Sturm Ruger No. 1B Single Shot Rifle 243 Winchester 26” Falling Block Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,202.00
Make: Sturm Ruger & Co.
Model: No. 1B
Serial Number: 131-26148
Year of Manufacture: 1978
Caliber: .243 Winchester
Action Type: Single Shot Breech Loading, Falling Block, Lever actuated
Markings: The left side of the chamber is marked, “.243 WIN.”. The top of the barrel is marked, “BEFORE USING GUN-READ WARNINGS IN INSTRUCTION MANUAL AVAILABLE FREE FROM STURM, RUGER & CO. INC., SOUTHPORTPORT, CONN. U.S.A.”. The bottom of the receiver is marked, “131-26148”. There is a circled PR proof mark on the left side of the chamber. The top of the receiver is marked, “RUGER No. 1”.
Barrel Length: 26” from Muzzle to Breech.
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The top of the barrel is mounted with a quarter rib, and is set up for Ruger-Style rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered walnut with traditional capped pistol grip, fluted straight comb, sling rings front and rear, and a red rubber buttpad. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stocks show no notable signs of wear. The checkering is sharp on both the wrist and the forend. The finish on the stock is strong throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The stocks fit the frame tightly, with no play. Overall, the stocks rate in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp and deep. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is one patch of pitting in the bore, about an inch down from the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
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 and dark throughout. The screw heads are sharp. The bottom of the screw in the lever is marred. Overall, this rifle rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger has a crisp and clean break. The lever lockup is strong. This rifle comes with a tang mounted safety, and it functions correctly. 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: The Ruger No. 1 is a modern classic in single-shot rifle design — a simple, robust falling-block action that earned a devoted following for its inherent accuracy, elegant lines, and shooter-focused ergonomics. Chambered here in .243 Winchester and built circa 1978, this example pairs a 26″ barrel and a quarter rib set up for Ruger-style rings with a traditional capped-pistol-grip walnut stock, sling rings, and a red rubber buttpad — appointments that position the rifle as a purposeful varmint and light-game hunting tool with the aesthetic restraint collectors expect from late-1970s Ruger production.
Cosmetically and mechanically this rifle is exceptional. The metal retains better than 99% of its original blued finish with no notable wear; the stocks are sharp, well-figured, and free of chips or cracks, fitting the action tightly with a 13½” LOP. Internally the bore presents bright with deep, sharp rifling and rates 9/10 in this writer’s opinion due to a single patch of pitting about an inch from the muzzle — otherwise the bore is strong and serviceable. The action cycles and locks up properly, the lever lockup and tang safety function correctly, and the trigger breaks crisp and clean on our mechanics check; the sole serviceability note is a marred bottom screw in the lever that is cosmetic and does not affect function.
For the Ruger collector or shooter seeking a refined single-shot platform, this No. 1 represents a near-mint example that will perform on the range and present very well in a curated collection. Its combination of virtually full-retention finish, excellent stocks, and a strong bore (notwithstanding the minor pitting) make it equally attractive as a classic hunting rifle, or a highlight of a Ruger-focused collection. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
