Some general questions about the No. 1

[annasophia]

I'm on the search for a good used rifle for all around use in the intermountain west and I've been considering mostly bolt actions until I came across a No. 1 in 7mm yesterday. It has a Leupold M8 4X scope and the gun is in probably 95% condition. It has iron sights and ruger rings with the scope included. It's in the "Tropical No. 1" variation with the barrel ring sling mount instead of having the forward sling swivel mounted on the stock. I looked it up on the Ruger website and it was made in 1978. They want $600 + tax for it. I have always loved the look of these rifles but have no experience with them firsthand. It is above the price range I was originally looking in, but honestly, I like this rifle's looks so much that I think I could make the extra stretch pretty easily. Here's where I need your input. Are there any quirks I should know before jumping into the No. 1 cult following? This would be a new caliber for me but my father and brother both shoot 7mm and I would likely start loading for them as well once I pick up the dies in this new-to-me caliber. Overall, I understand that the No. 1 is a time proven design and that it has the "perceived" single shot limitations. Is this a screaming deal or should I keep looking?

-Anna Sophia

 

[gewehrfreund]

If the rifle is in good shape, that's about as good a deal on a 1S (it's the Sporter version, not the Tropical, which has a heavier, shorter barrel) as you're going to find these days. With the Leupold 4X, it's a super deal (again, if the scope is in good shape). Sounds like a perfect hunting set-up for your part of the country, and if you're interested in a No. One, I wouldn't hesitate to buy this one. Good luck.
Lance

 

[picketpin]

Seconded.

Ross

 

[mattsbox99]

That is about a $400 scope, so you're basically getting the rifle for $200. I would jump on it in a heartbeat.

I've got on of those M8s in 6x and its my favorite setup (on a .350 Rem Mag M77MKII)

 

[Heliman]

My first experience with a #1 rifle was a 7mm Mag in a 1B configuration. Suffice to say, it was the beginning of my exposure to and following adoration for this fine rifle.

Excellent choice, in my opinion!

Dave

 

[luvs2hunt62]

I'd buy it in a heartbeat---the scope is covered by Leupolds lifetime warranty---

 

[Chief 101]

There is one quirk with this rifle Anna Sophia, if you buy this rifle and use it, you will just want another so be forewarned. This is a great deal on a great rifle. Chief aka Maxx Load

 

[METLHED57]

I'd buy it in a heartbeat---the scope is covered by Leupolds lifetime warranty---

The Ruger is pretty much a lifetime warranty also. Like was stated earlier though, be forewarned, they are an addiction. Someones sig states it best, "I have one more than I need, but one less than I want."

 

[four70nitro]

The "quirk" you should know about is that these things are addictive and the disease in contagious!

Dave

 

[annasophia]

I picked it up for a great price so I'm excited to take it out and see what I can do with it. I think I'll probably swap the scope for a new Redfield 3x9x40 and put the x4 power on a .22 I have that needs an upgrade in glass. I also need to get a die set and some brass to start working up some loads for it when I get time. Thanks for the input guys!

--Anna Sophia

 

[pulaski]

What the others have said is true , the addiction thing is the bad part of the deal . It is as bad as any addiction , with no real cure .
Buy the dang thing and enjoy the adventure .
Steve

 

[olywa]

You may find that the Redfield doesn't have the eye relief you will need for a No. 1. That little M8 4X Leupold is a pretty darn good match and it has loads of eye-relief.

 

[don44]

It is a great rifle.... enjoy it. :)

 

[63November]

That is about a $400 scope, so you're basically getting the rifle for $200. I would jump on it in a heartbeat.

I've got on of those M8s in 6x and its my favorite setup (on a .350 Rem Mag M77MKII)

That was an excellent deal. However, the scope, while an excellent choice in any of the variations the M-8 4X was made in, is not a high dollar scope. Usually they sell for $150-200 depending on model variation and condition. Even so, the rifle, the lovely #1-S version, was a very good deal. And you could do a lot worse than that scope on that chambering. It's what I like on my #1s, at least the ones I don't have 2.5X scopes on.