I put this post in the gunsmithing forum also. I am intrigued by the Nitro Express cartridges and would like to build a rifle to house it. The Ruger No.1 was my first thought as it is relatively inexpensive. Any other suggestions or experience.

Also, which of the NE cartridges would be the best choice? This rifle won't be used for anything large or dangerous, yet. It will be more of a "just to have one" kind of rifle for now. Recoil and price aren't a consideration. Are these cartridges difficult to handload for? And which is the most versatile?

As usual thanks to the experts. You guys have always been very helpful no matter what the question. Thanks again.

Trailblazer

A .450 Nitro Express might be the easiest conversion; it might be as simple as re-chambering and installing a new extractor (if you're starting out with a .458Win.Mag.).



You can also get a custom barrel for the Thompson/Center Encore single-shot rifle from SSK Industries, Bullberry, OTT, Virgin Valley, and others.



George

SSK will build one up to .577 Nitro Express. However, I have heard that the #1 is marginal at best for that round. You may end up splitting the stock. Might be best to stick to .500 NE or .470 NE - they'd be easier to get brass/bullets for anyway.

A 450/400 on a 405 Winchester Ruger #1 would also be cool. Also, a 450 No 2 with that huge case should also work on a rechambered 458 Win. bob

I have one in 470 NE converted by Bowen. I love it! I heat my loads up more than can be done in a double, but the recoil isn't bad.

Ken,
I have always wanted a .470 Nitro on a #1. What is the ballpark cost of this conversion? Does yours have the quarter rib, sights, and barrel band sling stud like the #1 tropical?

Anyone,
I have a #1H in 458 Win. What would a rechamber to 450 #2NE cost? I live in western Oklahoma. Anyone close want to do one?

My 470 started as a 458 Win. mag. and the metalwork looks identical to the day it left the factory, except for the larger bore. Bowen sent the barrel to Labounty and had it rebored, so I am still using all the factory rib, sights, and scope lugs, etc. The cost for reboring and converting to 470 NE is $895. The cost to go from a 458 to a 450 NE 3 1/4" is $450. They also do a conversion to .500/450 NE which is $750. The advantage to using one of the 45 caliber cartridges is that you probably will get it done much faster. They usually wait quite a while to get barrels back from Labounty, but that may have improved. I also had a mercury tube installed in the stock along with a good recoil pad. They also offer the recessed safety button for $495, which is recommended if you are ever going to hunt dangerous game with it. My rifle was back in about 10 months from the time I sent it there, so it wasn't too bad. Another note, there was a rumor that Ruger was playing with the idea of factory chambering some of the NE cartridges, but I haven't seen proof one way or the other.

Ken,
Way cool ! I'm going to do this. Do you have a link or address/phone# for Bowen?
Thanks, Ghost

www.bowenclassicarms.com. All their other contact information should be available on that site. If you call, I'm sure you will talk to Hamilton Bowen, and he can give you advice as to what is best for your situation.

Hamilton Bowen is good about replying personally to inquiries, he did so for me and I merely had the throats honed on my Blackhawk.

Ken,
Thanks for the link. My #1 has beautiful wood from the factory. I'm thinking about the 450 #2 with a new pad & 2 mercury supressors for this one. Or I might do the 470. Darn, this is exciting!! I need to get another one and just do both.
Is the recessed saftey a big deal? I have heard people state that they don't have ejection problems with the factory one. Did you have your 470NE modified?
Thanks again, Ghost

On the subject of the recessed safety, I have to say that paying $495 (!) just to recess the safety on a $600 rifle doesn't strike me as particularly sensible. However, who ever said us riflemen have to be sensible????

My #1H in .416 Rigby almost always caused the ejected case to hang-up on the front of the safety button, and I would NOT tolerate that in any rifle intended for hunting, especially if dangerous game is involved. I removed the button and shortened its front 'leg' by grinding. It still covers the slot when in the "OFF" position, but is now short enough that it no longer contacts the cases on ejection. Cost: zero. Function: 100%.

I think one of those loooong Nitro-Express .45s on a .458 Magnum #1H platform would be really neat. I'd also bet that a .45-120-3.25" case would give us all the fun we could handle with smokeless powder! A BLACKPOWDER Express on the .45-70 #1S base would be very cool, too. The #1S would really get yer attention if loaded with a Nitro-Express equivalent load, though.....!

I do love the Ruger #1. Haveta get MORE, more....

Regards from BruceB (aka Bren Mk1)

I have a #1 in 500 NE and the safety often catches the rim as well. The recess procedure by Bowen is a spendy proposition and I think a feller can do as you have and be just fine. The Bowen mod sure is a clean looker though.

I'm shortening my safety post as well and I'm also 'melting' the button. Just taking some off the front area and reducing the ribbed button. The factory configuration will chew the hand a bit under recoil.

A nice touch for the #1s is the addition of an NECG escutcheon for the forearm. This fills the screw hole while still allowing access to the same.

I should have the mods done in a couple of weeks and I'll post some pictures.

Long live the #1