Ruger No. 1-A Light Sporter .243 Win. 22″ Falling Block Single Shot Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,336.00
LSB#: LSB260511JS014
Make: Sturm Ruger & Co.
Model: No. 1-A Light Sporter
Serial Number: 130-22206
Year of Manufacture: 1976 / Modern
Caliber: .243 Winchester
Action Type: Falling Block, Single Shot.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked with Ruger’s address. The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN THE 200th YEAR OF AMERICAN LIBERTY .243 WIN.”. 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 pinned to a smooth ramped base, integral to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable folding U-notch sight, dovetailed to the quarter rib. The quarter rib is notched for Ruger rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut stock set, with a capped semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, red rubber Ruger buttpad, a checkered forend, and a sling stud in the belly of the buttstock. The front sling stud is integral to a ring on the barrel. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stocks show light to moderate wear, with scratches, dings, scuffs, and compressions scattered throughout. There is light flaking/thinning of the finish on the back of the buttstock towards the buttpad, on the forend tip, and on the top of the wrist. The checkering is mostly well defined, with a few light dings in the checkering on the left side of the wrist. The stocks fit tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is light fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light thinning of the finish on the edges of the lever, receiver, and on the top tang. There are a few spots of thinning finish on the barrel, with a couple of spots showing cold-blue touch-ups, along with light scratches and dings scattered throughout the metal surfaces. Otherwise, the bluing is largely intact. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Ruger No. 1-A Light Sporter is a classic American falling-block single-shot rifle known for its elegant lines, strong action, and excellent accuracy potential. Introduced as a modern interpretation of traditional sporting rifles, the No. 1 combines a compact falling-block mechanism with a quarter rib, open sights, and premium-style walnut furniture. Chambered in .243 Winchester, this configuration offers a versatile balance of mild recoil, flat trajectory, and suitability for varmints, deer-sized game, and general sporting use.
Manufactured in 1976 during America’s Bicentennial year, this example features the desirable Light Sporter configuration with a 22-inch barrel, checkered walnut stock set, and factory sights. The rifle retains approximately 85% of its original blue finish, with honest handling wear, some finish thinning, and minor touch-up evident on portions of the barrel and metal surfaces. The walnut stocks show field wear with scattered scratches, dings, and finish loss, but remain structurally sound with no chips or cracks. The bore remains strong, with bright surfaces, sharp rifling, and only light fouling present. Complete with its classic styling, strong mechanical condition, and desirable .243 Winchester chambering, this Ruger No. 1-A represents an attractive example of one of Ruger’s most enduring sporting rifle designs. – J.D.