Ruger #1

[35w]

I have never owned a Ruger #1 although always had the itch to buy one.
There is one at a local gun shop chambered in .308 Winchester and the barrel was cut down to 20"
A Leupold scope is included in the deal.
I plan on using it for whitetails, moose and at the range. Is it detrimental to have this rifle barrel cut down to minimum length?
For a couple hundred more I could buy a new #1 although without a scope.
The wood is well figured and the bluing is 90%
Hate to pass on a used rifle at a reasonable price, but I work too  hard for my gun money to make an error.

thx

[adirondacker]

i think you'll find the general rule of thumb is 50 ft/sec @ inch so 4" loses approx,200 fps.will a deer or moose reaslize this ,probably not if you do your part.if you handload the shorter barrel can be compensated for.the ruger #1 rsi only have a 20" barrel.the light sporters a 22".the frontier and compact are only 16 1/2"if the price is right and it was a quality job i'd buy it.i hve a few,they are a little soggy to carry but i have had good luck with them.you won't find anything more reliable.good luck, adker

[Cement Man]

I have a 20" 77MKII ( I had cut down for my preference of handling, being in a tree stand, deep snow, carry, etc.), a 77 RSI @ 18.5", and had a 19" Encore - all in .308.
I think 20" is great in a .308 and my experience has been from 25 to 30 fps loss per inch, which I don't think has any practical significance in the woods.  I have a #1 RSI in .30-06 and at 20", it is sweet to handle and carry. 
If the barrel job was well done, good crown, and you like the rifle for you, I'd buy it.  I'm no expert, but I think some will opine that such a modification on a #1 would reduce its value. 
That may be true, and there are certain rifles I would not alter because of that reason, but if you like the way it handles, shoots, and looks, that's what counts.