Alan in GA
Single-Sixer
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2008
- Messages
- 327
I've been watching the posts and pictures of the new Ruger #1 in 44 mag. It is hard to believe that neat packages like this come late in the #1's life(?) when it appears production is a scant chance in the near future. We hunt in tree stands here in Georgia with deer kill shots averaging 35 yards in my experience in taking about 60 or so deer. My 'perfect' tree stand rifle has been thought about a LOT during my years of my so enjoyed time in the woods. It is short - 'compact' but still having a barrel long enough to give less than unbearable muzzle blast. Therefor a single shot fills the bill. It is chambered in a non magnum cartridge to also help with power but not having a deafening hearing ruining muzzle report. Our whitetail are not hard to kill unless a hunter forgoes a properly placed shot and tries to make up for it with magnum power.
So,.. my 'perfect' tree stand guns have been T/C Contender carbines in 44 mag and 35 Rem, Handi Rifles in 45/70, 30/30, and 357 mag and maximum.
Now this 20" barreled #1 in 44 mag fits right in with my formula for what would make a GOOD tree stand rifle. I don't think I'll find an affordable one unless the sales success of this short run encourages Ruger to make another run. I like fancy Walnut but would be happy with a walnut 'Plain Jane' stock. 44 Rem Mag or even 35 Rem or 358 Win would all be fine, I'd even entertain a 45 Colt in these neat short Ruger #1's! Probably a few other medium cartridges would do well, too.
BTW- a single shot rifle has never been a negative for hunting deer. It has been quite easy to take two deer with two shots a few seconds apart. I've never felt like I 'needed' a repeater although I've used them a good bit as well.
So,.. my 'perfect' tree stand guns have been T/C Contender carbines in 44 mag and 35 Rem, Handi Rifles in 45/70, 30/30, and 357 mag and maximum.
Now this 20" barreled #1 in 44 mag fits right in with my formula for what would make a GOOD tree stand rifle. I don't think I'll find an affordable one unless the sales success of this short run encourages Ruger to make another run. I like fancy Walnut but would be happy with a walnut 'Plain Jane' stock. 44 Rem Mag or even 35 Rem or 358 Win would all be fine, I'd even entertain a 45 Colt in these neat short Ruger #1's! Probably a few other medium cartridges would do well, too.
BTW- a single shot rifle has never been a negative for hunting deer. It has been quite easy to take two deer with two shots a few seconds apart. I've never felt like I 'needed' a repeater although I've used them a good bit as well.