dunnyboy
Bearcat
I've been collecting Ruger Number One rifles in 45-70 since I was a kid in the early days - 1970 or thereabouts. I know they were first cataloged in 1970, and having read the available resources it seems that very few were made (25<) in the pre 130 prefix era. Personally, I don't know of any non-prefix examples. I have a few first year (1970) rifles, all standard 1S configurations, the earliest being less than 00300, and 3 more rifles at or near 01000 - and one of these was special ordered. I was wondering what other early 45-70 rifles are out there, and just how rare these first year rifles are. My estimate is that the earliest in my collection may be one of the first 20 or less made in this caliber, although I might modify that belief if there are some number of substantiated non-prefix examples out there. Anyone have information on an early one they would like to share?