Waldyo

Hi All,

Just thought I would toss this out there. In some firearms segments the older models are considered as better than newer examples, what is the better option in No 1's?

If I pick up a 2nd hand model I am probably only saving 30% plus or minus on the cost of a new one, am I better off to pay the extra and go new or is the older model the better deal?

Cheers,
Waldyo

DoubtingDuck

I quickly developed a preference for the earlier models (132 prefix and earlier) that have the red pads and generally nicer wood. Again, this is just a preference. I have no reason to believe that the function of the earlier models is any better, however.

Ruger 1 Guy

Hi Waldyo,
If fit and finish is what your looking for you may want to be looking at the older ones. If super accurcy is important you may want to be looking at the newer ones as most shoot as good if not better than the older ones with Douglas barrels.

1973-1991 # 1's had Wilson barrels, sometimes not so good but there's no real way to tell till you shoot them. 1991 on up have Ruger barrels, most are very, very good and will shoot very well, in fact they shoot so good that there are some Ruger # 1 National and State Records held with the newer Ruger factory barrels. Everything before 1973 have Douglas barrels and most of those are good shooters.
Ruger # 1 Guy

Waldyo

Thanks Ruger 1 Guy, I have pretty well convinced myself to go for a new one. Second hand in .223 (preferred calibre) just seems non-existant in Aus, a couple of 22/250 and 220 swift out there on the net but yet to see a .223 pop up on the used gun type websites.
Good to hear the newer ones shoot like they should.
Cheers,
Waldyo

bwinters

I have several #1s and all new and old shoot well.

Ruger 1 Guy

Hi bwinters,
I'm sure that most all # 1's shoot well, at least well enough for casual hunting, but I know of a lot of newer ones that have won more than a few rifle events, not so with most of the older ones, don't forget I said,

if super accurcy is important you may want to look at the newer ones.

The newer ones seem to have better barrels and that equals better accurcy. Most of the newer ones that I have shot will shoot about half inch 5 shot groups at 100 yds with good ammo in non Mag calibers, and with a bit of tweaking better than half inch.

I haven't shot that many older ones so cant speak from experance as to just how good they shoot, and I'm not saying that you cant find an old one to shoot half inch or less, but it may be difficult.
Ruger # 1 Guy