Custom Engraved Ruger No. 1 .375 H&H Magnum Single-Shot Rifle, 1967 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,613.99
WOA#: WY240415EH217
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: No. 1
Serial Number: 527
Year of Manufacture: 1967 (Ruger Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .375 Holland & Holland Magnum
Action Type: Falling Block Single Shot Rifle
Markings: The stop of the barrel is marked “375 H&H” at the chamber. The top of the receiver is marked “RUGER” inside a banner above “No. 1”. The underside left of the receiver is marked with the serial number “527”. The bottom of the falling-block is serial matched to the receiver with an electric pencil. The receiver has rose-and-scroll engraving with motif on the lever.
Barrel Length: 26”, Tapered Irregular Octagonal
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a hooded, beaded blade dovetailed to a ramped boss integral to the barrel at the muzzle. The rear sight is an express-style sight with a fixed leaf and three taller folding leaves, each with a vertical aiming reference (no notches). The barrel has dovetail cuts for an optic mount (none present).
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered deluxe walnut with fleur-de-lis motif, checkered cheek panels on the wrist, semi-beavertail forend, pistol grip, straight comb with shadow-line cheekpiece and orange rubber Old English buttpad. The stocks have only a few scattered minor marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad, 13 3/8″ to the back of the wood. The pad has some scattered wear, cracking, and discoloration. Overall, the stocks are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Refinished when customized.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor erosion, mostly at the muzzle-end, and some stubborn copper fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 or 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The action shows minor operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent 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 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 (certainly of the falling-block variety) 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 helped revive interest in the archaic falling-block action, has been chambered in nearly 50 different cartridges and continues to be manufactured and sold to this day.
This particular specimen is an absolute beauty, customized with a gorgeous set of deluxe walnut stocks, case-color receiver with rose-and-scroll engraving, and a very impressive barrel. Chambered for .375 H&H, the barrel has a tapered irregular octagon profile with an integral front sight base, express rear sight, and optic mount cuts. It’s tragic that the barrel is not marked with the maker’s name, as it is obviously made by a master of the craft. This is a distinct rifle that should appeal to fans of the classic Ruger No. 1 as well as those that can just appreciate an expertly made rifle. Good luck on your bid!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
