Ruger No. 1B .257 Roberts 26” Falling Block Single-Shot Rifle, 1980 -1981

SOLD FOR: $1,025.00

LSB#: LSB250528MY075

Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.

Model: No. 1B Single-Shot Rifle

Serial Number: 132-05144

Year of Manufacture: 1980-81 (per Ruger factory records) Modern

Caliber: .257 Roberts

Action Type: Falling Block Single-Shot Rifle

Markings:
The top of the barrel is marked “BEFORE USING GUN – READ WARNINGS IN INSTRUCTION MANUAL AVAILABLE FREE FROM / STURM, RUGER & CO., INC. SOUTHPORT, CONN. U.S.A.”. The left side of the barrel is marked “.257 ROBERTS”. The receiver is marked with the Ruger logo and “RUGER / No.1”. The serial number “132-05144” is found on the underside of the receiver.

Barrel Length: 26”

Sights / Optics:
The rifle is not fitted with iron sights but has integral quarter-rib bases for Ruger-style scope rings.

Stock Configuration & Condition:
The stock is a two-piece checkered walnut set with a pistol grip, raised cheekpiece, and an Alex Henry–style fore-end. The walnut retains a satin finish with crisp checkering and light handling wear. There are small storage dings and surface marks but no major cracks or chips. The pistol grip cap bears the Ruger eagle medallion, which shows heavy oxidation. The butt features a solid black rubber pad that remains serviceable.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition:
The bore is semi bright with well-defined rifling and scattered oxidation visible near the muzzle and middle of the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6/10.

Overall Condition:
This rifle has extensive surface oxidation from long-term storage. The barrel, receiver, and small parts exhibit heavy rust freckling, particularly along the upper flats and around the falling-block hinge; some areas will likely reveal pitting once cleaned. Despite surface loss, the metal appears structurally sound and the action operates without severe binding. The wood is in much better condition, retaining most of its finish and figure. Conservatively estimate finish retention on metal at roughly 10–20%.

Mechanics:
The falling-block action functions and the extractor/lockwork are present. The block drops and closes correctly and the lever locks securely when closed. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories:
Included is the original Ruger cardboard shipping box labeled for a No. 1 with the handwritten serial “132-05144.” The box shows heavy age wear and partial collapse but is correct for the model and helpful for provenance. No manuals or additional accessories were noted.

Our Assessment:
The Ruger No. 1 remains one of Ruger’s finest single-shot designs — an American reworking of classic falling-block principles that offers mechanical simplicity, a slim profile, and excellent accuracy potential. Paired with the stalwart .257 Roberts cartridge, this rifle is a historically sensible combination: the Roberts cartridge (standardized in the 1930s) provides a flat trajectory and moderate recoil that made it a favorite among mid-20th-century hunters for deer-class game.

This example is a restoration candidate rather than a ready-to-shoot showpiece. The metal surfaces have heavy storage oxidation and localized freckling; a careful strip, rust treatment, and reblue (or sympathetic refinishing) would restore the rifle’s appearance and long-term preservation. Internally, the action and extractor appear intact and the bore—while dark—still shows defined rifling (7/10), which bodes well for accuracy if professionally addressed. The included factory box adds provenance value for collectors. For a buyer who values Ruger’s single-shot lineage, this No. 1B offers a real project with genuine upside: historically correct, mechanically honest, and ripe for an expert restoration that would return it to both functional and visual potential.

We are no longer offering layaway. KF