Ruger #1 RSI

[black alder]

I am seriously looking at purchasing a older #1 RSI in 243 cal.
I want to use this for varmint hunting, groundhogs, coyotes etc.
This particular one was manufactured in 1986 and is in great shape
The problem I am having is that I am hearing various stories of poor accuracy, stiff triggers , bedding problems etc.
Is this a problem in the larger cal or is it affecting all.
I have heard that the barrel heats up and due to the full stock retains the heat which affects placement of the bullets with each additional shot
This model has the 20" barrel
I am looking for a gun with accuracy.
Would this be a good choice or should I be looking at a different model
The gun is fairly costly , therefore I do not want to make a mistake
Would appreciate input from #1 owners
Thanks

 

[cellar701]

If you are looking for a 1/2MOA varmint rifle then that likely is not your best option in my experience. I have been able to get all the No. 1s I shoot to 1 to 1.5 moa, but some of them took a little work. I only have one RSI and it is 7x57, and it shoots around 1.25 with the 2-7 variable glass I have on it. Honestly, if you are wanting to pop a praire dog at 250-300 yds it wouldn't be my choice - but it will do a good job on coyotes. JMHO.

 

[Bob/Olallawa]

You certainly can buy another brand or model. The problem will be, you won't own the beautiful #1 RSI you are looking at now. No they aren't target guns but they sure are nice to look at and most will shoot quite well.

 

[black alder]

You are right regarding the beauty of the RSI, that is the main reason I am hoping for some positive input regarding accuracy
As stated I am looking for use as a varmint gun, however just cant
't seem to let go when I look at the RSI
thanks

 

[Rocdoc]

All RSI versions: #1, M77, 77/22, 10/22 are the best of the best Ruger offerings IMO. Can't go wrong getting any of them, varmint rifles can be bought cheaper in other versions.

 

[mattsbox99]

Don't get discouraged, just because there are some poor shooters out there doesn't mean they all are. I don't own an RSI but all my No. 1s (recent production) are decent to sub MOA shooters.

 

[singleshot]

I've got several RSI's and they will all shoot very well once you find the load that particular rifle likes. So in my opinion, most No. 1's given enough trial and error will shoot very well for their intended purpose.



Although I've never purposely gone out with one of the RSI's for varmint, I have used on several trips a 1B for coyotes (grass seed fields and clear cuts).

Personally, given the distances I set up on for varmints (200-400 yards), the No. 1 RSI would not be my first choice. Although it's more than accurate enough for larger varmits out at those distances, I am not properly scoped, nor practiced with any RSI out to 400 yards.

So to answer your question... I would pick up the .243 because it's a red pad .243 RSI :-)

Seriously though, if you are planning on buying a RSI for it's beauty and plan on putting the hubble telescope on it to hunt varmints way, way out there, you will kill any beauty it had. So going with a 1B of 1V would be a better fit.

But if you are going to be hunting close in and properly scoping it, I'd go for the RSI... Besides, you will be hard pressed to lose money on a .243 RSI red pad unless you are way over-paying for it initially. A 95% + RSI red pad in .243 should be running anywhere from $800 all the way up to $1000 depending on wood, scope and if it has the box.

 

[Corbi]

I have a #1 RSI in 243. It shoots much better than MOA. At the range I will fire a 3 or 5 shot group then let the barrel cool. I am very pleased with the accuracy of mine. I would not hesitate to use this rifle for ground hogs, coyotes, or crows....deer during deer season too. I killed a pretty good buck with mine last season.

It would not be my primary gun on a praire dog hunt. I say that because of the volume of shoots on a praire dog hunt.

If you want a #1 RSI in 243 then get one!

Corbi

 

[dan3]

My #1 RSI 7x57 (.275 Rigby :lol: ) shoots 3/4 to 1 MOA out to 200yds with 175 slugs. Just have to let it cool a little bit between shots. Not a great long distance varmint gun = but have knocked down a coyote at 310yds with it.