Ruger No. 1 Number One 01398 375 Holland Stainless Falling Block Rifle 2002
SOLD FOR: $1525
LSB#: 211001DC64
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: No. 1 (Model #01398)
Serial Number: 133-81039
Year of Manufacture: 2002 (Ruger Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .375 Holland & Holland Magnum
Action Type: Falling Block Single Shot Rifle
Markings: The stop of the barrel is marked with a Ruger warning over “STURM, RUGER & CO., INC. / SOUTHPORT, CONN. U.S.A.”. The left side of the barrel is marked with “.375 H&H MAG.” and a Ruger proof mark. The top of the receiver is marked “RUGER” in a decorative ribbon over “No. 1”. The underside left of the receiver is marked with the serial number “133-81039”. The grip cap and buttpad are marked with the company’s phoenix logo.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade in-line dovetailed into a fluted banded base that is fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a flip-up u-notch/square-notch dovetailed into barrel rib which is notched for Ruger rings (no rings are included).
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a two-piece smooth gray laminate wood with pistol grip, beavertail forend, fluted straight comb, and textured black rubber buttpad. There are sling studs on the belly of the buttstock and forend. Beyond the series of light nicks and scuffs on the right side of the buttstock, there is only minor handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP is 13 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The buttpad is free of notable wear or damage. Overall, the stocks rate in Fine-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion, but light stubborn fouling persists down the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are scattered minor hairline scuffs on the barrel, the most notable between the barrel band and front sight. The action has minor operational wear. 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: None.
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 hails from 2002 and is in Fine condition. It is chambered for .375 Holland & Holland Magnum, making it useful for more serious large game. This Ruger No. 1 is a handsome stainless with a stylish gray laminate stock that feels quite nice in hand—the serious hunter would do well to make a play for this rifle. Good luck and happy bidding!