I know this has been hashed out here before, but...

I just picked up one these little dandy rifles. Having a double in 450/400, I thought this would be a fun addition.

It shoots quite well with the open sights at 50 yds. I can't wait to get a scope on it as well. At just under 8 lbs, I can carry this thing all day.

Has anyone else used a No. 1 for buffalo?

Farqhuarsen styled rifles have been used plenty for buffalo. Hunting with a PH, I wouldn't feel to worried about hunting buffalo. Practice rapid reloading and make sure your ejectors are doing the right thing and you should be OK.

John

Well, I just bought one from a guy in Tx., last Fri. It should be here Sat. or Mon. That's exactly what I'm gonna use, if I get to go now[lost my job last tues., so priorities have shifted ].

Mad Dog

My little 500NE at 7lbs 9oz has travelled a fair distance with me, has accounted for several buff and a couple of elephant.
Works like a charm.
Enjoy your #1.

This is nothing new, because all the old ele hunters (actually Ivory hunter, and poachers)use this method so they only had to carry one type of ammo.

I have done this several times, having a Ruger No1 rebarreled or re-chambered for a cartridge I had in a double rifle. I had a Ruger no1 re-barreled for 450/400NE 3" a few yrs ago to go along with my A&N double rifle of the same chambering. I have also done this to match three other chamberings as well over the years. I let one of the trackers carry the scoped Ruger unloaded, and I carry my double loaded. If a shot come my way where I need a scoped rifle I simply break the double dumping the rounds in my hand, and trade rifles, for the shot.

WARNING: If you hand load, as I suspect you do, or will, always load your ammo that regulate in your double rifle, and adjust your sights, and scope on the Ruger for that load. Never load hot loads for your Ruger, because you don't want to make a mistake of getting one of the hot Ruger loads in your double rifle.

..........Enjoy

quote:

Originally posted by MacD37:
WARNING: If you hand load, as I suspect you do, or will, always load your ammo that regulate in your double rifle, and adjust your sights, and scope on the Ruger for that load. Never load hot loads for your Ruger, because you don't want to make a mistake of getting one of the hot Ruger loads in your double rifle.

..........Enjoy

Point well taken. I am using Butch Searcy's original regulation load for my double, so it's plenty hot for the No. 1. I am actually quite excited about this little set-up. The No.1 will prevent me from carrying 2 sets of ammo as well, since my back-up rifle was my .375.

Thanks for the input...

My son and I used a no 1 .405 with iron sights in '04 to kill our buff in Zim. wouldnt hesitate to do it again. I've got to have one in 450/400, like you I have a Searcy in that caliber.

Just remember the So. African restriction on 2 rifles of same caliber. Made that mistake several years ago on a 375 sxs and 375 bolt and almost didn't get thru Johannesburg. They finally let me go as I was only staying in Johannesburg overnite and agreed to go straight thru on return as I had intended anyway. They gave me a 24hr permit.