Author Topic: Ruger NO 1 or Encore in 45-70? (Read 11458 times)

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #30 on:** September 03, 2008, 11:16:20 AM »

Really, more than likely it was just luck of the draw. Some of them were new, some were used. I'll qualify it a bit by saying that most of the issues occurred years ago, before Remington was bought by Cerberus, back during the bad financial years.

What really ruined me on Remington was the CRAP I went through with an LTR I had that was just a dog of a rifle, and it was brand spanking new. It wouldn't shoot anything, factory or handloads. I'm friends with a couple of SWAT guys, two of whom are sniper/counter sniper trained. They couldn't get the thing to group either. I sent it back with a letter, talked to a guy on the phone a couple of times....they said that they barrel was bad. Ok. They'd replace it for me......at substantial cost on my part (I could have bought a new Shilen barrel for what they wanted to charge me). I'd had the gun less than two weeks, still had the box, receipt, etc. Sorry, I wasn't paying for anything. They took several weeks getting it back to me, I had a smith take it apart and I sold the parts and regained a lot of my money.

I love their innovations and looks of the guns, really, I think the only bolt actions that compare to the looks of a 700 are a classic Model 70 or a good custom Mauser. They got a ton of rifles that I'd love to own, but I have no confidence at all that they'd stand behind them if there was an issue.

With Ruger, I've yet to have any issues that I need to address with the factory.

varmintman · « **Reply #31 on:** September 03, 2008, 02:58:28 PM »

I've had good luck with my ruger #1s, one is in 6mm rem and has killed many a woodchuck at 300yrds and more with one shot using handloads, I will never get rid of this one. The other one was in 270 wby mag and it to was a tack driver and I handloaded for it also but I sold it because I no longer go up north where I can hunt deer with a centerfire rifle. Both were 1Bs.

inzalu · « **Reply #32 on:** September 13, 2008, 02:30:00 AM »

I purchased a Ruger no. 1 45-70 in stainless steel and own encore rifles and pistols. The ruger no. 1 with a 3-9 scope shooting factory Hornady leverlution 325gr., printed unbelievable 1/2 inch groups at 100 yrds. Friends at the range shooting could not believe how well the big bore shot. The out of the box trigger was also great. Go with the Ruger no. 1 if your not changing barrels. Also the recoil was much more forgiving in the no. 1 than what I have experienced in the encores. My new ruger no. 1 stainless in 30-06 is already in the mail. Great guns.

Davemuzz · « **Reply #33 on:** September 13, 2008, 06:08:02 AM »

inzalu,

I've shot that leverevolution stuff (325 gr.) in 44 mag out of my 6" Smith at the range. At 100 yards I hit the 8" shoot 'n see 3 of 4 shots. I had my crony set up at the time and it showed 1500 fps at 10 feet from the muzzle.

I wouldn't hesitate to use this ammo for hunting. Expensive stuff though. However, my first choice would still be my own handloads as I practice all year round with those. (Well....I tell others it's "practice". Actually it's just plain fun).

Dave

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #34 on:** September 13, 2008, 10:00:56 AM »

In the .44 Mag load, it's a 225gr bullet.

Davemuzz · « **Reply #35 on:** September 14, 2008, 04:17:33 AM »

Quote from: kyelkhunter3006 on September 13, 2008, 10:00:56 AM

In the .44 Mag load, it's a 225gr bullet.

Damn! I hate when I do that! I knew what I wanted to say. My brain told my finger to type it. My eye looked at it. I posted it.....and still got it wrong. Damn!

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #36 on:** September 15, 2008, 08:51:05 AM »

Yeah, when I read "325gr" I thought HOLY SMOKE!, when did they come out with that one? I was like, Wow, it would probably work ok in a Ruger or a Freedom Arms, but I bet it wouldn't in a Smith or a Marlin rifle. That's when I decided to check on it at Hornady's website.

jakes10mm · « **Reply #37 on:** November 29, 2008, 10:57:59 AM »

Sold my Buffalo Classic years ago, big mistake. Still have a Ruger #1 in 45-70. Added a NECG Receiver Peep Sight and saw a dramatic improvement in range accuracy. Both rifles are very accurate and have not required accuracy tinkering. For hunting, I prefer the shorter #1, but seriously considering another BC since I have a renewed love for the 45-70 cartridge.

