Ruger #3

[azleite]

Hi Folk's, I was out & about the other day & went into a LGS that I rarely frequent. As I was about to leave a carbine on the wall caught my eye. Turns out it was a Ruger #3 in .223 cal. in super clean condition. I fell pretty hard for this little gun & asked the owner if there was any chance he could hold it for me to put on lay away next week-he said sure. The price is $650 OTD- is this reasonable? Are these fairly rare? Would anyone know the barrel twist rate? Thank's for any help-Dave

 

[gatling]

The price is reasonable, in my opinion.

 

[G2]

.223 & 45/70's usually run in $6-700 range, by the sounds of the condition I think you did good.

22hornets strong 700 range.

30/40Krag 7-800 range

375 Winchester strong 800 range.

The highly per sued 44 Mag 1000-1400.

"the" rumored 30-06 ???? :shock:

Twist of the .223, some of my Ruger literature states 1:12 but A lot of .223 owners say it's 1:10.
I don't own a 223 cal or 22 hornet (yet :roll: ) so I can't offer up a field measurement.

 

[gewehrfreund]

The No. 3 in its original form is a club (in my opinion), but they can be the basis for some very nice custom rifles.

 

[azleite]

Thank's to all for the info. G2, I remembered last night that I have the book Ruger and his guns. I found some info on the #3, I'm thinking the .223 is probably the more common caliber. The book states 30,000+ guns total over a 13 year run (all calibers combined) is not a lot. You're correct on the 1/10 twist according to the book. I wonder what bullet weight would be optimal for that twist? I'm getting older and seem more drawn to these classier guns with blue finishes and wood stocks. Gewehrfreund, why do you feel #3's are clubs in stock form? Are there accuracy issues? I gotta say those customs you have are just beautiful firearms-especially that International. Thank's-Dave

 

[gewehrfreund]

Thank's to all for the info. G2, I remembered last night that I have the book Ruger and his guns. I found some info on the #3, I'm thinking the .223 is probably the more common caliber. The book states 30,000+ guns total over a 13 year run (all calibers combined) is not a lot. You're correct on the 1/10 twist according to the book. I wonder what bullet weight would be optimal for that twist? I'm getting older and seem more drawn to these classier guns with blue finishes and wood stocks. Gewehrfreund, why do you feel #3's are clubs in stock form? Are there accuracy issues? I gotta say those customs you have are just beautiful firearms-especially that International. Thank's-Dave

I know some people love them as they are, but the stock design is just visually and ergonomically poor. I know Bill Ruger was going for a 19th century retro look and feel, but as anyone who has ever shot one of these with a moderate or stout 45-70 will attest; they are cruel and unusual punishment.
The rifle pictured with the mannlicher stock is a 45-70 - it looks and handles a lot better than it ever could with the factory stocks.

 

[wunbe]

#3s do indeed make sweet platforms for custom rifles.

I have three customs in handy stalking rifle profiles. They are in 6.5 Swede, 7mm 08, and 257 Roberts AI.

I had mine stocked without grips as the straight stock allows for a steadier hold w/o the curved lever in the way. The smith who built the Roberts for me even reconfigured the lever into a shorter profile much like the one on the Dakota Arms single shot.

wunbe

 

[G2]

I think your going to like 55 gr bullets.

And yes I can attest to any load other than Remington 300 gr in the 45-70 is punishing.

I haven't shot and don't shoot my 45-70 much but when I first acquired it came with an assortment of ammo, the only one that seemed reasonable was the Remington 300 gr load. So if I were to shoot it more would load mild 300 gr or build a custom like those above :shock:

azleite what state do you reside?

 

[azleite]

G2, I'm in North Texas. I appreciate the reply's. I agree that .55 grn bullets will probably work best & look forward to shooting this little gem- Dave

 

[Ditmo]

I've got a #3 in 45-70 and the stout loads are indeed punishing. I only shoot trapdoor loads through mine now.

 

[azleite]

Well Folk's, I went the gun store after work yesterday and slapped a third down on it. It looked even better than when I seen it the first time. I also found a blued (!) pretty much NIB Bushnell Banner 1.5-4x20 scope for it. Now I've got to hunt down some quality blued rings to match, happily the gun comes with blued mounts already on it. Thanks to all for giving me insight-Dave

 

[5of7]

I have a #1 in 45/70 and can testify that a handload featuring a 400 gr. bullet at 1700 fps is all I want to shoot from the bench.

Standing, it ain't that bad, but sitting is a little painful. 8)

 

[G2]

Does it have Ruger Scope Bases or Redfield?

If it's Ruger I have a set of Ruger, #4 medium, Blue, $35 tyd. There like new 99.9%.
They did get loose mounted and then found out I needed #5 high.

 

[azleite]

Howdy G2, I just got back from some time off & noticed your post. The mounts that were on the carbine looked to be Weaver style. I know they weren't Ruger type bases, but I appreciate the offer. Thank's-Dave