Sturm Ruger No 1 Single Shot Rifle 257 Roberts 26” Falling Block Rifle 1981
SOLD FOR: $1,435.00
LSB#: LSB250528MY018
Make: Sturm Ruger & Co.
Model: No. 1
Serial Number: 132-05156
Year of Manufacture: 1981 (https://ruger.com/dataProcess/serialHistory/)
Caliber: .257 Roberts
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 “.257 ROBERTS”. 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: 26”
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The receiver is mounted with Ruger 1” rings, mounted on the quarter rib.
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 wear with minor scattered scratches, dings, and scuffs throughout. 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 Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is very minor pitting present towards the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light to heavy surface corrosion and pitting on the grip cap, lever, receiver, barrel, scope rings, and the muzzle. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in Fair to Good 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: This rifle comes with the scope rings as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: Ruger introduced the No. 1 in the late 1960s as a modern interpretation of the classic single-shot falling-block rifle, producing a strong, precise action that has been favored by hunters and precision shooters who value single-shot accuracy and a traditional silhouette. Chambered in .257 Roberts, this cartridge is a long-established medium-bore sporting cartridge developed in the early 20th century and popularized as an efficient, mild-recoiling round that offers flat trajectory and good terminal performance on medium game; it has remained a respected choice among hunters and handloaders.
This Ruger No. 1 single-shot falling-block rifle presents as a solid, well-fitting example of the model but should be offered with full disclosure due to finish corrosion and localized pitting. The action cycles correctly and the tang safety functions as intended. The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling and shows only very minor pitting toward the muzzle, which rates approximately 9/10. The rifle retains about 85% of its original blued finish and the balance of the metal shows areas of light to heavy surface corrosion and pitting on the grip cap, lever, receiver, barrel, scope rings and muzzle. The two-piece checkered walnut stock set fits tightly, shows only light handling wear, and rates in Very Good condition. For a collector or a shooter/hunter looking for a single shot rifle to refurbish, this Ruger No. 1 in .257 Roberts is the perfect candidate. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