Ruger #1 rifles are just downright beautiful and balance perfectly for me. Have considered Encores in the past, but fearful of how much they would cost me in the long run (accumulating all those barrels).

mechanic · « **Reply #38 on:** November 29, 2008, 12:37:47 PM »

I agree with Graybeard. The only Ruger I had I really liked was a mini 14. Was it accurate? Not so much. But it would shoot all day without feeding problems, was built like a tank, and was tough as nails. If you are going to punch paper, I would be cautious with Ruger, as I've never had or used one I would describe as "accurate". I have an SKS thats just as accurate in my estimation.

A lot of folks denigrate the Handi rifle. It may not be the best, but for what it costs, its mighty good. I have a 45-70 B.C. that I'm especially proud of.

The most accurate of all the 45-70s are no doubt the Sharps repros, if you buy a good one. There are a few dogs on the market if you go too cheap. Thats why I have a B.C. I could not justify $3000.00.

Another good single, if you can find one, is the Remington roller repros. They won't take the loads the Rugers will, but most I've managed to be able to fire at the range, (other guys guns), seemed very accurate.

Just my 1 1/2 cents worth.

Ben

oldrifter · « **Reply #39 on:** November 29, 2008, 01:03:13 PM »

Three years ago mississippi game laws changed on primative weapons season would allow single shot cartridge rifles with a bore larger than 35 cal . could be used. I had a Falling block works J action that I couldn't decide what to do with it and 45-70 sounded good . I ordered a Green River oct. barrel and chamber reamer and now it out shoots my target rifles . It is a easy gun to shot at the bench , drop the lever and nothing else moves. Look around for a falling block rifle.
Good shooting oldrifter
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BBF · « **Reply #40 on:** November 30, 2008, 07:36:31 AM »

I had several# 1 standard over the years, had some rechambered or rebarreld because I got bored with what I got. ALL of them shot well to very well.
Also had one # 3 in 375 Win that shot very well.

Fred M · « **Reply #41 on:** November 30, 2008, 04:07:28 PM »

shooter6br
You be well advised to buy a Ruger#1. I have four and one #3 all shoot better than I can. And no trouble with solid lock up. The #1 will
handle any load up to 65ksi you can make up or buy.

It also has a weight advantage that the Encore has not, to better handle recoil, besides being super accurate. The Ruger #1 is simply
a class act.

petemi · « **Reply #42 on:** December 04, 2008, 10:00:48 AM »

I don't have a large gun budget and I can buy 4 or 5 Handis for the price of one #1. None of my Handis have ever let me down and they all shoot better than I can. A friend of mine is a superb shot and makes one ragged hole with my .45-70, center of the bull at 100 yards. He's ten years younger than I and has much better eyes.

I shoot the .45-70 at all distances out to 300 yards. As soon as this @*^5#&+ snow goes out in the Spring I'll be working with it at 500 yards.

Saturday I broke two of my own rules: 1. Take nothing smaller than a 6 point. 2. Don't shoot at moving deer. I took a moving spike headed for the woods, at 220 yards offhand with the .45-70. I never saw the antlers and thought it was a doe. It was next to the last day of the season and all I'd seen in 14 days of hunting were two fawns at dark thirty and the hind end of a deer while walking in about 100 yards from my stand.

My Ruger M77 MKII in .308 is superbly accurate, but I wouldn't trade 4 of my Handis for one #1.

Pete

One Eye · « **Reply #43 on:** December 04, 2008, 12:37:28 PM »

Quote from: Swampman on September 01, 2008, 04:11:18 PM

It is unusual to hear of an accurate Ruger.

You should actually shoot one rather than listen to those that do not own them. I have owned several Rugers and all were tack drivers. My M77 in .300 Win Mag shoots 1/2" MOA all day long. The only Remington 700 I have owned was lucky to do 2" MOA on its best day. Does that make the Remington a bad gun? No. In fact, it was very pretty to look at, at least in the gun safe.

I really like the looks of those Ruger #1s and have always wanted one in that slick little Mannlicher stock. May have to look at one in 7x57.

Dan

critter44 · « **Reply #44 on:** January 01, 2009, 03:48:36 AM »

I have a Ruger #1 in 45-70 and love it! Beautiful gun, great shooter and on deer and hogs, it is the ultimate thumper.

They can handle the 'backhoe killer loads' as well as the big, slow, cast bullets at the 'shoot-wait-wait-wait-thud' levels. Now, THAT is a LOT of fun. And those big ole slow cast bullets tend to be REALLY accurate, at least in my #1.

Good luck!

