Better of the two, #1 or #3

[gnappi]

I've been jonesing for a Ruger 45-70 since forever. After missing one several years ago due to my indecision it's become a quest of sorts.

I "think" that the #3 was a less expensive model with less spectacular wood but there were functional issues.

I'd like to know more about the two, their strengths and weaknesses in 45-70.

 

[arfmel]

The greater weight and rifle butt on the Number 1 make a big difference in comfort when shooting, compared with the carbine butt and light weight Number 3.

 

[Bullthrower338]

Can't speak to the No.3 but I love my No.1 45/70. Well, I haven't met a No.1 I don't like.

 

[instructor]

I have a No 3 which is now barreled in 45/70 Gov't cartridge, but the barrel is much thicker wall dimensions than one that the factory came with as a new rifle. Being heavier does do away with some of the recoil but I still use a leather recoil pad, and it is comfortable to shoot now. Also the accuracy is improved somewhat which is a good thing. The NO 3 is a perfect hunting rifle in this caliber in my area for the average deer kill is less than 100 yards
and that is no problem for the 45/70.

 

[trapperon]

Well first as far as action strength they are both the same. Both will handle ruger only 45/70 loads.
The no. 1 features lacking in the no. 3 are integral scope mount, sling swivel studs, and usually nicer walnut which is checkered and pistol gripped. The no. 1 has a very elegant appearance.
The no. 3 is walnut but usually very straight grain, no checkering, straight stock with curved buttplate. Also has a barrel band. A much simpler look but attractive in its own basic way.
If you are choosing only one I think the no
1 would forever make you proud and without regret or "wish I woulda" thoughts!
The no. 1 is just a class act, period!
Ron

 

[G2]

I found the #3 is punishing! , ended up just shooting Springfield Load.
Have a friend who really wanted it, so he now owns it. He saved me from myself spending a bunch of $$ ,,, building a custom.

I know of a few #3's that have been converted to #2's,,, what's a #2 ?? ,,, a #3 with a #1 Butt Stock and the fine ones got a different forend, with a pewter nose. Very elegant looking rifles. This is where I was headed with my #3 45/70.
Still have a 30/40 Krag that I'm considering…
I have handled a RJ Renner 45/70 w/ the Pewter Nose, it is a lot of $$ but was exceptional.

A very intriguing website…

Ruger No.1 & No.3

Ruger No.1 and No.3 Stalking Rifle, Ruger No.1 custom work

www.rjrenner.com

.

 

[BULL'S-EYE]

I've owned a total of 4, and have never been able to hold on to a No. 3 for very long. But, I've owned several No. 1's for decades...So, that alone should tell you how I compare the two.

The No. 3 is now long discontinued, and commands collector level prices.
The No. 1 is now on very limited production, and basically being kept on life support by Lipsey's.

If I were you, I'd look for a nice used No. 1 Red Pad 45/70. There were a lot of them produced, and aways several with the exceptional wood that was used during that time period listed on Gunbroker.

 

[BearBiologist]

As always, the answer to your question lies with what YOUR needs and YOUR wants are!!

 

[gatling]

I own and shoot both. The comments above are accurate. I don't load to the higher levels; I shoot Springfield-compatible loads, and at those levels, the No. 3 recoil is acceptable to me. The much lighter weight of the No. 3 makes it easier to carry when hunting, and on every shot on game I've never felt the recoil. The No. 3 doesn't have sling swivel mounts, but I never use a sling. They are both cool rifles.

 

[jyo]

Over the decades, I've owned several #3 rifles---really more of a carbine than a rifle---I owned a 223 that I had my gunsmith rebarrel to 454 Casull---still have it. I also still own a factory #3 in the rather rare 44 Magnum caliber---both of these have some noticeable recoil when using full-shout ammo, but not so bad, but the 454 will get your attention! In the past, I owned a very nice #3 in 45-70---VERY unpleasant to shoot---I believe I only shot 3 rds thru it before it found a new owner! I do have several boxes of the original Freedom Arms "Reduced" 454 factory ammo that tones it down to mere 44 Mag levels, and also use some reloaded 454 ammo with a 300 grain lead flat-point bullet over 10 grains of Unique powder that is reasonable to shoot... I've also owned a #2 in 223 that had a rather nice #1 stock on it when I bought it used and was a really nice shooting rifle (wish I still had it!), but was offered a lot of $$$ for it and #3s were really common at the time so I didn't think it would be hard to replace, but I was wrong...
If you really want a 45-70, I would recommend a #1!

