Ruger Number 1 Rifles Single Shot 3
Pros & cons
What works
- Falling-block action with a reputation for exceptional inherent accuracy
- Genuine collector value from Ruger's limited, caliber-of-the-year production
- Simple, low-part-count mechanism with a long track record
- Generally exempt from semi-auto-focused state assault weapons restrictions
Trade-offs
- Single-shot capacity is a real limitation for hunting or practical use
- Exact caliber and configuration for this listing needs confirming before ordering
- Price reflects a market estimate, not a fixed manufacturer or retailer price
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Ruger No. 1 is a single-shot, falling-block rifle first designed by Bill Ruger in 1966, and it remains in limited production today rather than being fully discontinued — since 2014, Ruger has offered it in only one caliber per year as a boutique, low-volume item. Because it's not sold through standard high-volume retail channels, the $1,884.41 figure here is an aggregated "average new" market-value estimate rather than a single confirmed retailer's live sale price.
What is a falling-block action, and why does it still have a following?
The No. 1 uses a Farquharson-style hammerless falling-block action, where a solid steel breechblock slides vertically to seal the chamber, opened and closed by a lever that also cocks the internal hammer. That design has no bolt, no magazine, and essentially no moving parts beyond the block and lever, which is part of why falling-block rifles have a reputation for exceptional inherent accuracy — there's very little mechanism to introduce play or vibration compared to a bolt-action or semi-auto.
What should buyers know about caliber and configuration?
Across its production history, the No. 1 has been chambered in a wide range of calibers from varmint rounds up to large dangerous-game cartridges, with barrel lengths spanning 20 to 28 inches and weights from 6 to 12 pounds depending on the specific variant. Because Ruger's current limited-production runs cycle through one caliber per year, and this listing doesn't specify which exact caliber and barrel configuration is included, confirm those details with our team before ordering.
Why would someone choose a single-shot rifle over a repeater?
Single-shot rifles like the No. 1 appeal to hunters and collectors who value the deliberate, disciplined shooting a one-round-at-a-time action encourages, along with the classic profile and mechanical simplicity that dates back well over a century of falling-block rifle design. It's also frequently a collector's rifle first and a hunting rifle second, given the limited production runs and the caliber-of-the-year approach Ruger has taken since 2014.
Is a single-shot rifle affected by California's assault weapons law?
No — single-shot rifles fall well outside the semi-automatic, detachable-magazine framework that California's assault weapons statute targets. That said, confirming any rifle's compliance status with your FFL before ordering remains the responsible step rather than assuming based on general category rules.
What should I verify before ordering this specific rifle?
Confirm the exact caliber, barrel length, and stock configuration with our team, since the No. 1's limited, caliber-of-the-year production means no two listings are guaranteed to match without checking.
As a firearm, this rifle cannot ship to a home address. It transfers through your chosen licensed FFL dealer, where you'll complete the required background check and any state waiting period.
How does the No. 1's collector value tend to hold up over time?
Because Ruger only offers one caliber per year in current production, certain caliber years become genuinely scarce relatively quickly, which is part of why No. 1 rifles tend to hold their value well compared to mass-produced bolt-action rifles from the same era. Collectors specifically watch for early production examples, unusual caliber offerings, and rifles retaining their original box and paperwork, all of which affect value beyond the base falling-block mechanism every No. 1 shares.
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 | Falling-block, single-shot |
| Barrel Length | 20-28 in (confirm exact length before ordering) |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Ruger No. 1 still in production?
- Yes, in limited form. Since 2014, Ruger has produced it in only one caliber per year rather than as a standard catalog item.
- What action does it use?
- A Farquharson-style hammerless falling-block action with no bolt or magazine.
- Where does the $1,884.41 price come from?
- It's an aggregated 'average new' market-value estimate, not a single confirmed retailer sale price, since the No. 1 isn't sold through standard high-volume channels.
- What caliber does this specific rifle come in?
- Not specified in this listing — confirm the exact caliber and barrel length with our team before ordering.
- Is this rifle affected by California's assault weapons law?
- No, single-shot rifles fall outside that statute's scope, though confirming compliance with your FFL is still recommended.
- Does this ship to my home?
- No. As a firearm, it transfers through a licensed FFL dealer with the required background check paperwork.