Autorim · « **Reply #45 on:** January 01, 2009, 05:02:37 PM »

In a way, I kind of like the Ruger No. 1 bashing as it leaves more of them in the market for me. The 77 is another real shooter. I have not bought a bolt action rifle in many years, but all of them have been pillar bedded with concealed steel crossbolts and the barrel free floated except for the first 2 inches if front of the receiver. I did that to most before I ever fired them. Rem 700, Win M70 , Ruger 77 and Sako all received this treatment. This has worked on all calibers from .22 Hornet to .338 mag. I learned to do it very well and they all shoot very well.

Let me know the next time someone wants to get rid of one of those hard kicking No. 3's.

Ken

mechanic · « **Reply #46 on:** January 01, 2009, 06:01:35 PM »

I'm in the court with Bill. I have only owned one centerfire Remington, and it was one that looked to have been run over by a truck. The stock was broken and split, it was extremely rusty, and very dirty. I bought it for next to nothing at a pawn shop, restocked it, cleaned it and it shoots great. No problems at all. I have owned a mini 14. Excellent for what it was intended for, but no more accurate than my beat up SKS. I have a single shot Rem. 22 that has had literally thousands upon thousands of rounds through it, and still is a very accurate, functional gun.

I've come to the conclusion that guns are like golf clubs. If you like them and feel comfortable with them, that is the most important thing. It no good arguing with someone who really is attached to a brand, and there is not much to gain either. I have a NEF 243 that is said to be one of the most inaccurate of the Handi's. Its accounted for 4 deer for me this year. No misses. I'm comfortable with it, and have come to trust it. Others may not feel that way.....

Ben

Davemuzz · « **Reply #47 on:** January 02, 2009, 03:31:37 AM »

Quote from: mechanic on January 01, 2009, 06:01:35 PM

I have a NEF 243 that is said to be one of the most inaccurate of the Handi's. Its accounted for 4 deer for me this year. No misses. I'm comfortable with it, and have come to trust it. Others may not feel that way.....

Ben

Ya know Ben, I keep reading about the 17 Rem and the 17 Fireball and how well they work on fox with little fur damage. I keep thinking about either buying a barrel for my Contender (and then the dies 'n such) or a barrel for my Savage.....but then I keep shootin 'em with my NEF 22 mag Sportster using the Hornady 30 grain V-max ammo and they keep dieing. So.....I keep asking myself why would I do that? So, I don't.

If it works for you....keep shootin it!

Dave

nomosendero · « **Reply #48 on:** January 09, 2009, 03:35:50 PM »

Quote from: Hairtrigger on September 01, 2008, 12:36:15 PM

Ruger used iffy barrels years ago ( late 1970's if I remember ) since then it is unusual to hear of accuracy issues on new No.1's .
Just pick each rifle up and handle it, see which you prefer... maybe you will like the handi better! I sure do not.

The barrels are better, but the forearm is still an issue. I am familar with the Hicks, but haven't tried it & you can float, but is not a float like a bolt gun. I love the way the #1 is balanced, like a fine shotgun really & they look as good as it gets, but I am doubting the overall consistancy of this rifle. I had a 7RM & try as I might with careful reloads it would do 1.5" tops, so I sold it. If I thought I had a chance to get a shooter, I would try again, but I am not confident of that.

kevinsmith5 · « **Reply #49 on:** January 17, 2009, 05:57:23 PM »

I'd second the Buffalo Classic. You may or may not have to tinker with it to get it to shoot tight groups (I didn't, but some do). But for the cost difference I can't see getting anything else. And if all your going to do is bench shoot tinkering with it is what its all about, right?

jakes10mm · « **Reply #50 on:** December 24, 2009, 03:56:44 AM »

Ruger #1's are terrible rifles! This is especially true in the following calibers: 45-70, 30-06 and 308. If you currently own a #1 in these calibers, shoot me a message and I'll help you with the suffering and dispose of them for you.

Thought I'd try to get this thread going again. I love my #1s, currently in 45-70 and 243. Scratching up the cash to get a 30-06 and possibly a 45-70 in stainless. They just fit me right and shoot well.

Jonboy · « **Reply #51 on:** December 24, 2009, 05:31:17 AM »

I just went through the same decision...........No 1 or Encore. After handling and shooting both rifles , I picked the Encore. It fit me better and cost less than the No1 . The Encore is a great shooter , right out of the box.

One Eye · « **Reply #52 on:** December 24, 2009, 06:40:16 AM »

Quote from: Jonboy on December 24, 2009, 05:31:17 AM

I just went through the same decision...........No 1 or Encore. After handling and shooting both rifles , I picked the Encore. It fit me better and cost less than the No1 . The Encore is a great shooter , right out of the box.

