Ruger No. 3 .45-70 Government 22″ Single Shot Falling Block Rifle, MFD 1984
SOLD FOR: $1,175.00
LSB#: LSB260421DD035
Make: Sturm Ruger & Co.
Model: No. 3
Serial Number: 132-39668
Year of Manufacture: 1984 / Modern
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Falling Block Single Shot
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked with Ruger’s 2-line warning & address. The left side of the barrel is marked “45-70 GOVT”. The top of the receiver is marked “RUGER / NO. 3”. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 22″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable folding U-notch sight, dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the barrel is drilled and tapped for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece smooth walnut stock set, with a straight grip, straight comb, plastic crescent buttplate, and a smooth banded forend. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks show minor superficial imperfections from being stored in its original box. The stock’s finish is intact. The stocks fit tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Excellent 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 99% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows no notable wear. The bluing is deep, dark, and intact throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in Fair condition (See “Mechanics” Section).
Mechanics: The action does not function correctly. The action is seized in the closed position. The lever nor the block budge when trying to open the action. We did use a bore scope to verify that the rifle is unloaded. This rifle will need to be sent to a qualified gunsmith to be checked over and repaired, before it will function. 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 its original serial number matching box, and owner’s manual/paperwork.
Our Assessment: Ruger’s No. 3 is a simplified, handy companion to the No. 1 falling-block rifle, offering strong single-shot construction in a compact sporting configuration with classic walnut-and-blue styling. This 1984 example is chambered in .45-70 Government, one of America’s great big-bore rifle cartridges, originally developed in the 1870s and still valued for heavy performance at short to moderate hunting distances. This rifle features a 22″ barrel, brass bead front sight, adjustable folding rear sight, drilled and tapped barrel for optics, smooth walnut stocks, and its original serial-number-matching box with owner’s manual/paperwork. The No. 3 configuration, .45-70 chambering, excellent cosmetic presentation, and original box package should appeal to Ruger collectors, single-shot rifle enthusiasts, and buyers looking for a worthwhile repair or restoration candidate.
This rifle is cosmetically very strong, retaining about 99% of its original blued finish with no notable metal wear. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 10/10 in this writer’s opinion. The walnut stocks rate in Excellent condition, showing only minor superficial storage imperfections, with intact finish, tight fit, and no chips or cracks. The markings are clear and legible, and the screw heads are sharp. However, the action does not function correctly and is seized in the closed position; the lever and block do not move, though the bore was inspected with a bore scope and verified unloaded. Because of this mechanical issue, the rifle rates in Fair condition overall and should be inspected and repaired by a qualified gunsmith before any attempt is made to fire or use it. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.