Ruger's No. 1 Has Universal Appeal for Florida Hunters

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Then 17, I begged my dad to reconsider the Ruger No. 1 over the Browning B-78 hanging in what was once Tim’s Gun Shop in Bartow. A local firearm enthusiast had recently passed and bequeathed an assortment of firearms, including these fine pieces, to consign at bargain prices. I’d recently read a story in Petersen’s Hunting about hunting pronghorn antelope with a No. 1 and was quickly enamored by both prospects. Pronghorns were still years away, but behind the counter in the gun rack was that very rifle, so close to personal possession, if only I could overcome Dad's hesitation.

Anyway, both the Ruger and Browning were chambered in .25-06, and neither a poor choice. The octagonal barrel on the elegant Browning was certainly cool, and sharing the same price tag, no doubt it was the better deal. But, since it wasn’t my money, I didn’t care less about turning a profit and feebly reasoned the exposed hammer on the Browning would be a detriment, noisy in the tight quarters of Florida's swamps.

Dad conceded and purchased the No. 1. His buddy settled on the Browning, hunted with it a few times, and then sold it because of the hammer. Vindicated, I soon commandeered the Ruger from Dad’s safe and quickly set it to work on Florida’s whitetails, hogs, predators, and gobblers. Later in life, it was responsible for his grandchildren’s first deer.

I’ve never returned that original No. 1 to Dad, and he’ll have to file charges if he wants it back. I recently absconded with another No. 1 of his in .243 after previously horse trading for yet another in .30-06, which my son has claimed as his own.

To attest that I’m a fan is an understatement, but otherwise there’s not much new to say about the No. 1 that has not been written in its 58-year history. With apologies to the H&R and Thompson/Center brands, I’d argue the Ruger is the most successful single-shot hunting rifle in the industry, with that slick falling-block action and internal hammer.

When I consider rifles ideal for hunting in Florida, the No. 1 ranks high on my lists. The single-shot aspect might turn off novices and folks running deer dogs, but the Ruger’s shortened receiver, when compared to a bolt-action or semi-auto, allows a full-length barrel in a shorter overall length, wonderful for toting through thick scrubs and swamps, but also for clamoring into treestands or fighting through the unzipped door of a ground blind.

While this design results in a shorter rifle, it does not sacrifice accuracy when doing so, as can happen when choosing shorter barrels. Accuracy has never been an issue with the rifles I’ve owned – or stolen from Dad. I once hand-loaded Nosler Ballistic Tips  for the .25-06 that'd leave a raggedy three-shot hole, but even factory ammo from Wal-Mart shelves has provided all the accuracy one needs. Groups at 100 yards exceeding an inch are typically attributed to operator error, and it routinely shoots tighter than this.

Given its pedigree, there is a No. 1 for 99 percent of local hunting needs, whether still-hunting wild boar in the piney flatwoods or busting coyotes across cow pastures in February. I personally would never forsake the blued steel and walnut models of this lovely rifle for stainless versions with laminate stocks, but to each their own.

Aside from portability, durability is another positive trait. That receiver design is strong, capable of withstanding cartridges intended for varmints all the way up to those used on Africa's dangerous game. When matched with rounds like .243 or .25-06, though, a No. 1 maxes out on versatility for whitetails and anything else that trots out of Florida's woods.

Finally, they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the Ruger No. 1 holds universal appeal. I am complimented more when toting these rifles than any others in my assortment. Fine arm candy, indeed, and I have no issue singing its praise because even though looks are only skin deep, the No. 1 has proven its character in Florida and around the world.

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