Description

Ever wondered what it feels like to own a piece of American firearms history that demands precision and discipline with every single shot you take? That’s the experience the Ruger Number 1 delivers.

Californiagunshop is a San Antonio, TX-based retailer specializing in precision rifles and family firearms education. The Ruger Number 1 is a classic falling-block single-shot rifle renowned for its inherent accuracy and elegant design. Its robust action and meticulous manufacturing set it apart from repeaters. Available now for $3,240.89, a significant saving from the regular $3,600.99.

Why the Ruger Number 1 Single Shot Rifle Belongs in Your Collection

In my years as an armorer and competitive shooter, I’ve handled countless rifles. The Ruger Number 1 single shot rifle occupies a unique space. It’s not about volume of fire; it’s about the quality of the shot. This rifle forces a shooter to slow down, to focus on fundamentals—breath control, sight picture, trigger squeeze. It’s the firearm I recommend to experienced hunters who want to up their game and to families looking to teach young shooters the ultimate lesson in safety and marksmanship. Every round is deliberate. When you only have one shot, you make it count. That philosophy builds better shooters.

Detailed Specifications

How It Stacks Up: Ruger Number 1 vs. Other Rifles

Feature	Ruger Number 1 (Premium Single Shot)	Henry Single Shot Rifle (Mid-Tier)	Ruger 10/22 Takedown (Semi-Auto .22 LR)
Material & Build	Forged steel, hand-fitted, walnut stock.	Machined steel, good fit, hardwood stock.	Alloy receiver, synthetic/wood stock, designed for modularity.
Inherent Accuracy Potential	Exceptional. Solid action, no magazine well to affect bedding.	Very Good. Simpler action, solid barrel.	Good. Takedown design can have slight zero shift vs. fixed barrel.
Action & Purpose	Single-shot falling block. Precision, discipline, elegance.	Single-shot break action. Simplicity, value.	Semi-automatic. High capacity, plinking, small game.
Shipping & Handling	Same-day from our San Antonio warehouse.	Varies by retailer.	Same-day from our San Antonio warehouse.
Lifespan/Durability	Heirloom quality. Built for generations.	Long-lasting with proper care.	Highly durable, proven design for high round counts.
Price Point	$3,240.89 (Investment grade)	$300 – $500 (Great value)	$350 – $500 (Versatile tool)

Note: The Ruger 10/22 takedown vs standard accuracy debate often centers on the takedown joint. For pure, repeatable benchrest accuracy, a fixed-barrel rifle like a standard 10/22 or, better yet, a single-shot like the Number 1 has a mechanical advantage.

Honest Assessment: The Good and The Considerations

What you’ll love:

• ✅ Superior Accuracy Platform: The rigid, solid-frame falling block action is often cited as one reason single shot rifles are more accurate. There’s no magazine or feeding mechanism to interfere with the barrel harmonics.
• ✅ Heirloom Quality & Craftsmanship: The fit of wood to metal, the polish of the bluing, and the smoothness of the lever action reflect a level of care missing from mass-produced firearms.
• ✅ Ultimate Safety & Training Tool: Teaching a new shooter? The single-shot design enforces safe, deliberate handling. It’s my go-to recommendation for responsible youth firearm education.
• ✅ Timeless Design: Based on the classic Farquharson action, it’s a beautiful piece of functional art that never goes out of style.
• ✅ Caliber Versatility: Historically offered in a vast array of calibers, from .22 Hornet to .45-70 Government, allowing you to match the rifle to your specific hunting or target needs.

Points to consider:

• ❌ One Shot Capacity: This is the defining trait, not a flaw, but it’s a limitation for some uses. It’s not for defensive scenarios or fast-paced varmint control.
• ❌ Premium Price: You are paying for craftsmanship and heritage. If your primary need is a high-volume plinker, our .22 LR rifles offer better value for that role.
• ❌ Slower Reloading: Compared to a bolt-action or lever-action, reloading requires more movement. In a hunting context, this encourages making your first shot perfect.

Who This Rifle Is For (And Who Should Look Elsewhere)

Buy it if: You are a discerning hunter who values shot placement over firepower. You appreciate firearms as mechanical art and want an heirloom-quality piece. You are a serious target shooter interested in a potentially most accurate single shot rifle platform. You are a parent or coach dedicated to teaching foundational marksmanship and safety with zero distractions.

Skip it if: Your primary need is for home defense or tactical training—consider a shotgun. You’re looking for a low-cost, high-round-count plinking rifle—the Ruger 10/22 is a legendary choice. You need a fast-follow-up shot for hunting in dense brush or for certain types of pest control.

Common Questions & Concerns

“Is it difficult to operate?” Not at all. The lever drops the block, you insert a cartridge directly into the chamber, close the lever, and you’re ready. It’s intuitive and satisfying.

“Is it suitable for a first rifle?” For a beginner under strict supervision, it’s one of the best teaching tools available. It instills discipline. For a first rifle to be used independently, a bolt-action .22 might be more practical.

“What about scope mounting?” The receiver is drilled and tapped for a scope base (not included). We can help you select the right base and rings for your optic.

Frequently Asked Questions

This Ruger Number 1 represents a chance to own a modern classic. It’s a rifle that makes you a better shooter by design. If you value craftsmanship, history, and the pursuit of a perfect shot, this is your firearm.

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