I have a No 1 in 45-70 s/n 130-12XXX with the early checkering pattern. From what I can tell it was made in '74. Just wondering if anyone knows when Ruger started producing No 1's in 45-70? Also when did they change the checkering pattern? I've had other No 1's in different calibers that had it and at one knew some guys on other forums that would know but I've lost track of them.
Ruger No 1 45-70 Start of Production?
- Thread starter Bill_N
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gewehrfreund
Buckeye
I've been waiting for someone with a little more knowledgeable to chime in, but since they haven't, I'll give you my $.02
It's been suggested by those in the know that the earliest 45-70 No. Ones showed up in 1970, even though they may have non-prefix receivers (both are possible, but both are considered "non-prefix" guns).
Of course, these earliest examples have the 1st variation grip checkering and may have either the typical non-prefix fore-end checkering pattern, or the post-1969/70 pattern that continues up to today.
From somewhere around serial number 130-04999 to sometime in 1976, the grip checkering was the 2nd variation that your rifle should have.
I had one of the first 45-70s and sold it too cheaply, like most of the other No. Ones that I let slip through my fingers.
It's been suggested by those in the know that the earliest 45-70 No. Ones showed up in 1970, even though they may have non-prefix receivers (both are possible, but both are considered "non-prefix" guns).
Of course, these earliest examples have the 1st variation grip checkering and may have either the typical non-prefix fore-end checkering pattern, or the post-1969/70 pattern that continues up to today.
From somewhere around serial number 130-04999 to sometime in 1976, the grip checkering was the 2nd variation that your rifle should have.
I had one of the first 45-70s and sold it too cheaply, like most of the other No. Ones that I let slip through my fingers.
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here's ser # 4611 in 45/70. one of the very first ones ever made. they say there was a batch of 50 made. I don't believe this is one of them. this one was Bill Rugrs personal gun. it has some special features, and a lack of a few that should be on the rifle. but are not. Came from a Ruger family member. FNC
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such as?? I'm curious "it has some special features, and a lack of a few that should be on the rifle. but are not"
gewehrfreund
Buckeye
Nice rifle, but no, if you look closely, you'll see that your checkering is different than FNC's (and mine above). His/mine has 1st variation type, yours has the second variation (ca. sn 130-5000 through mid-1976)
no "S" In the safely, no "Gov" after the 4570 on the barrel and hood slotted front sight. earlyest know checking and slightly different from the first batch of the 50 known made production run. I got the gun from Bills R. grandson and I asked about the issues at hand. his reply to me was, when the old man call down and ask for one to be on his desk in the AM. it "F-en" better be there. we both laughed. added note, spending time with Kurt was some of the best days collecting. also, rifle came with Ruger Split Rings. FNC
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gewehrfreund
Buckeye
It should be noted that all the early 45-70s had the "square edged" buttpad versus the early rounded Mershon pad that they should have had from that time period.
I'm not seeing the difference. Can you elaborate? S/N on mine is 130-12xxx
gewehrfreund
Buckeye
Sure. If you look at the two pictures below of your rifle and FNC's, you should see what I'm talking about. The earlier rifles had more "sculpted" stocks and were more or less hand fitted/shaped and finished. The checkering on the grip was more extensive and extended back into the more defined dividing line between the grip and rear of the stock. The later rifles' stocks, like yours, were more "mass produced" with less subtle shaping and simpler checkering (i.e. faster and cheaper).
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chet15
Hawkeye
Serial number 5 is a 1H in .45-70. That gun was probably built as early as any of the Number 1's, so the .45-70 has been around in at least that rare form from about the very beginning.
Chet15
Chet15
gewehrfreund
Buckeye
Almost sounds like a "friend-of-Bill" rifle.
chet15
Hawkeye
The number 5 was Bill, Jr.'s rifle. But I don't think that was in his estate.
Chet15
