No.1 44 Mag Test Drive

[Buckeye Bill]

My No.1-S 44 Mag arrived today and I wasted no time going out for a fast test drive.

Fired some 240-grain factory Winchester White box and some 240-grain reloads.

Both shot fine with very little recoil.

My initial thoughts are that this rifle is very compact and easy to point.

The sights are what they are but I found them to be functional.

All my No.1’s have optics but this one might remain without them.

The rifle is a joy to shoot.

I just started shooting at a rock about 100 yards just to have a target. Easy hits.

The recoil was very mild with factory loads.











Bill

 

[pulaski]

Bill ,
Glad I'm not the only one shooting there 44 #1
Do you reload ? If so check out the new mold from Tom at Accurate Molds .
The 43-300S
My bullets were not long enough to keep the upper grease groove in the case .
I wrote to Accurate with my dilemma and Tom said he would design a mold to work .
The 43-300S will let you seat it out far enough to kiss the rifling .
Over 15g of 2400 I got 5 in 7/8" at 100yds.
Man this is a fun round in this rifle . Recoil is light and accuracy is spot on .
Steve

 

[Buckeye Bill]

pulaski,
I do reload but I have not started making my own components yet. I have been focusing on Hornady 240 grain XTP's with my 44's but recently started with plated bullets. Looking forward to getting some rounds on paper to see how it performs. Sounds like you got yours dialed in.

Bill

 

[mike7mm08]

I have a No 1 in 475 linebaugh. Could not find a scope I liked or that fit. I went with a NECG peep and a fiber optic front. Excellent combo.

 

[Buckeye Bill]

mike7mm08,

Post a picture if you can.

I enjoyed the factory sights but I bet yours are an improvement.

Bill

 

[pulaski]

Bill ,
Don't forget to try the Hornady 300 g. bullets . Mine loved them also .
Similar load of 2400 under the 300g works well .
Steve

 

[Buckeye Bill]

pulaski,

I got a box of 265 grain XTP's. I will have to pick up some of the 300 grain XTP's and see how this rifle likes them. I hope to shoot at some paper soon to see how mine groups with what I have loaded. I have been loading all weekend.

Bill

 

[Rumrunner]

Glad she's a shooter. The Front sight on them (including my 77/44) is too small for my liking (old eyes). I love the white bead on my Hawkeye Guide gun.

Nice pictures too.

 

[Buckeye Bill]

I know about the "white bead" front sight that you are talking about. I am open to that. I have to agree, much easier to see. I found this picture on the web.

http://www.realguns.com/articles/311.htm

I wonder I Ruger would part with a set of these for a fair price.

Bill

 

[mrdix]

Bill, how is the wood finish on your no 1 44 mag ? I just returned mine to the factory ; a close look at the stock showed 1\4" swirls in the wood under finish - I assume from the sanding process at the factory , like they skipped a grit of sandpaper - in strong light they showed up ! Not really acceptable on a new No 1 .

 

[Eliminator]

BB- Nice No.1!! Really liking my .44 mag as well. With open sights shooting 200 gr. and 240 gr. XTP hand loads I can pick off dirt clods on the berm backstop (100yds) at will. Accurate and tons of fun - handles well too as you've stated. I'm considering a 1-6 optic but have not committed at this point because I may install Skinner peeps instead. The only negative for me would be the wood. As I recall, in past decades the No.1 always had nicely figured stocks. Mine is a bit plain but entirely functional. This is my first and only No.1 and my first single shot centerfire rifle.

 

[Buckeye Bill]

mrdix,

The wood on my rifle is above current standard. I can not see what you are describing regarding swirls. I bet Ruger takes good care of you.

Eliminator,

I have only taken it out one time but on that occasion, it felt like I could hit anything that I could see. "Accurate and tons of fun" describes the rife perfectly. As of now, I am happy with open sights. I think I could be very happy with a set of these:

http://www.realguns.com/articles/311.htm

Bill

 

[mlazarus5388]

I went with the Skinner rear, and the NECG front with the white bead for my Number 1 44 Magnum. An absolute delight to shoot. Will make a great stand rifle.

 

[Buckeye Bill]

Got out for a short shooting session this afternoon.

I was just shooting off my truck without a good solid rest.

I set up a target at 50 yards and touched off a few.

Trigger is not great but I am getting used to it.



Bill

 

[Eliminator]

Eliminator,

I have only taken it out one time but on that occasion, it felt like I could hit anything that I could see. "Accurate and tons of fun" describes the rife perfectly. As of now, I am happy with open sights. I think I could be very happy with a set of these:

http://www.realguns.com/articles/311.htm

Bill

Bill - Those sights look as if they would allow for quick target aquisition. I can tell you it would be worth a call to Ruger CS to check for availability and pricing. The rear blades appear to be used on the African, Alaskan, and Guide Guns. The part number (for the rear blade only) may be D07725. Again, it's worth a call. I've purchased parts in the past that were reportedly impossible to get or "unavailable" from the factory.