Ruger No. 1B Standard 220 Swift 26” Single Shot Falling Block Rifle & Scope
SOLD FOR: $1,675.00
LSB#: LSB250808JN002
Make: Ruger
Model: No. 1B Standard
Serial Number: 131-49098
Year of Manufacture: 1980
Caliber: .220 Swift
Action Type: Falling Block, Single Shot
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked with Ruger’s 2-line warning and Southport address. The left side of the barrel is marked “.220 SWIFT”. 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 receiver is mounted with a Leupold Vari-X III 6.5-20×40 scope with a duplex reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows no notable wear. Overall, the scope rates in Excellent condition. The scope is mounted on the quarter-rib, and sits in 1” 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. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stocks show light handling and storage wear, with a few scattered dings throughout the buttstock and forend, and one scuff on the bottom of the forend. The finish is strong throughout, and the checkering is well defined. The stocks fit tightly to the barreled action, with no play. 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 no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light handling wear, with a few minor hairline scratches on the barrel and receiver. There is some minor surface corrosion starting to form on the falling block. Otherwise, the bluing is in exceptional condition and it is deep and dark throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine 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 as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: Ruger’s No. 1 remains one of the most distinctive single-shot rifles of the 20th century—a modern revival of the classic falling-block action, built with the strength, accuracy, and restrained styling that turned it into an American icon. The No. 1B Standard configuration seen here, with its 26″ medium-weight barrel and clean quarter-rib, represents the rifle at its most balanced: enough barrel to exploit high-velocity cartridges, enough mass to steady the sight picture, and the elegant simplicity that made Bill Ruger’s design so enduring. This 1980 example chambered in .220 Swift captures all of that intent with clarity.
The .220 Swift has been a legend since the 1930s—America’s first commercial cartridge to exceed 4,000 fps and one of the flattest-shooting varmint rounds ever created. Known for its blistering velocity and laser-like trajectory, it remains a favorite among precision varmint hunters who value long-range performance and explosive terminal effect on small game. In a falling-block rifle with a rigid 26″ barrel and crisp single-shot operation, the Swift’s accuracy potential is fully realized, and this rifle’s 10/10 bore condition suggests it is more than capable of delivering the kind of tight groups the cartridge is famous for.
This No. 1B presents in Fine condition with roughly 98% original bluing, excellent walnut stocks, and only minor handling marks consistent with careful use. The Leupold Vari-X III 6.5–20×40 scope—clear, clean, and professionally mounted on the quarter-rib—completes the package and immediately places the rifle into the precision-varmint class for which the No. 1B .220 Swift was built. Elegant, accurate, and increasingly collectible, this is a standout example of Ruger’s premier single-shot rifle. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
