Custom Ruger No. 3 Number 3 30-40 Krag Single-Shot Falling Block Rifle 1975
SOLD FOR: $1045
LSB#: 211201KB12
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: No. 3
Serial Number: 130-55004
Year of Manufacture: 1975 (Ruger Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .30-40 Krag
Action Type: Falling Block Single Shot Rifle with Canjar Trigger
Markings: The underside left of the receiver is marked with the serial number, “130-505004”
Barrel Length: 27 1/2” replacement barrel
Sights/Optics: There is no provision for iron sights on this rifle. The barrel is drilled, tapped, and filled with a rail that has attached a pair of 1” Ruger rings which have installed a Burris 10x Fullfield scope. The scope body is mostly free of wear apart from a couple of linger scuffs on the objective bell. The glass is fairly clear, and overall, the scope rates in Very Good-to-Fine condition.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a replacement two-piece smooth wood with beavertail forend, semi-pistol grip, Monte-Carlo comb, and a ventilated brown rubber recoil pad. There are only scattered minor compressions and minor nicks, mostly on the comb, and some on the underside of the forend. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP is 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad. The buttpad has only a bit of light discoloration. Overall, the stocks rate in Fine condition, as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to the Parts
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The barrel has taken on a distinct plum hue and has several minor nicks and scuffs down the length. The receiver has a few minor nicks on the slide flats. The screws have minor tool marks with strong slots, and all markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork and Accessories: The scope rings as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Ruger No. 1 was introduced in 1967 and at first blush seems 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 rifle pattern—certainly the falling-block single-shot—was on the outs with most hunters and target shooters. The brilliant success of the Ruger No. 1 comes from its embodiment of Ruger’s design philosophy: simple, durable, reliable. It has been chambered in nearly 50 different cartridges and continues to be manufactured and sold to this day. This example happens to be a variant of the vaunted original, the No. 3, which was at the time a carbine version chambered in heftier cartridges and used for thick bush stalking. This No. 3 ostensibly hails from 1975 and is in Fine condition for being mostly custom. It is chambered for .30-40 Krag and features a heavy replacement barrel and replacement stocks. By appearances it seems set up for bench or perch shooting, as sling studs are not an option here. A funny thing is the .30-40 krag was considered a small bore round at the time of its manufacture, and that makes a sort of sense as it was a replacement for .45-70 Gov’t, but by no means is it small bore now. This No. 3 is a beast. Good luck and happy bidding!