Which #1

[BrianU]

I recently received some money for Christmas, with the instructions to get something special. I have always wanted a #1 Medium Sporter and remember talking to a gentleman several years ago at a gun show that had a large selection of #1s. I could only remember he was from somewhere south of where I live, so I used Ruger's distributor locator. On my third call, I found him and he told me he had several Medium Sporters, including the 300 H&H I was looking for. There was no way I could make it to his shop before closing time, but he told me to call him when I could make it and he would wait for me. I set up a time and checked out his shop. You know, if he would have only had the 300 H&H I was looking for, I would buy it and be happy. However, this gentleman had a #1A in 6.5 Swede and 35 Whelen. He also had a #1 AH in 25-06. As much as I would also like to have a #1 in 6.5 Swede and 35 Whelen, the #1 AH 25-06 has really caught my eye. That Alexander Henry forearm and slim 24" look really good. I am going back with cash in hand Tuesday evening and now I can not make up my mind, the 300 or the 25-06. So......anyone have any experience with the #1AH in 25-06 and how does that slim barrel shoot?

Brian

 

[chapped lips]

Brian,gonna do something that won't help ya at all.....
my #1 in 25/06 is a B model...133 prefix....it places 87 grain speer TNT's and 120 grain nosler Solid Bases to the same POI at 100yds....6 shots you can cover with a nickel on my best days.

but a .264 would be sweet....real sweet.

 

[El Numero Uno]

The Ruger No.1AH in .25-06 is the best kept secret in the No.1 world.
Check out some of the pictures on my Website. Are you finding all this at "Old Dog"? or where?

 

[picketpin]

The 25-06 AB and AH with the 24" barrel are certainly rarer/less common than the current run of 300 H&H "S".

Heck, Lance might even still have a 25-06 with Circassian Walnut (some did).

I have a couple of #1s in 25-06 but neither of the "AB" or "AH"s. Mine are "B"s and "V"s

Now if you got lucky there was actually a 25-06 "S" made in 1976 that sold recently on GB. Don't suspect we'll see another any time soon.

If it were me, for collectability AND hunting I'd go with the 25-06 "AH"

Ross

 

[BrianU]

Thanks for the replies. This is at the Old Dog Gun Shop and what a selection he has. He had a rack full of #1s and the 300 H&H was probably the most ordinary one on the rack. He even had one of the #1As in .30-30 and one in 303. There were probably about 6 different #1s, that if I would have walked into a shop and any of them was the only #1 on the rack, I would have considered myself lucky and bought it.

I am going to call tomorrow to set the time I expect to be there Wednesday evening and I am going to let him know that I might have changed my mind on which rifle I had originally intended to buy.

I'll let you know what I end up with.

Brian

 

[mattsbox99]

Good luck picking! My first was a B in .25/06, and my second was a A in 6.5 Swede. Both are my favorites! The A in .30-30 is right up on my want list, but my brother is graduating from law school and I'm thinking he is gonna need a watch so he's not late for court! Thats gonna take a few months of saving!

I think if I was in your shoes, I'd go for the AH in .25/06. That is my all time favorite cartridge (and bore size...).

 

[MMichaelAK]

Youre just gonna have to do what I do and start saving. Packingyour lunch, pinching pennies and saving every last nickel, dime and quarter because after the 25-06, you are going to want another one.
And another.

Dont worry, it doesnt hurt.

 

[BlkHawk73]

Go with the .300 H&H! Classic chambering... Classic design rifle... Perfect combination. 8) I waited years for such a critter and when announced, had mine ordered. Bought a pair just because.
Yes the others are nice as well, but unless you're buying as some sort of safe-queen intention, buy the .300 H&H.

 

[wproct]

I can't give advice on the calibers mentioned other than to say that you can't go wrong either way, as long as it is a #1!

 

[Quarterbore]

I was always a hugs fan of the 25-06 as the perfect duel purpose varmint/deer rig. I have shot many hundreds of groundhogs with a 25-06 and dozens of deer too. I went through a tight spell and sold the 25-06 as by that time I had started using the 243 for varmints (it is faster, flatter shooting, with less wind drift, less powder, less boom, less recoil) and since then I replaced the 25-06 with a 270 and 308 that are now my deer guns.

