Recently purchased subject rifle and am going to rebarrel to different caliber. Does the No.3 have the same "strength" as the No.1 actions??
Would like to rechamber to a rimmed case and could the action be rebarreled to 9.3x74 caliber?? Will change out the stocks as needed but curious about what might be the best all around rimmed caliber to go with in the No. 3.
Even thought about the 348 Win?? Any input, suggestions, appreciated.
martin

Rebarrel it to 45-70 and take it cape buffalo hunting!

From what I've read the reciever and the breech block are the same in both models- just the levers were different. I have one in 45-70 I've loaded 500gr. bullets at 1950 fps- wasn't hard on the rifle but I won't say the same for me- dosen't have to be rimmed as the no.1 was made in rimless -the extractor would probably swap

Most parts and the overall strength are the same for both, and IMO are among the strongest in the world.

What caliber is your original barrel? I could be interested in your takeoff if you decide to dispose of it.
Regards, Joe

Vapodog, not a bad idea, going to Africa that is, and such a feat would sure stir up the postings. Wonder if a Cape Buffalo has been downed w/ the 45/70??
Not going to Africa anytime soon, so they will be safe from me for a while.

J.D.Steele,
May not be of any use to you, but it is currently 22Hornet K I understand and if you want it let me know and you can have it. Probably be a week or so before actually receive, but will advise when I do. No problem at all.

martin

quote:

Not going to Africa anytime soon,

One don't have to go to Africa to get gored.....folks will do it right here!

SDH,
That is a fine trophy head there and rifle is equally good looking. Actually have been thinking about the Krag and appreciate the reminder.

martin

quote:

curious about what might be the best all around rimmed caliber to go with in the No. 3

The 405 gets mentioned.

quote:

Originally posted by SDH:
Best all-around caliber for a Ruger #3?
.30-40, no doubt about it!

Looks like a:

Beautiful trophy

Beautiful rifle

beautiful country

Beautiful day

-further details on your rifle? I see the lever/triggergaurd doesn't look to be as factory.

If you like Steve's rifle you owe it to yourself to buy his book.

Had ruger -#3 in 22 hornet and 45/70. The hornet stung like a bee the 45/70 was a bit>?. Not fun with the metal butplate.

quote:

Originally posted by lb404:
Had ruger -#3 in 22 hornet and 45/70. The hornet stung like a bee the 45/70 was a bit>?. Not fun with the metal butplate.

Not like the stock rubber pad on a #1 does much better.

Martin,
I've got a #1 converted to .405 Win you are welcome to shoot.

Hello Rick,
OK, I knew you had one, but forgot about it. Did you take it to Africa when you and Mike were over there?? I'll drop you a PM and get some input from you about the 405.

Off topic, but friend and I went today to pick up the 1 pounder cannon complete with carriage, the works. Don't know anywhere one could "touch her off" do you??

later,

martin

I have a Ruger #3 in .30-40 Krag also. It IS a good cartridge (one of my very favourites, to be exact), but I would surely like the rifle better if it had a 24" or 26" barrel (or a 25" compromise?). That would make it about the same OAL length as a bolt gun with a 20" or 22" barrel. For me the short factory barrel is too short and light to balance as well as it could.

If I was going to make it into a .30 calibre with a new barrel, and was still going to use a rimmed cartridge, I think just for laughs I might chamber it in 7.62 x 54-R Russky. Brass and ammo are available world over, which the Krag is not these days, and it is commonly loaded to about the same ballistics as the .30-06.

If I was going to build it for a rimless cartridge, I think maybe I'd opt for the 26" barrel and the .300 WSM. (I already have too many .30 belted mags and .30-06s to make it in either of those.)

Not expecting the world to agree with my choices, just casting out some teaser ideas.

P.S.: I also have Ruger single-shots rebarreled to 6.5x53-R, 7x65-R, and 9,5x57-R, All those rimmed cartridges work superbly in it. Am also currently looking to do one in 9.3x74-R for myself. It should not be any problem at all, and should work splendidly. I just want a smaller external diameter, and longer length, than the factory 9.3x74 barrel on the factory issue No. 1 in that chambering.

quote:

Originally posted by MFD:
J.D.Steele,
May not be of any use to you, but it is currently 22Hornet K I understand and if you want it let me know and you can have it. Probably be a week or so before actually receive, but will advise when I do. No problem at all.martin

I want it, please PM me re price, shipping, etc.
Thanks, Joe

Mine's got a 28" barrel!

SDH,
I am leaning toward the 9.3x74 but attempting to keep it as short as possible but yet realize the capability of the round. Thinking of 26" and not sure of profile nor sight system. Most likely will not have rib, but island express type rear and barrel band front(NECG stuff.)
Been visualizing a stepped barrel with step just in front of forend and gradual taper from there to muzzle to finish OD of approx. .675"
May even keep the carbine style buttstock and checker it and make me one of those ebony add on pistol grips as seen on older Shutzen style rifles?? I definitely will not retain the barrel band forend and most likely just make me a new piece to suit w/ schnabel ebony tip.
My barrel maker does not have a reamer for the 9.3x74 and will have to source one of those for him, but that can be done I am sure. Looking forward to creating a "No.2" just to my specs.

martin