Ruger No. 3 Carbine .22 Hornet 22″ Falling Block Single Shot Rifle MFD 1976
SOLD FOR: $1,254.00
LSB#: LSB260630RH017
Make: Sturm Ruger & Co.
Model: No. 3 Carbine
Serial Number: 130-59924
Year of Manufacture: 1976 / Modern (Not C&R Eligible, as the month of manufacture cannot be verified).
Caliber: .22 Hornet
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 “MADE IN THE 200th YEAR OF AMERICAN LIBERTY .22 HORNET”. 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 an integral barrel ring. The rear sight is an adjustable folding U-notch sight, dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the barrel is mounted with a Weaver V7 2.5-7x scope, with a fine crosshair reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows light handling wear. Overall, the scope rates in Fine to Excellent condition. The scope is mounted to a two-piece Weaver base, and sits in 1″ Weaver rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece smooth wood stock set, with a straight grip, straight comb, plastic crescent buttplate, and a banded forend. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks show light wear, with a few light compressions scattered throughout, along with light finish wear at the butt of the stock, at the back of the comb. Otherwise, the stock’s finish is largely intact. 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 95% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with minor thinning of the finish on the barrel ring at the muzzle, along with light finish wear on the edges of the right side of the receiver. Otherwise, the finish is largely intact. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the 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: he Ruger No. 3 Carbine is a simplified, more utilitarian companion to the Ruger No. 1, using the same strong falling-block principle in a lighter carbine-style configuration with plain wood furniture and a streamlined lever. Chambered in .22 Hornet, this 1976 example combines mild recoil, excellent small-game and varmint capability, and the compact handling of the No. 3 platform. Its Bicentennial-era “MADE IN THE 200th YEAR OF AMERICAN LIBERTY” barrel marking adds an appealing period detail, while the mounted Weaver V7 2.5-7x scope complements the rifle well for field use.
This rifle is in Very Good condition overall, retaining about 95% of its original blue finish with minor thinning at the muzzle barrel ring and light edge wear on the right side of the receiver. The smooth wood stocks also rate in Very Good condition with scattered light compressions and localized finish wear at the rear of the comb, but no chips or cracks. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 10/10, while the falling-block action and safety function correctly. The included Weaver V7 2.5-7x scope has clear glass and remains in Fine to Excellent condition. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.