Ruger NO 1 Rifles Single Shot 2

About this product

The Ruger No. 1 is a single-shot, falling-block rifle - pull the underlever, the breech drops open, load one round by hand, close it, and fire. There's no magazine and no autoloading action of any kind; every shot is a deliberate, manually loaded event. Ruger has built the No. 1 since the late 1960s on a compact receiver inspired by 19th-century British falling-block sporting rifles, and it remains a niche but enduring choice for hunters and collectors who want a rifle built around simplicity rather than capacity, and who value the classic lines of a break-open design over anything with a magazine well.

What is the Ruger No. 1?

It's a break-open-style, falling-block action rifle with an external hammer and a short, compact receiver - because there's no magazine or bolt-carrier group to house, the action is noticeably shorter than a bolt gun of the same barrel length. Ruger has offered the No. 1 across several sub-variants over the decades, including Standard, International, Medium Sporter, Tropical, and Varminter configurations, each with different barrel profiles and stock styles, so exact features on this specific rifle should be confirmed with the listing photos or our sales desk before ordering. Ruger has also produced limited runs in less common chamberings over the years, which is part of why certain No. 1 variants trade at a premium among collectors.

What is it used for?

Hunters who value a light, well-balanced, one-shot-at-a-time rifle for big game or varmints choose the No. 1 for its handling and classic lines, not for fast follow-up shots. It's also a favorite among collectors specifically because Ruger has kept the model in limited, sometimes caliber-specific production runs, which makes certain variants sought after on their own.

How does it compare to a bolt-action rifle?

You give up rapid repeat shots and any onboard reserve ammunition - every round after the first is a manual reload from your pocket or a belt carrier. In exchange, you get a shorter, lighter overall package than a bolt gun with a comparable barrel length, plus the falling-block's reputation for a clean, crisp trigger break unhindered by a bolt-mounted firing pin assembly.

Who is this not for?

If you want a fast-handling rifle for follow-up shots on moving game, or you're buying a single rifle to cover both hunting and any kind of defensive use, the No. 1's single-shot nature works against you. It rewards a slower, more deliberate style of hunting and shooting than most modern repeaters.

Does it work in California?

Standard hunting rifles like the No. 1 are generally not subject to California's handgun roster or magazine-capacity rules the way many semi-autos are, since it holds one round and has no detachable magazine. It still ships to your FFL dealer and goes through the standard background check, waiting period, and paperwork. See our California gun laws page for the current rifle purchase process, and confirm exact caliber and configuration with us before ordering since No. 1 variants differ.

Is it worth it?

If you already appreciate what a falling-block action offers - trigger feel, a shorter package, classic styling - the No. 1 is one of the only modern production rifles built that way, and that alone makes it worth a look for the right buyer. If your priority is capacity or speed, a bolt gun or semi-auto will serve you better for the same money.