 

[Paul B]

Can't speak to the No.3 but I love my No.1 45/70. Well, I haven't met a No.1 I don't like.

Well I can speak for both. First off, either one can handle the same loads regarding strength and power. However, at the upper level 45-70 loads the #3 is downright brutal. I've run 500 gr. cast bullets from the two I've owned at the 1500 FPS+ level and they flat out hurt. They were almost as bad and firing factory loads in my Ruger #1H in .416 Rigby. I only shot that one just enough to be sure I could put in a good hit on somethng big and nasty at 50 yards or less. I was thinking Cape Buffalo at the time. The trip never came about. Guess I can still use it should an invading T-rex jump the fence into my back yard.
The #3 is a nice light carbine in a reasonably powerful cartridge. Keep loads at or only slightly above factory level and it's reasonably pleasant. Try to make an elephant gun out od it and you'll enjoy the bruises for a while.
Paul B.

 

[instructor]

Several years ago, bought a NO 3 in 45/70 caliber and definitely agree the recoil with stout loads is not a pleasant thing to do. Had Douglas make me a new barrel but of considerably more weight and attached a butt plate leather pad and even with stout loads it is a whole lot nicer than when new with that very light weight barrel. I loaded some Woodleigh 600 grain jacketed bullets (from Australia) and a mild load of powder and first time I shot the rifle with those loads from the bench did not do that again, recoil was indeed fierce!! Actually very similar to my 458 Lott bolt gun!!

 

[Klondike Mike]

I've had a couple of Number 1's but just couldn't warm up to them. On the other hand my Dad's old Number 3 45/70 is light, quick and carries easily in the woods. The original owner had a butt pad professionally installed which helps little with recoil. No one can arque that the recoil is not bad with full pressure loads. Lord knows I tried enough of them to know. It took me awhile but I finally realized that the 45/70 loaded with black powder nearly wiped out the American bison so I certainly didn't need more power for deer hunting in the cedar bogs of northern New England. Loading the 45/70 to tolerable recoil levels makes the sighting in more pleasant and filling a tag only takes one shot so why beat yourself up?

 

[daveag.]

The big difference in shooting would be butt stock. I have an Officers Model 77/50. Same design as #3. Touching off 100 grs. of BP leaves a lingering impression. The above posted , Ruger #2 sounds like a great idea.

 

[daveag.]

As always, the answer to your question lies with what YOUR needs and YOUR wants are!!

Please give more thoughtful insight!

 

[BearBiologist]

Please give more thoughtful insight!

Sure!

I've had several 45-70's. The Marlin 1895 was better for hog hunting. The Sharps re-pro was used for SASS side matches, the two 1886 was used for "nostalgic" elk hunts. My 25-06 1V was used for antelope hunting in Wyoming. For esthetics, the #1 wins hands down. For horseback, I would expect the #3 would handle better.

 

[krw]

I have never owned either to shoot. But the barrel band on a #3 would have to be detrimental to good accuracy

 

[Green Frog]

My take on a #3 in 45-70 is that it's waaay too much of a good thing. Of course I only shot Dad's #3 a mere 2 rounds before we both agreed it should be traded. (He only shot it once!) The little #3 carbine is great in appropriate chamberings, but in 45-70? That would be a hard no!
Froggie

 

[OMCHamlin]

I've never shot a #3 in 45/70, how would that compare to an Encore with a 500 S&W Katadyn barrel? Worse, huh?

 

[Hawk-in-Wi]

at least the Encore has a decent butt pad , I have a 500 S&W 20" Pro Hunter barrel , still new in package , probably should sell it , cause I don't think my old shoulder would like it very much , even have 2 boxes of ammo setting waiting for a go around