Ruger No. 1S Medium Sporter .45-70 GOVT 22″ Single Shot Rifle, MFD 1974 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,728.00
LSB#: LSB260224HE142
Make: Sturm Ruger & Co.
Model: No. 1S Medium Sporter
Serial Number: 130-08459
Year of Manufacture: 1974, C&R
Caliber: .45-70 Government
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 “45-70 GOV’T”. 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, notched and pinned to a ramp integral to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable folding U-notch sight dovetailed to the quarter rib. The top of the quarter rib is mounted with a Leupold Vari-X II 1-4x scope, with a duplex reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows light wear, with a few scratches and dings in the scope’s finish. Overall, the scope rates in Very Good condition.
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 sling rings front and rear. There is a leather sling attached to the rifle. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stocks show light wear, with a few light scratches and compressions scattered throughout. The checkering is well defined and the stock’s finish is intact. The wood grain is vivid and attractive. The stocks fit tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Very 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. 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 wear, with minor thinning of the finish on the muzzle and on the leading edges of the front sight/ramp. There is some light operational wear on the falling block, and on the lever. The bluing is deep, dark, and intact, otherwise. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are lightly tooled, but retain strong and serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Very 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 sling and scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: Introduced in 1967, the Ruger No. 1 quickly earned a reputation as one of the finest modern single shot sporting rifles ever produced. Its Farquharson-style falling block action is both immensely strong and elegantly simple, allowing for a compact receiver and excellent barrel rigidity. The No. 1S Medium Sporter configuration, with its 22 inch barrel and quarter rib, strikes a practical balance between portability and classic styling. Chambered in .45-70 Government, a cartridge introduced in 1873 for the U.S. military and still respected for its heavy bullet performance and authoritative energy, this rifle pairs 19th century power with 20th century engineering.
This 1974 C&R example remains in very strong overall condition, retaining approximately 98 percent of its original blued finish with only light thinning at the muzzle and minor operational wear on the block and lever. The walnut stocks show attractive grain and well-defined checkering, with only light handling marks present. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and rates 10 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. It is equipped with its factory brass beaded front sight, folding rear sight on the quarter rib, and a Leupold Vari-X II 1-4x scope in Very Good condition. Mechanically sound and complete with its sling and optic, this is a handsome and capable No. 1S in a classic big bore chambering. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.