Ruger No 1 California Assn. of Highway Patrolmen Limited Edition 357 Magnum
SOLD FOR: $1,050.00
LSB#: LSB250528MY017
Make: Sturm Ruger & Co.
Model: No. 1
Serial Number: 132-44005
Year of Manufacture: 1984 (https://ruger.com/dataProcess/serialHistory/)
Caliber: .357 Remington Magnum
Action Type: Single Shot Breech Loading, Falling Block, Lever actuated
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked with Ruger’s 2-Line warning & Southport address. The left side of the barrel is marked “.357 MAG.”. The top of the receiver is marked “RUGER / NO. 1”. The bottom left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The left side of the receiver is marked “CALIFORNIA ASSN. OF HIGHWAY PATROLMEN / LIMITED EDITION”.
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade, pinned to the ramped integral barrel ring. The rear sight is an adjustable flip-up U-notch sight with a white diamond aiming reference, dovetailed to the quarter rib. The quarter rib is set up for Ruger style 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 buttpad, a checkered forend, and sling studs front and rear, with the front sling stud being part of the front barrel ring.. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stocks show light wear, with only a few minor dings and dents throughout. The checkering is well defined. The forend fits the frame tightly, with no play, however, the buttstock is a little loose. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is pitting present just inside the bore from the muzzle down about 3”. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light to heavy surface corrosion and pitting on the grip cap, lever, receiver, barrel, sling studs, falling block, and the muzzle. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in Fair to Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the tang safety. The firing pin engages when the lever is brought upwards. We highly recommend a qualified gunsmith inspect and repair the action/trigger. 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: This Ruger No. 1 is a well-built example of Ruger’s single-shot falling-block design and is consistent with Ruger’s late-20th century production of high-quality sporting single-shots. Chambered in .357 magnum, this cartridge was developed in the mid-1930s to provide a handgun round with significantly greater velocity and terminal performance than the .38 Special.
The rifle retains most of its original blued finish but shows light to moderate surface corrosion and pitting on several metal parts, and the bore exhibits pitting that results in a 7/10 rating. The walnut stocks are in fine condition overall, with the forend fitting tightly and the buttstock slightly loose. The lever and falling-block lockup function, and the tang safety operates. Critically, the firing pin engages when the lever is brought upward, which presents a safety concern. We highly recommend that a qualified gunsmith inspect and repair the action and trigger mechanism before any attempt is made to load or fire this rifle. This rifle will be of interest to collectors and hunters who appreciate Ruger’s Limited Edition single-shot rifles; with proper professional servicing and a thorough cleaning, it could return to safe field use or serve as a solid display/restoration piece. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
