RUGER NO.1
Posted May 19, 2023
The Ruger No.1 is the quintessential hunting rifle – simple, reliable and deadly accurate. It has earned its place among the most revered firearms of our time, and it is my pleasure to do an in-depth review.
At first sight, it is hard not to be taken with the Ruger No.1. Its classic lines represent the very peak of American gunsmithing – from the carved end of its walnut stock, to the checkered fore end and butt plate, it oozes hunting elegance. Everything about it exudes quality, from the steel parts, which have been finished to a deep blue, to the intricately engraved details, which are in sharp contrast with the plain barrel, making it a joy to take both sight and in hand.
As with many of the best rifles, the Ruger No.1 is based on an old design: It is closely based on the classic Martini-Henry single-shot, used during the late 19th century by both British and American forces. Ruger have taken this basic design, and worked to refine it until they had what they felt was the perfect hunting rifle for modern times. The result is a firearm that is at once traditional and modern, with only slight deviations from the original design – such as the addition of a tang safety, and the wider choice of calibers.
In terms of form and function, the Ruger No.1 is a paradigm of efficiency and reliability. It is a manually operated, falling-block action with a sin{le-set trigger, and it shoots the popular .30-06 round. It follows the classic lines of the traditional Martini-Henry action, but it's been modified with some modern tweaks to make it a more accurate shooter. The trigger pull is crisp and light, break is positive, and reset is virtually instantaneous.
In terms of accuracy, the Ruger No.1 is more than capable of producing sub-MOA groups at 100 yards, and it has been demonstrated to produce exceptionally tight groups at 600 yards. This is due to the precision engineering that has gone into accuracy-enhancing features such as the receiver, barrel and trigger. Add to that the reputation for quality and reliability that Ruger has become so well known for, and you can be sure that the No.1 will stand up to the most rigorous of hunting trips with ease.
Another great feature of the Ruger No.1 is its versatility. With its many available standards, barrel lengths and calibers, it can be tailored for different hunting or target shooting applications. This means it’s a great choice for the versatile hunter who likes to switch between disciplines.
One minor downside to the Ruger No.1 is its weight. The rifle tips the scales at 8.5 lbs, which is slightly heavier than most modern sporting rifles. While this will be no problem for experienced hunters, some may find the extra weight to be an unwelcome extra.
Overall, the Ruger No.1 is an outstanding hunting rifle. It's accurate and reliable, handsome and elegantly designed, with a choice of configurations and calibers to suit any hunting application. It's a firearm that will stand the test of time and is sure to remain a classic in the annals of hunting history. If you're in the market for a timeless hunting rifle, the Ruger No.1 is definitely a very worthy contender.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Ruger No. 1 is lightweight and easy to carry.
• It is an extremely reliable and accurate rifle.
• It is simple to field strip and offers a wide variety of calibers and configurations.
• It is made of high-quality materials and is very durable.
Cons:
• Ruger No. 1 rifles are quite expensive compared to other rifles in the same class.
• The rifle is quite long and heavy, making it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
• The one-piece stock design can be uncomfortable for some users.
• The recoil on magnum calibers can be quite strong, making it a challenge to shoot.
Who Should Buy
Who should buy RUGER NO.1:
Ruger No.1 is a rifle that is ideal for shooters who have experience shooting rifles and want a rifle that is reliable and accurate. It’s also ideal for intermediate and advanced shooters who are looking for a rifle with a classic look that they can customize in terms of finishes and accessories.
Who shouldn't buy RUGER NO.1:
Ruger No.1 is not a rifle ideal for novice shooters. It’s a capable rifle but one that requires a certain level of knowledge and experience to be able to use effectively. Additionally, Ruger No.1 is a relatively expensive rifle, so it’s not a practical choice for those on a tight budget.
Comparisons
| Feature | RUGER NO.1 | Similar Product 1 | Similar Product 2 | Similar Product 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 LR | .22 S/L/LR | .22 S/L/LR | .22-250 Rem |
| .22 Hornet | .22 Hornet | .223 Rem | ||
| Barrel | 22" | 20" | 22" | 22" |
| Trigger | Single | Single | Single | Adjustable |
| Action | Single | Single | Single | Bolt |
| Stock | Walnut | Walnut | Walnut | Synthetic |
| Capacity | 1 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Finish | Blue | Blue | Blue | Matte Black |
Features / Specs
•Barrel Length: 22 in (55.88 cm)
•Weight: 7 lbs 4 oz (without optics)
•Magazines: Internal Magazine
•Stock: Checkered Walnut
•Overall length: 41 in (104.14 cm)
•Sights: Steel sights or scope mount
•Safety: Tang safety
Popular Accessories
rifles
Popular accessories for RUGER NO.1 rifles include scope mounts, scope rings, trigger upgrades, extended magazine releases, muzzle brakes, recoil pads, and slings. Other upgrades include Picatinny rails, scope bases, tactical bolt handles, and more.
Accuracy
The Ruger No. 1 is an incredibly accurate classic single shot rifle that prides itself on its accuracy and reliability. It has a reputation for being incredibly accurate with a variety of different ammunition types, including exclusively factory loads. The rifle design’s inherent accuracy is also supported by Ruger’s strict manufacturing standards, which result in tight, uniform tolerances and excellent fit and finish. The Ruger No. 1 has also made a name for itself in competitive shooting circles due to its impressive level of accuracy, leading to strong performance in competitions.
