Ruger #1 Tropical 45-70

[Pass]

Just sent a request to the C.E.O. on Rugers' web sight to build the #1 Tropical in 45-70 with a weight of 8 1/4 lbs and a 24" barrel.
Looked at the Ruger Medium Sporter 45-70 in a store and @ 7 1/4 lbs I thought it too light for heavier loads in 45-70.
I have a #1 Tropical in 375 H+H with the same specs. 8 1/4 lbs.and 24" barrel and find the rifle balances well and is not muzzle heavy as compared to a #1 in .458 @ 9 lbs.
With the 45-70 being so popular; ammo and components less expensive and more widely available, I would like a rifle to better suited for heavier loads, still handle well, and is affordable to shoot.

 

[Ruger1nut]

Pass they did actually build this rifle in just this format in 1976. It was an uncataloged rifle of which it is my understanding that about 20 were made.

You would have better luck and better price finding a 1 of 1000 Lyman edition #1 in 45-70. They have a 28" barrel and you would have to add sites but it would fit the bill, I think.

Good luck with your search

Dave

 

[picketpin]

Of course if your desire is to make your 45-70 into a 458 complete with the added weight supplied by the 458 "Tropical" weight barrel, then buy a 458.

I understand that you own a 45-70 that you want to make into a 458 Win Mag, nbut Ruger already makes that rifle. You can'r convince me that 45-70 brass is THAT much cheaper than 458 Brass or that a guy needs hundreds of either if actually whacking BIG critters.

Your objection is you already have a 45-70 that isn't a 458. Ruger already builds a 458 just like the 45-70 you want. I'll never get rich trying to outguess the Ruger R/D people but think this one might just be a non starter.

By the way the data at the #1 site seems to indicate that the 45-70 is the second most popular/purchased #1, just like it is in the "S" Medium Sporter configuration. Then most of the guys admit they shoot cast bullets in theirs.

Simpler and quicker if you want to turn your 45-70 into a 458 is for you to simply re-barrel and re-chamber it.

RWT

 

[63November]

The 45-70 in the #1-S version may not make the most ideal form for a range gun. However, as a hunting tool, it is simply about perfect in my view. And if I tire of the recoil when running targets, it's easy enough to load back some. For that matter, there really isn't much that one is likely to go after on this planet that can't be managed quite well with loads that are perfectly safe in some lesser rifles. As Picketpin said, if you want a 458, then get one, but trying to further magnumize a 45-70 beyond what the Ruger can readily and safely handle isn't sinking in with me.

 

[BlkHawk73]

If you want hit .45-70 loads for comfortable shooting, buy a .458 hambered #1. The #1S isn't that bad actually.

 

[MFD]

I have a No. 1 SS in 458Lott and it is an all around gun for a big bore. Load 458WM down to 45/70 level w/435GCFN, 458WinMag level or all the way w/ 5-600grain solids in the Lott. Remington offers those bulk jacketed 405's which are easy on the pocket book and shoulder loaded down or you can take them all the way to near 2800fps if you want for some real dramatic impacts on water mellons!! Have shot mine now for something over a year and always impressed at just how versatile the rifle actually is w/ all the loads you can muster up.

martin

 

[OldRugerMan]

I'm with PASS on the weight issue of the 1-S 45-70- just too light even when shooting the Hornady ammo at 1800 fps. I sold mine - just too much punishment. I had an unmarked Lyman with the 28" barrel and got over 2700 fps with 300 and 350 grain bullets. It wasn't bad for recoil with the extra weight. Shoulda kept it!