So, what am I saying - who knows - I sure don't!

The 25-06 is a great round that will allow you to enjoy the gun on varmint hunts plus it is a very capable long distance deer gun. Out of the choices you posted, I have no doubt it would be my choice but given my alias it should be assumed I guess.

My dream #1 is a 308!

 

[Pal Val]

I don't believe in buying tools for jobs I'll never do. That's what a .300 H&H would be for me. If it floats your boat, buy it. I imagine it must be a trip to shoot.

 

[hatchman 2]

probably have to wait till thursday kd usually goes to church on wendsday he is a wonderful guy to deal with

 

[mattsbox99]

Youre just gonna have to do what I do and start saving. Packingyour lunch, pinching pennies and saving every last nickel, dime and quarter because after the 25-06, you are going to want another one.
And another.

Dont worry, it doesnt hurt.

I already pack my lunch and avoid any unnecessary expense for more No. 1s, heck I even limit myself to one can of Skoal a month!

 

[Ruger1nut]

I would pick the 6.5 but that is just me. I will be the first to admit the 25-06 and 300 H&H are a bit more mainstream.

the 1AH in 25-05 is probably the best looking number one to come out in years. I like the 375 H&H for much the same reason. that 24" barrel just looks right.

I am pretty sure that the A weight barrel on it will shoot very well for you. Mine sure did. I have several Number Ones like that with the light barrel and they all shoot. Most hover around 1.5" with 2" or a tad more the worst. Several are 5 shot one hole guns.

The 300 is a classic, no question. If slightly bigger game were in your future or day to day hunt I might lean more this way.

Good luck and let us know what you decide

Dave

 

[Silent Sam]

Go with the best wood.

 

[BrianU]

Double Post

 

[BrianU]

probably have to wait till thursday kd usually goes to church on wendsday he is a wonderful guy to deal with

I talked to KD yesterday and he definately keeps busy. I was hoping to pick up the rifle last night, but because I do not get out of work until late in the evening this week, I am going to wait until Friday. This week can not go by fast enough.

Anyone know of a trustworthy smith to do a trigger job on a #1 within an hour or so of Oklahoma City? I have found out the hard way that not all gunsmiths should be gunsmiths, so I do not deal with anyone without good recommendations.

And I am about 95% on going with the 25-06.

Brian

 

[sunday bill]

Favorite #1 calibers?

My all-time most accurate?.............. .223

My most accurate non-.22 caliber?........... .270

The caliber that has offered the most fun, possibly the most versatility, and is the only #1 I still own......... .45/70

The caliber that "shoulda been" but that just never would distinguish itself in my #1........ .30-06

Hard luck caliber...........Although I've never owned a #1 in 7mm Rem Mag, a Ruger 77 in that caliber never grouped well and a Sako Finn-sumpthin-or-other required insanely heavy bullets.

The most exasperating caliber (admittedly, I was an accuracy freak at the time)......... .25-06 ...... Spent enough money on modifications to the only 25-06 rifle I ever owned (Rem. 700 BDL) to make me think the caliber was the culprit. Occasionally, the rifle would group three shots well under an inch at 100 yards. However, I, nor any shooting acquaintance, was EVER able to make it shoot consisently good groups on consecutive days.

IMHO, you've chosen one of the most pleasing rifle actions in the world, and obviously, some have had good experiences with the 25-06 caliber. Mileage indeed varies, so my advice is to refuse to buy pre-maturely on impulse, make sure you know what you want your caliber to provide, read what recognized caliber authorities have to say ref. the various calibers, then choose your caliber wisely.

 

[roofinspector]

I think the word "special" means what it does for you.......not anyone else.

If it was my choice, I think I would vote for the AH model, classic looks and a medium calibler. Not sure what in Oklahoma takes a H&H other than elk in the southwest or perhaps coyotes. My neighbor in northern Oklahoma used a 300 H&H on coyotes, he said it would put them down a ways out. Pretty fair recoil in a light gun, the H&H, the 25-06 is much lighter but is there. Depends on your thoughts on relative recoil, or perhaps game hunted.

