I'm resurrecting this thread because I'm still interested in the subject No. 1. It is also still listed on the Ruger website. (The PC Carbine in 40 S&W was recently dropped from there, so they try to keep the website current.) I'm thinking with the annual SHOT show coming up, someone here might be able to attend and ask Ruger what is happening with No. 1 production.
That aside, some months ago I did find a nice 1A in 7x57. To sweeten me to the buy, it is a 200th Year gun. Have not shot it yet – winter in Wyoming and all; I'll wait until spring. Even so, it's a new favorite. (Picture, attached.)
This is my first gun in this caliber so I looked for some ammo. Pickings are slim at best. All the local gun shops laughed when I asked what they had in 7x57. So, I bought some online – some Privi, Federal, Remington. All 140 stuff, but I did find a Federal in 175gr. With the Ruger having a 1:8.75 twist, the 175gr should do pretty well.
I've also picked up the Redding FL die and seater. Been reading to find out what the favorite powders and bullets are. Seems Win760, Reloder 16/17, and IMR 4350 are some favorites. We had some Win760 locally. Bullets? I have some ELD-X 150gr I've used in the 7RM, so I'll start there.
As this 1A is my first "vintage" No. 1, I'd love to hear about differences from the "modern" (recent production) No. 1s. For example, I understand that the checkering used to be hand cut. True on this one? When did they go to machine "engraving".
Also, I found it curious that in Clayton's book, in the table in the back, he did not list the 7x57 for 1976, but does make reference to 7x57 in 200th Year Rifles in Chapter 9. What is the story behind that?
Sorry to have rambled on so long. I probably should have started a new thread with my questions, but we'll see what comes from this.