LOL! That is why we are all different. I have a brand new Encore sitting in the closet that has never been shot. I mounted a scope on it and that is where it has stayed. I would sell it to finance a Ruger #1, but my son thinks the Encore has magically become his and he is already scheming to get a .243 barrel.

Those NEFs sure look intriguing though

Dan

Bigeasy · « **Reply #53 on:** December 24, 2009, 06:41:17 AM »

I own 2 Ruger #1's, a 22/250 HB and a 7x57mm. The 22/250 shoots under 3/4 with loads it likes, the 7mm right about an inch. The least accurate Ruger rifle I own is a first year Deerstalker .44 mag. semi auto I inheretted from my dad. It shoots about 3 1/2 at 100 yards on a good day. All four of my Ruger bolt actions group 1 3/4 or under, all without reliability problems (just don't try 180 grain slugs in the .44 - jams every time) Accuracy issues with the #1's, and Ruger rifles in general tend to be based on less then good barrels that were in use up until about 5 or 6 years ago. The #1 rifle is very receptive to fine tuning, IE free floating the front stock, ect..

Larry

squirrellluck · « **Reply #54 on:** December 24, 2009, 12:50:34 PM »

Always wanted a no1 but way things are now I'd hafta sell an oncore and a contender to afford 1! And I really would hate to lose 2 to get 1. They are real good looking guns though.

ed k · « **Reply #55 on:** January 05, 2010, 04:04:49 AM »

My cousin has a #1 in 405 winchester and it shoots well. In the 80'smy brothers bought one each in 220 swift and the other in 30-06. Both had consistancy problems . At 100 yards they would throw fliers and miss the paper plates we were using. The brother with the 06 contacted Ruger and they told him accuracy gurantee was 3 inches at 25 yards. Both of those went down the road. I understand that they had foreend problems at that time. I love the looks and feel of those #1 rugers but you could get a lemon. I beleive recoil is less with the Ruger than the tc rifle. ed k

Stuart C. · « **Reply #56 on:** January 05, 2010, 04:26:22 AM »

LOVE my #1 and Hawkeye.
Both are very accurate, durable and good looking.
But they are fairly recent prod., and have RUGER barrels.

kiddekop · « **Reply #57 on:** January 17, 2010, 10:50:59 AM »

Quote from: Hairtrigger on July 18, 2008, 06:30:31 AM

How heavy of loads do you want to shoot? Reloading manuals give different levels. Ruger will handle the highest level, If I remember correctly the TC will not.
That may not be important if you are shooting paper but may be helpful on a hunt.

I contacted garrett about his 45-70 loads to find out if my encore was durable enough he said it was .

BluDino · « **Reply #58 on:** January 30, 2010, 02:43:40 PM »

Accuracy is one thing, looks are another, get the Ruger. And hold out for nice walnut.

Darrell Davis · « **Reply #59 on:** February 12, 2010, 11:45:29 AM »

Well, maybe I have just been lucky, but I started buying RUGERs back in 1961 with a single six w/interchangable cylinders, and have never in all those years had a bad one.

Everything in the house is a RUGER and every #1 I have had has been very good to great.

My current oldest RUGER is an ol'flat bolt 243win., bought used by a friend over 30 years ago after which - 10 - 15 years later it came to live at my house. Shot very good back then and that continues to this day.

Saw over 4000fps w/55gr Nosler Blistic Tips from that rifle last October.

Fell in love with the #1, probably with the first ad I ever saw and have enjoyed everyone I have owned or handled.

Now, I have had a couple real junkers of firearms in the past 10 or so years, one of which was a TC "classic" that never would do what their ads claimed, made a trip back to the factory and jammed again with the first clip of ammo upon it's return from TC.

1/2" groups at 50yds. and target quality trigger --- not with that gun you didn't!!!!!!!!

The other was a browning SS w.synthic stock. Smooth operating but had a barrel which looked like it had been rifled with a threading tap. Would shoot nothing consistantly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Real bear to clean!

That browning was replaced with, you got it, another RUGER which is everything the browning wasn't. Just flat shoots circles around the Browning, even with the best load I could find for that browning.

The TC classic was replaced by a --------- Clark Custom 77/22. Now there is a shooter!

So, my vote is RUGER #1s, and I hope to own one in 45/70 myself, very soon!

Keep em Coming!

CDOC