Sturm Ruger No. 3 .30-40 Krag 22” Single Shot Falling Block Rifle, MFD 1978
SOLD FOR: $1,025.00
LSB#: LSB250528MY107
Make: Ruger
Model: No. 3 Single Shot Rifle
Serial Number: 130-54482
Year of Manufacture: 1979
Caliber: .30-40 Krag
Action Type: Single Shot Breech Loading, Falling Block rifle.
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded front blade dovetailed to the muzzle. The rear sight is a flip up “U” notch rear sight with a white triangle aiming reference under the notch, dovetailed to the barrel. The barrel has been drilled, tapped and plugged for scope mounts.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece smooth walnut stock set, with a straight grip, straight comb, crescent black plastic butt plate, and a banded & rounded profile forend. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The wood shows only minor superficial storage marks. The stock’s finish is strong throughout. The stocks fit the frame tightly, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Fine to Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion, but there is light corrosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light surface corrosion on the barrel, lever, and falling block. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. The lever lockup is strong, but a bit stiff due to corrosion in the action. 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. 3 is a straightforward, rugged falling-block single-shot that echoes classic single-shot designs—simple, rigid, and built for accuracy. Chambered in .30-40 Krag, a turn-of-the-century military cartridge adopted with the Krag–Jørgensen rifle, this 22″ example is drilled, tapped and plugged for scope mounts and retains its original two-piece walnut stocks in Fine to Excellent condition. Cosmetically the rifle retains approximately 95% of its metal finish with light surface corrosion on the barrel, lever, and falling block; the bore presents bright rifling with light corrosion and rates about 8.5/10.
Functionally the action cycles and the safety operates, though the lever lockup is a bit stiff from surface corrosion as noted in Mechanics. The rifle’s clean lines, original wood, and strong remaining bluing present well; a careful cleaning and gunsmith inspection to address the corrosion and free the action would be appropriate. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
