Ruger No. 1B Standard .204 Ruger 26″ Single Shot Rifle MFD 1997, Rebarreled
SOLD FOR: $1,131.00
LSB#: LSB251028TC006
Make: Sturm Ruger & Co.
Model: No. 1B Standard (01322)
Serial Number: 133-42022
Year of Manufacture: 1997 ( Rebarreled with a factory Ruger barrel in .204 Ruger Circa Post-2004.
Caliber: .204 Ruger
Action Type: Falling Block, Single Shot.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked with Ruger’s 2-line warning & Southport address. The left side of the barrel is marked “204 RUGER”. The top of the receiver is marked “RUGER / NO. 1”. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 26″
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The top of the receiver is mounted with 1″ Ruger rings for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece, checkered walnut stock set, with a capped semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, black rubber Ruger buttpad, and a wide forend with sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stocks show light wear, with scratches, dings, scuffs, and compressions scattered throughout. The checkering is mostly well defined, with a few of the dings being located in the checkering. The stock’s finish is largely intact throughout. 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 some minor fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with scattered scratches and dings throughout the barrel and receiver. The bluing is deep and dark throughout. 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 tang mounted 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: This rifle comes with the scope rings as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Ruger No. 1 has long been admired for blending classic single-shot form with modern Ruger engineering, and this 1B Standard configuration represents that formula at its most elegant; a slim, accurate sporter built around Bill Ruger’s legendary Farquharson-inspired falling-block action. While the rifle itself dates to 1997, the later installation of a Ruger factory .204 Ruger barrel brings it into the era of high-velocity varmint cartridges, pairing the No. 1’s inherent precision with one of the fastest commercial small-bore rounds ever introduced. The result is a rifle that maintains the refined lines and handling qualities of the original No. 1B while offering the flat trajectory and explosive terminal performance that made the .204 Ruger a standout when it debuted in 2004.
The .204 Ruger cartridge emerged as a joint Hornady/Ruger development during the early 2000s push for ultra-high-velocity, low-recoil varmint rounds. Built on a modified .222 Remington Magnum case and typically firing 32–40 grain projectiles, it was designed to exceed 4,000 feet per second while maintaining excellent downrange stability and minimal wind drift. Its niche has long been precision shooting on small targets at extended ranges, where its cleanliness, low recoil impulse, and remarkable speed offer a distinct advantage over traditional .22 caliber varmint rounds.
This particular rifle presents well, retaining strong metal finish, a bright and sharp bore, and the classic Ruger No. 1 aesthetic with only honest handling marks on the walnut. The rebarreled configuration opens the door for modern varmint or predator hunting, while still giving collectors and shooters the unmistakable charm of the No. 1 platform, its balanced single-shot profile, tang safety, and smooth falling-block action remain hallmarks of Ruger’s most sophisticated rifle design. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
