Hi guys, I have made up my mind to build a custom Ruger No.1 chambered for the old
.400 Jeffery. My budget is max 3500$. I have heard there are some proven gunsmiths as David Norin, S. Davenport or Gary Reeder. Whom would you recommend? I would appreciate any pictures of your custom No.1. However the plan is to have a No.1 deep blued, with open sights, classic checkering and a good walnut stock.
Thank You for your advice in advance.

CZ, Prague

I don't think Mr. Davenport works on Ruger #1s. I see him at the range quite frequently and we were discussing a #1 I have. He didn't seem too interested in working with a #1 as he felt he didn't have any experience with them.
I have seen some of Gary Reeder's work, but he's only had hand handguns at the gun show the last time I saw him.
I don't know anything about the other fellow you mentioned.
You might try the Harry Lawson Company in Tucson. IIRC, they quoted about $400 for the rebarrel on a #1, but if they don't have the reamer, you might have to furnish it. Their Metal man Joel does some very nice work and Randy Lawson did a really fine job on a Mauser .280 Rem. they put together for me. Whether they have done any full blown custom jobs on Ruger #1s, I don't know, but I wouldn't hesitate having them do one for me if I could afford one.
Paul B.

Your best bet would be Hamilton Bowen in TN they have a web site with their prices and examples of Their work.W/regards

CZ,

I do not have a custom gun built by him, but the No.1 on his site looks pretty good. I sold him a No.1 action last year from a recommendation on AR. From your description of what you want, I would (at least) check it out.

Mark Stratton
Ph: 425-745-8309
Web site: www.gunmaker.net
e-mail: octbarrel@aol.com

Jim

CZ

Do you mean 404 Jeffery?

I think Hamilton Bowen quit doing rifle conversions in order to concentrate on pistols. Unless he has started back again, this was the last I heard.

YOu might try Roger Ferrell of Fayetteville, Georgia. I know he has done some custom Ruger Number 1s, including his own 450-400 that he used to shoot two buffalo with. Roger's phone number is (770) 460-1533.

He does beautiful work.

I would have a barrel maker like Pac-Nor rebarrel and send it in the white to American Gun Stocks and then have a local gunsmith add NECG gun sights.