with Farquharson Lever and Internal Hammer

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “45-70 GOVT.”, has an encircled “SR” proof. The top of the barrel is marked with Rugers two-line warning. The top of the receiver is marked “RUGER / No. 1”. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number.

Barrel Length: 22”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade housed in a slot in a ramped riser. There is no rear sight installed, there is an empty dovetail cut on the scope base. The scope base has a crack in front of the rear ring. The top of the barrel is installed with a one-piece scope base which secures a pair of rings holding a Weaver K4 scope. The scope has a coat of scattered oxidation plus a few infrequent scuffs and little nicks. The scope has a very fine crosshair with a small dot in the center. The glass has a faint amount of haze but target acquisition remains easy. The scope rates in about Very Good condition.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two-piece checkered pistol grip wood stocks have a steel grip cap, fluted straight comb, and rubber buttpad. There are a few small compressions and draglines but no chips or cracks. The most noticeable defect is on the left side of the butt. The checkering is strong and attractive with only a few faint compressions. The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the smooth rubber buttpad. The buttpad has light wear and scattered stubborn residue that will likely come off with patient cleaning. The stocks rate in about Fine Plus-Overall overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling deep and sharp. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are no major defects, just light handling wear to the rifle. The scope base has cracked in front of the rear ring. The screw heads are lightly worn with deep strong slots. The markings are strong. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is the previously described Weaver K4 scope.

Our Assessment: The Ruger No. 1 was introduced in 1967 and, at first, is an odd design choice for a modern rifle. Repeating rifles of many different designs had become the norm by the late ’60s and the single shot, much less the falling-block single-shot, was on the outs with most hunters and even target shooters. The brilliant success of the Ruger No. 1 comes from its embodiment of Ruger’s design philosophy. It is simple, it is durable, it is reliable. It doesn’t hurt that it’s gorgeous, too! One of its designers, Lenard Brownell, said he had tried several times to blow one up, but couldn’t (https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2015/2/5/a-look-back-at-the-ruger-no-1/). It has been chambered in nearly 50 different cartridges and continues to be made and sold to this day. This example appears to have seen hardly any use, and has plenty of life left in it with a phenomenal bore and is already topped with a scope. It was produced in 1978, is chambered for .45-70, and has a nice stock set…you can’t go wrong. If you’ve been looking for a classy single shot rifle or are a fan of Ruger firearms, this may be just what you’re looking for. Please see our photos and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This rifle can be transferred/sold in California.