Pre-Warning Ruger #1 No. 1 .375 H&H Single Shot Falling-Block Rifle, 1978

SOLD FOR: $1,200.00

WOA#: WY240415EH227

Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.

Model: No. 1

Serial Number: 131-16644

Year of Manufacture: 1978 (Ruger Serial Number Lookup)

Caliber: .375 Holland & Holland Magnum (.375 H&H)

Action Type: Falling Block Single Shot Rifle

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “STURM, RUGER & CO. INC., SOUTHPORT, CONN. U.S.A.”. The left side of the barrel shank is marked “.357 H&H MAG.” and with a Ruger proof mark. The top of the receiver is marked “RUGER / No. 1”. The bottom left of the receiver is marked with the serial number.

Barrel Length: 24″

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade atop a ramped, banded base fixed to the barrel. There is a quarter-rib screwed to the rear of the barrel. A folding “U”-notch rear sight is dovetailed to the rib; the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation, has a white diamond aiming reference, and can be reversed to present a square notch. The rib is cut for Ruger rings (not included).

Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with schnabel-tip forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb and orange rubber Ruger buttpad. There is a sling stud in the belly and a sling mount on a band in front of the forend, each has a QD swivel installed. The stocks have a few light nicks, scuffs and scratches, mostly on the left side and most notable behind the grip checkering above the belly. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad. The pad has minor wear and a little discoloration. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn copper fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 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 about 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 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 No. 1 was made back in 1978, just before the Ruger Warning was stamped on the barrel. It has a strong bright bore chambered in .375 Holland & Holland Magnum and is ready to add to your collection or go on your next safari. Good luck on your bid!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud