Sturm Ruger No. 1 Single Shot Rifle 22 Hornet 22” Falling Block Rifle, 1989
SOLD FOR: $1,385.00
LSB#: LSB250528MY025
Make: Sturm Ruger & Co.
Model: No. 1
Serial Number: 132-81091
Year of Manufacture: 1989 (https://ruger.com/dataProcess/serialHistory/)
Caliber: .22 Hornet
Action Type: Single Shot Breech Loading, Falling Block, Lever actuated
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked with Ruger’s 2-Line warning & Southport address. The left side of the barrel is marked “.22 HORNET”. The top of the receiver is marked “RUGER / NO. 1”. The bottom left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade, pinned to the integral barrel band. The rear sight is an adjustable flip-up U-notch sight with a white diamond aiming reference, dovetailed to the quarter rib. The quarter rib is set up for Ruger style 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, with the front sling stud being on a barrel band.. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stocks show minimal wear, with only the most minor of superficial imperfections and handling wear. The checkering is well defined. The stocks fit the frame tightly, 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 semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is pitting throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light to moderate surface corrosion and minor pitting on the grip cap, lever, receiver, barrel, front sight, and the muzzle. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in Fair condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the tang 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: None.
Our Assessment: Ruger introduced the No. 1 in the late 1960s as a modern take on the classic single-shot falling-block rifle, offering a simple, strong action prized by hunters and precision shooters for single-shot accuracy and reliability. Chambered in .22 Hornet, this cartridge is an early small-bore, high-velocity centerfire cartridge developed for varmint and small-game hunting in the early 20th century; it became popular for its flat trajectory and light recoil in lightweight rifles.
This Ruger No. 1 single-shot falling-block rifle is a fundamentally sound example of the model but should be offered with full disclosure due to visible corrosion and bore pitting. The action cycles properly and the tang safety functions as intended. The metal retains approximately 90% of its original blued finish, though the balance of the metal shows light to moderate surface corrosion and minor pitting on the grip cap, lever, receiver, barrel, front sight and muzzle. The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling but exhibits notable pitting throughout and in this writer’s opinion, rates approximately 6/10; a qualified gunsmith should inspect the bore and chamber to determine whether the rifle is safe to shoot or requires re-barreling or other remedial work. The two-piece checkered walnut stock set fits tightly, shows only minimal handling wear, and rates in Excellent condition. With a bit of TLC, this Ruger No. 1 in .22 Hornet can be up and running in no-time! This rifle would make a great addition to an already existing Ruger collection, or an addition to a selection of hunting rifles to give yourself more variety to choose from when its time to hunt small game and predators. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
