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What ever happened to the Ruger No 3 ? A buddy of mine who has long since passed just loved that gun, and his 3's were his constant hunting companions. That was a long time ago, and I always kinda of wanted one, but when the time came, Ruger didnt make them any more, and finding one is like finding a needle in a haystack...............I dont even remember what they looked like really. I guess they didnt leave the impression like the No 1's did, but he was a firm believer that the 3 was the common mans ideal single shot. If somebody has some photos or caliber info (I remember he did have a 45-70) on the 3's I would sure love to hear about it...Would bring back some fond memories of my hunting buddy and his choice of weaponry.

jhrosier

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I have two #3 carbines, .22 Hornet & .223.
I would guess that there just aren't enough single shot fans to support both the #3 and the #1.
I was never temped by the 45-70 in such a light gun, but the 30-40 Krag would suit my fancy, if not my pocketbook.

Jack

fisherman66

The prices for the #3 have gone nuts. They are often priced right along with the #1. I wish I got one in 22 hornet back in the day. Many #3s have been fitted with #1 wood making an unofficial #2. I saw on converted to a side lever once...talk about a cool gun. Honestly I'd prefer a #1 to a bone stock #3. Those buttplates are murder with a heavy recoiling gun like the 45-70.

RNorris

I always wanted one of the No3's in .44 magnum

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............so, they came in 22 Hornet, 223, 30-40, 44 Mag and 45-70....were there any more calibers, and, was the 3 as strong as the No.1...could it take No.1 loads if it was chambered in the same calibers that the No.1's were? I guess what I am saying is how would a No.3 be for wildcatting to a more powerful No.1 cartridge?

fisherman66

.375 Winchester

It's a very strong action.

jhrosier

The action of the #3 is exactly the same as the #1. Only the finger lever is different and the lever forms the trigger guard.
The #3 action would be entirely suitable for any cartridge that would work with the #1. The shape of the buttstock and finger lever are not well suited to heavy recoiling calibers though.
There is a good supply of used #1 rifles out there that would make up into custom guns, probably cheaper than the "collectable" #3s.

Jack

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Thanks for your input....I went to Gunbroker and others, and the No.1's availability and prices are "reasonable", compared to the No. 3. Its interesting that the little No. 3 will command those high prices...maybe, there are folks that feel the same way about it as my late hunting buddy did! Wouldnt it be sweet if Ruger would re-introduce the No. 3 again!

liberalsmakemepuke

It would be sweet to see the #3 back again, but honestly, mainly so that I could set one next to my #1. I would buy one, but it seems all the interest today is high capacity, high power. Maybe when everybody is spent out on WSSM's and AR's, some interest will pick back up.

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When I go to the range, its normally the younger folks that have the assault weapon types (maybe they know something that us old guys dont know?!?!?!)....but, I met a kid (teenager) at the range once that was a real levergun fanatic. He had some very nice classic Marlins, and one 30-30 Winchester that looked like it had seen better days...said it was his hunting rifle....so, I guess there are some younger folks out there that like the "classics". I have always been a bolt guy, but got into leverguns a couple of years ago, and would like one or two more, and, a single shot is on my list of "wants". I thought a No. 3 would be ideal, but, if I could find a nice used No.1, I think with what I have learned from you guys, that would be the best way to go!

liberalsmakemepuke

Maybe at 40 years old, I fit into the neither young or old category. I like my AR's and my Mini, think they're fun to shoot. I use them primarily for coyote hunting. I own them because I like guns, and they also fill a sort of end-game "one gun" scenario.

My #1 however, is quite possibly my favorite. Its craftsmanship, and design are eyecatchers to be sure. Most people don't even give an AR a second look anymore, but my #1 almost never fails to draw attention and compliments. Its simplicity and accuracy make it an absolute winner in my book.

I would buy a #3 for certain, just for the collectability factor, but there are multiple #1s on my want list.

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............and, when I see a hunter with a single shot...I know that he is a "hunter"!!! My late buddy was just that way...dead serious....with a one shot kill factor.

One eye

My 19 year old son lusts for a Ruger #1. There is still "hope"
Dan

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Dan; I have the utmost respect for your son!!!!

"fk"

Well I had two No.3's one a .375 Winchester and the other a 45-70. I sold the .375 winchester and kept the 45-70. Always did reloading for my 45-70's so I always shot light loads from them. I never had any ammo problem until I hurt my spine and had some deteriorated disks. I had an operation on verterbrae's and couldn't shoot the rifle for at least a year. So I took a young friend of mine out to range and he was going to shoot it for me and I was going to chronograph the rounds. Bad mistake, as I forgot to inform him to stand the rounds up base down to keep powder next to primer. He fired two rounds ok and on the third one I had a "psssst" from the rifle. I took rifle and checked it and a 45-70 lead flat nose was stuck up in the barrel about an inch and a half.
Took the rifle home and tried to press, heat, beat, shove or anything I could do to get the stuck bullet out of the barrel, well I finally got it out. Looked like I had dented the chamber so I sent it to Ruger and asked them to check it and rebore the chamber if possible. Well I got my estimate from Ruger and they said I had scrapped the rifle and since they no longer make barrels the rifle was finished.
I can't say much as it was my fault as I should have informed my friend about the light loads and keeping base down and muzzle up until fired. Ruger at this time called me and made me an offer on a brand new Ruger No.1 for a price I just couldn't turn down. I guess they did this because I own at least nine different Rugers. So they are scrapping the No.3 and informing the ATF of the disposition of the rifle and sending me a new Ruger No. 1S 45-70 with a 22inch barrel.
I always wanted a No.1 and now I have one coming so I got a new one for a really reasonable price. If anyone wants to know price PM me and I will give you a hint but deny I ever told you

fk