Honestly, a 300 H&H is just a simple flick of the wrist with a 30 caliber donor No.1. Ruger still restricts their wood to factory install only, so the AH forends are scarce loose.

I used to go into Mashburns in OKC when I was a kid, it was a magical store, much like the one you described. It is always a pleasure to have many rifles in the flesh to chose from, and good service. Some gunshops just have an atmosphere that keeps you coming back.

Collectibility is the bottom of my list, resale as well. It is about how the rifle makes you feel. A no.1 will not shoot with most bolt guns, but who cares really, it is not a benchgun; and has its own charms. I would not buy a gun for future resale, as most do not fair well, if you think so, I am sure you will find many with swamp land for you to purchase.

I hope you look forward to your special No.1 purchase, those are special times.

Roof

 

[Quarterbore]

I don't know if I will get back on later but if you do try the Number 1 in 25/06 I suggest you look at H4895SC and my favorite bullets were the 85gr Nosler BT for varmints and the 115gr Nosler BTs for deer.

I zeroed the gun about 1-inch high at 100-yards for the 115gr BTs and the 85s ended up being just a little higher but the 85s were a capable 500-yard varmint round and the 115s were dead on at 200-yards. I loaded the Rem 700 with bullets just off the rifling and I recall max loads didn't give top accuracy but they were plenty hot to reach out and smack em.

I am not badmouthing any of the other calibers, I just have many years shooting the 25-06 and these two bullets and that powder was all I ever needed for the 25-06

 

[mattsbox99]

I use IMR4350 in my .25/06s for the light bullets and Reloder22 for the heavier bullets.

 

[BrianU]

I think the word "special" means what it does for you.......not anyone else.

If it was my choice, I think I would vote for the AH model, classic looks and a medium calibler. Not sure what in Oklahoma takes a H&H other than elk in the southwest or perhaps coyotes. My neighbor in northern Oklahoma used a 300 H&H on coyotes, he said it would put them down a ways out. Pretty fair recoil in a light gun, the H&H, the 25-06 is much lighter but is there. Depends on your thoughts on relative recoil, or perhaps game hunted.

Honestly, a 300 H&H is just a simple flick of the wrist with a 30 caliber donor No.1. Ruger still restricts their wood to factory install only, so the AH forends are scarce loose.

I used to go into Mashburns in OKC when I was a kid, it was a magical store, much like the one you described. It is always a pleasure to have many rifles in the flesh to chose from, and good service. Some gunshops just have an atmosphere that keeps you coming back.

Collectibility is the bottom of my list, resale as well. It is about how the rifle makes you feel. A no.1 will not shoot with most bolt guns, but who cares really, it is not a benchgun; and has its own charms. I would not buy a gun for future resale, as most do not fair well, if you think so, I am sure you will find many with swamp land for you to purchase.

I hope you look forward to your special No.1 purchase, those are special times.

Roof

Actually it was not so much the 300H&H I was originally looking for, it was a medium sporter. I have always liked the way they looked and figured if I was going to get a medium sporter, I would get it in a classic caliber like the 300 H&H. I have not purchased a box of factory rifle ammo in 25 years, so while the 300 is bigger than anything I really need for what I would spend most of my time hunting, I figured I would just build loads at hot .30-06 levels. One other thing I have not mentioned is that I have a Leupold Vari-X III 3.5X10 scope that my father had given me for Christmas when I was 14. Being young and stupid, I sold the rifle I had originally mounted that scope on when I was 18, so I have been waiting for something suitable to use it on.

As far as the interest in the #1AH.....many years ago in Pennsylvania, I had seen a #1B .280 that a gentleman had changed out the front stock to the Alexander Henry forend and added the barrel band sling mount. I can not remember if he shortened the barrel, but I always thought that it was the best looking #1 I had ever seen. As far as caliber wise, I guess the 25-06 would be more practical for most of my hunting. Although with what I have in my safe, there is no practical reason for owning either caliber. But then when has that ever had anything to do with buying a nice rifle?

