Pizza Bob 1,488 Posted June 25, 2020 First, the back story. I went to my local enablers shop on Tuesday to pick-up a S&W 617-5 that was clear of OGAM jail (Thanks, Bluesky Bob). While there I spotted a rifle that was on a display rack. What drew me to it was first the red butt-pad, but when I got closer, it became evident that the wood was absolutely spectacular. I gave it a cursory once over, but the wood pretty much blinded me to anything else about the gun. Went home and just couldn't stop thinking about it. Did a passel of research on it and realized that it was something special. I went back the next day and bought it. It was on consignment. I will bet that the previous owner decided to get rid of it because they couldn't get it to shoot worth a hoot. "Why is that", you may ask. While examining it, pre-purchase, I noticed that the front scope ring (This gun had a very nice Colorado Redfield Widefield 4X scope on it) was angled forward - which means that, A) The front ring was not really supporting the scope across the whole width of the ring; and, B) There may not have been enough elevation adjustment to compensate for the downward angle of the mount. I assumed that it had the wrong mount or somebody had installed the mount backwards. Since it was mounted where the barrel tapers, it caused it to be angled forward. Today I disassembled it. I found the mounts were the correct ones. Examining the one in question, really didn't reveal anything - it looked perfectly symmetrical. But, I decided to rotate it 180 degrees and when I remounted it, everything leveled out just fine. Since I had it apart anyway, I took the opportunity to change out the scope to a nice Leupold 2X-7X variable that I had collecting dust. Seemed better suited to the gun. OK, you have waded through all of the above, you deserve to see what I'm talking about... I purposely have not told you what this gun is, because I want you to guess - not as easy as it seems. There are two clues to the true identity of this gun. I will tell you that it is chambered in .22 Hornet, but that is really no help. Also, this gun is 45 years old - it's from 1975 and they stopped making it in 1986, Good luck. This may go quick. Adios, Pizza Bob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
10X 3,296 Posted June 25, 2020 It looks a lot like a Ruger #1, though not the current production models. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JC_68Westy 1,024 Posted June 25, 2020 Ruger No. 1? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CAL. .30 M1 2,101 Posted June 25, 2020 Ruger # 3 from 1973 - 1986 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bklynracer 1,264 Posted June 25, 2020 I don't know rifles, but do know a a beauty when I see one. Nice find. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pizza Bob 1,488 Posted June 25, 2020 48 minutes ago, USRifle30Cal said: Ruger # 3 from 1973 - 1986 Winner, winner, chicken dinner. The Ruger #1 and Ruger #3 used the same falling-block receiver. The #3 was like a Chevrolet to the #1's Cadillac. In the 70's the #3 sold new for appx $165 and the #1 for $265. That action is one of the strongest rifle actions out there and can chamber anything from the .22 Hornet to the .458 Magnum (I've shot a #1 in .458 - not fun). Someone must have found this gorgeous take-off wood (from a #1B) - I can't imagine what went back on the #1 it came from - and installed it on this #3 receiver. The giveaways that this is really a #3 are the under-lever shape (that actuates the falling-block) and the barrel configuration at 22". The original configuration of the #3 was a straight wrist, plain walnut stock (no pistol grip) with a steel butt-plate. They also had a barrel band at the end of the forearm - which a lot of folks removed as it was deemed detrimental to accuracy. This may actually call for a recreational trip to the range, as I now have two rifles to sight in. This #3 and a CZ 527 Royal in .223. Thanks for playing. Adios, Pizza Bob 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CMJeepster 2,777 Posted June 26, 2020 Jeez, Bob! Leave some firearms for the rest of us! Nice pick up. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
silverado427 10,687 Posted June 26, 2020 Clean looking rifle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites