Pros & cons
What works
- Like-new 2017 example with factory box included
- Strong falling-block action in a compact package
- Ruger's integral scope mounts resist working loose over time
- .44 Rem Mag is mild-recoiling and effective for deer/hogs
Trade-offs
- Single-shot only — no follow-up without reloading
- Not the choice for dangerous game or fast repeat shots
- Premium price versus a comparable used bolt-action rifle
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Ruger No. 1 is a single-shot rifle built around a falling-block breech action rather than a bolt or lever, and this particular example is a like-new 2017 model chambered in .44 Remington Magnum that the seller says doesn't appear to have been fired, complete with its factory box. The No. 1 has been Ruger's flagship single-shot since the 1960s, prized for its strong, compact action and Ruger's patented scope-mounting system that keeps bases from working loose over time. It's a rifle bought as much for what it is as for what it does. Ruger has produced the No. 1 in dozens of caliber and configuration combinations since its introduction, and single-shot enthusiasts often collect several variants over the years rather than settling on just one.
What is the Ruger No. 1 used for?
Hunting is the primary use — the falling-block action handles powerful cartridges in a shorter, lighter package than an equivalent bolt gun, and .44 Remington Magnum is a proven, mild-recoiling option for deer and hogs at moderate range. It's also a favorite among collectors and single-shot enthusiasts who like the deliberate, one-shot discipline the action demands. The falling-block design also keeps the receiver shorter than a comparable bolt action, which some hunters prefer for handling in tight cover or from a blind.
How does it compare to a bolt-action hunting rifle?
A bolt gun like the Ruger Gunsite Scout gives you a follow-up shot without breaking your cheek weld; the No. 1 doesn't. What you get in exchange is a shorter, often lighter action for the same barrel length, a genuinely strong breech mechanism, and a rifle that rewards a hunter who takes one careful shot rather than relying on volume of fire. Cleaning and maintenance are also simpler on the No. 1's action, since there's no bolt assembly to strip down the way a bolt-action rifle requires.
What fits it?
Ruger's proprietary scope rings mount directly to the receiver's integral bases — no separate base purchase needed, and Ruger's Scope Mounting System is built specifically to resist working loose under recoil. The rifle also has factory iron sights (blade front, folding rear) and standard sling swivel studs. The stock and forend are checkered American walnut on this model, giving it a traditional hunting-rifle look rather than the more utilitarian synthetic stocks common on modern bolt guns.
Who is this rifle not for?
Skip it if you want a repeater for fast follow-up shots, or if you're hunting dangerous game where a second shot matters — a single-shot rifle asks you to make the first one count. It's also a poor fit for a beginner still building fundamentals, since there's no margin for a rushed follow-up. It's also not the rifle to learn reloading discipline on if you're brand new to centerfire hunting rifles and still building basic marksmanship fundamentals.
Is it worth $2,430?
For a like-new, unfired 2017 example with its original box, in a proven mild-recoiling hunting caliber, that price reflects both the No. 1's collector demand and the condition described. A well-worn used No. 1 in the same caliber would sell for meaningfully less; this one is priced close to new-in-box.
Does it work in California?
Yes. As a single-shot rifle it isn't affected by California's detachable-magazine assault-weapon rules at all. It still ships to your licensed FFL, and you'll complete the standard 10-day wait, DROS, and Firearm Safety Certificate before taking it home — full details on our California gun laws page.
FFL transfer required
This item is a firearm and ships only to a licensed FFL dealer, never to a home address. At checkout, enter your preferred dealer as the shipping address, or leave it blank and we will assign a licensed dealer near you at no extra cost. You complete the background check and paperwork with the dealer when you pick up.
California buyers: handguns must be on the California roster for delivery to a California FFL, a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) and DROS are handled at the dealer, and the 10-day waiting period applies. Out-of-state buyers receive the firearm through their own local FFL under their state's rules.
Key attributes
| Transfer | Ships to your FFL dealer |
| Action | Single-shot, falling-block |
| Caliber | .44 Remington Magnum |
| Barrel length | 20 in |
| Stock | American walnut |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs |
| Overall length | 36.5 in |
Frequently asked questions
- Has this rifle actually been fired?
- The seller describes it as not appearing to have been fired and includes the factory box, consistent with a like-new 2017 example. As with any used firearm, inspect it at FFL pickup before finalizing.
- Why choose .44 Remington Magnum in a rifle?
- It's a mild-recoiling, effective deer and hog cartridge out of a rifle-length barrel, and it lets you share ammunition with a .44 Magnum revolver if you own one.
- Does it come with a scope?
- Not based on the listing — it ships with iron sights (blade front, folding rear) and Ruger's integral scope bases if you want to add glass separately.
- How does the falling-block action work?
- The lever drops the breechblock down and back to expose the chamber for loading and extraction, then closes it into a strong, rigid lockup for firing — different from a bolt or lever-action mechanism.
- Is ammunition easy to find?
- .44 Remington Magnum is a widely available handgun and rifle cartridge, so ammunition is generally easy to source compared to more obscure single-shot chamberings.