Brian

 

[mattsbox99]

Pretty much the same situation when I bought my 6.5x55 Swede, no logical need for it as I have several 25/06s and a 280, but I had a great old Leupold 2-7x33 chillaxin' in my pile of scopes-that-need-rifles. I shouldn't have even picked it up, but as soon as I did, it was mine! Gorgeous wood, great accuracy, and now one muley buck to its credit.

 

[four70nitro]

My first No. 1 was a 25-06 and it is still one of my favorites! I think the AH model is what they should have been building all along and if I ever manage to find one when I actually have money in my hand I will own two 25-06's. A friend of mine snagged one about a year ago for less than $800 - he still hasn't shot it - maybe I can talk him out of his.....

I own several calibers on both sides of the 25-06 (all in No. 1's) and while I like and shoot them all the 25-06 is still one of my favorites. Mine is easy to load for, likes quite a variety of different powders and bullets well enough to make perfectly acceptable hunting accuracy in any number of combinations but seems to really shine with either IMR/H4350 pushing 100 grain bullets as fast as the reloading manuals will allow.

Dave

 

[mcknight77]

I'm getting in this late, but I have several No.1s and the one I use the most is the 1B in .25-06. It has the dreaded 'Warning' on the barrel, plain wood, and is a bit heavy. But, boy does it kill deer, antelope and coyotes.

Like you, I like the medium sporters best for looks. I have a 1S in .300H&H; one of the early run. It shoots well: 1 to 1.5 inches with factory loads.

 

[Belt Fed]

Brian, here is what I would do, however bear in mind that I am hopelessly addicted. You have enough money to buy one No.1 and walk out with it. Use that money to put three No.1's on layby! I would go with the 300 H&H, 6.5X55, and the 35 Whelen!!! Merry Christmas!

 

[Belt Fed]

Brian, here is what I would do, however bear in mind that I am hopelessly addicted. You have enough money to buy one No.1 and walk out with it. Use that money to put three No.1's on layby! I would go with the 300 H&H, 6.5X55, and the 35 Whelen!!! Merry Christmas!

 

[BrianU]

Brian, here is what I would do, however bear in mind that I am hopelessly addicted. You have enough money to buy one No.1 and walk out with it. Use that money to put three No.1's on layby! I would go with the 300 H&H, 6.5X55, and the 35 Whelen!!! Merry Christmas!

I really like that idea and while my wife is generally pretty opened minded about me buying things, with Christmas around the corner, I think that could get me in the dog house.

 

[BrianU]

Well it is a done deal, the #1 AH 25-06 came home with me tonight. I still looked at and held several of the light and medium sporters he had on the rack, but had to finally decide on one. Earlier in the week, KD had told me over the phone that he also had that same rifle with the circassian walnut, so I made sure I showed up there tonight with enough cash for it just in case. However the rifle with the standard walnut had some of the prettier wood I have seen on a #1. While the circassian walnut looked great, it was also a very blond color and I prefer a darker wood. The #1 I ended up with is, without a doubt, the best looking rifle I now own and will post a couple pics sometime in the next couple days. So in the long run, things worked out. The money I saved by not buying the circassian walnut will make buying dies, brass and bullets much easier. While collecting the required reloading supplies, I am going to contact Ruger to swap out the stock scope rings for a set of offsets.

Interesting how this all worked out. I ended up buying something entirely different than what I started looking for. KD told me that, except for the hardcore collectors looking for a specific model/caliber, he said that it is common. Not too many people get the chance to have so many different #1s in front of them at one time.

So if any of you are looking for a #1 AH 25-06 with circassian walnut, there is still one sitting in a rack for sale.

And thanks to everyone that posted their comments. I thoroughly enjoyed reading what everyone had to say.

 

[mattsbox99]

You may not need offset rings, neither of my No. 1s did.

Circassian must tick for some people, but I believe American Walnut has better figure and depth to the wood, and a better color throughout. I do have some knives that were made with Circassian grips that are very pretty, but it fits the lighter polished metal better than a dark blued metal, IMO.

You did very well it sounds!