Author Topic: ruger #3 worth? (Read 1111 times)

coopershooter · « **on:** May 17, 2005, 07:53:14 AM »

whats a ruger #3 worth? in about 90% condition? .22 hornet cal.
it has plain wood and minor bluing flaws and some bluing wear.
i found one for $495 (asking price) or trade.
i always wanted a falling block rifle, in .22 hornet.
how accurate are the #3,s.....? how about the triggers?
thanks for any info!
coopershooter

John Traveler1 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 17, 2005, 11:58:23 AM »

That Ruger #3 in .22 Hornet is a choice collector's item if in excellent condition. I saw one recently for $700 NIB. They are not common, plus the demand on the West coast is greater than in other parts of the country. Your quoted price of $495 is probably a good one if in 90% or better condition.

As for accuracy, the #3 is potentially as accurate as the ruger #1, providing the barrel is good and the bedding properly done. The trigger may or may not be acceptable, but proper tuning is a job for a qualified gunsmith.

How accurate is the Ruger #3? A few years ago, the winner of the Canadian BPCR National trophy won using a factory #3 .45-70 fitted with competition rear and front sights. How's that?

Some gunsmiths recommend doing away with the barrel band and free floating the barrel for accuracy. The ones I've seen and shot were capable of 1" to 1 1/2" groups at 100 yards without too much trouble.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 17, 2005, 12:39:24 PM »

I second what John Traveler1 said.

Prince of Wales · « **Reply #3 on:** May 19, 2005, 07:13:56 AM »

A #3 in the Hornet is a sweet little gun. I have seen one customized using #1 wood. It was great. Wish I had one. POW

zrifleman · « **Reply #4 on:** May 20, 2005, 08:23:20 PM »

You asked how much a Ruger #3 is worth? Any decent Ruger #3 will bring $450 on the low side. They are highly valued to build custom single shots. They differ from the #1 in that they don't have the locking finger lever. The trigger does not have a screw to adjust sear engagement. Otherwise they are the same. I recently took a #3 action, installed a #1 butt stock, a heavy Douglas barrel chambered in 22 ppc. My groups run around 1/2" on the average for 5 shots @ 100 yds. Best groups are .342" for 5 shots @ 100yds and 4 in one .145". This is not a bench gun, it is a varmint rifle. For me their greatest value lies in whatI can build them in to.

coopershooter · « **Reply #5 on:** May 22, 2005, 05:17:23 PM »

thanks guy,s!
coopershooter

M. Stenback · « **Reply #6 on:** June 02, 2005, 04:46:28 AM »

I have owned 4 Ruger #3's in .22 Hornet over the years. None of them shot very well. Sold two and rebarreled two. Both of the rebarreled rifles shot very well. Then later sold them. Wish I had the .22LR back. I think it was bad factory barrels.
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