Suggestions for Ruger No. 1 specialist

[DE1216]

I have a project simmering, would appreciate input on yor experience with 'smiths who have done Ruger No. 1 conversions. The guy I had always assumed I'd have do the work is off the list as he has not yet returned another rifle I sent for a simple modification. Been way too long... I want my rifle back and am not inclined to send him another. There are 2 decisions.... who does the work, and do I do the conversion on my existing 45-70 or pay for another No.1 to be the base gun for the project. Dang those things have gone up in price, used to be you could find one used for a modest price sold by someone who didn't like getting beat up by the 22" lightweight big bore models. I want to rebarrel with a heavy 24-25" 45-70 barrel with extra long throat for heavy cast bullets. Essentially a "Heavy Tropical" build but in 45-70 rather than .458WM.

 

[Nomosendero]

That would be a good rifle

 

[seasterl]

I had JD Jones ream my 45-70 No.1 chamber to accept the Hornady 500gr solid. Replace the sights with NECG, add weight to the stock to bring up to about 8.5# and you'll have a really nice gun. I made the mistake of converting my 45-70 and wish I'd left it along. While I do like the cartridge it became, sight regulation became an issue that took time to sort out (for elevation). I did a second No.1 after that. But the smith that did the cartridge conversions took way, way too long and I'll never send him another. He did a good job and price was good, but I think it took like a year (and this was a decade ago). If I had it to do all over again, I'd just stick with the 45-70 and be done. Adding weigh, maybe some wood work, butt pad, sights, and it's solid.

 

[MIshooter]

I would go with Steve Durren at Johnsons Sporting Goods, Adrian MI. He is currently the President of the American Custom Gunmakers Guild and a professional metalsmith and stockmaker. He does excellent work and has worked on all kinds of Ruger #1 projects and caliber conversions, including rimfire.