I've got a Ruger #1V and want to use it as the foundation for a custom rifle. The project will have two areas of emphasis.

First will be "accurizing" the rifle to maximize accuracy with a new barrel (free float), custom trigger and related work - this gun is going hunting.

Second will be a new stock, engraving and related metal work.

Recommendations for gunsmiths, engravers, and stockers for such a project would be appreciated. I'll be attending the SCI Convention in January and will make a visit to the ACGG and FEGA gathering next door. I suspect I will find a few good folks there.

BTW, while I've never seen one, has anyone seen a #1 with full side plates? I think that would look awsome.

Thanks.

I found a photo of ACGG Custom project #20 that shows the sideplate look I'd love to achieve with a #1.

Jeff, I too have a #1 to be customized . The ruger #1 group on yahoo has some good info, but is lacking some names that I see here regularly. It seems that the good gunsmiths do not need to advertise. Look at the Martini & Hagn website for ideas for your project. REALLY nice ss rifles. Please let me know who you choose. I'd like to follow the progress.

quote:

Originally posted by aliveincc:
Please let me know who you choose. I'd like to follow the progress.

Thanks for the reference to the Martini & Hagn website - great stuff.

I will be attending the ACGG and FEGA Exhibition at Reno in January. I hope to meet and talk with several custom gun makers about my project. I'll definately report my findings and decision after the show.

In preparation for the Exhibition, I hope to gather comments and ideas from the members of this and like forums to help consolidate my thoughts.

Jeff, some member just referenced Dave Christman as a smith that does excellent work w/ #1s. He's spoken of very highly by numerous members. I've seen his small aid in rifle/handloader for years. I think he's in La--the state--not shitty, I mean city.

I've joined the Ruger #1 Group on Yahoo. They have a bunch of reference information and a nice list of gunsmiths that focus on #1's.

This should be a fun pursuit.

On the November Cover of the "Pecision Shooting"
Magazine is a beautyfull crafted Ruger #1 in 35 Whelen with engraved side plates and very nice piece of Califoria English walnut.
The gun maker is Stephen Heilmann of Grass Valley CA.
The engraving is by Barry Lee Hands of
Big Fork MT.
An outstanding rifle.I wished I could have a rifle like that.

Fred M.

Jeff, SDH has 3 gunsmithing books for sale in the classifieds. I think he does #1s and one of the books references 13 ss custom guns.

quote:

Originally posted by aliveincc:
Jeff, SDH has 3 gunsmithing books for sale in the classifieds. I think he does #1s and one of the books references 13 ss custom guns.

Thanks for the heads-up. I've already got two and the third is inbound from Steve. They are excellent books and the photos are (as would be expected) top notch. I highly recommend them for anyone considering a custom rifle or shotgun. I also recommend them to anyone that appreciates craftmanship and artistry at its highest level. Outstanding work.

quote:

Originally posted by Jeff Welker:

First will be "accurizing" the rifle to maximize accuracy with a new barrel (free float), custom trigger and related work - this gun is going hunting.

Thanks.

Jeff -
Just as a point of conversation, I'm not sure that floating is absolutely required for good accuracy.

My No.1-A / 7x57 was rebarreled by Ruger, w/ special attention (correct contact points, clearance points, & pressure point) given to fore arm fitment by the tech. It does OK for a skinny barrel.

My feeling is, that a medium weight, custom barrel would do even better. Of course the jury is still out on that one.

Been thinking about a doing a custom No.1-B, or No.1-H gun myself.

Gary

quote:

Originally posted by gcf:
Jeff - Just as a point of conversation, I'm not sure that floating is absolutely required for good accuracy.

My No.1-A / 7x57 was rebarreled by Ruger, w/ special attention (correct contact points, clearance points, & pressure point) given to fore arm fitment by the tech. It does OK for a skinny barrel.

My feeling is, that a medium weight, custom barrel would do even better. Of course the jury is still out on that one.

Been thinking about a doing a custom No.1-B, or No.1-H gun myself.

Gary

Gary:

Those are great groups. My father has a #1 chambered in 6x284 that shoots tight also. I shoot competitive benchrest and have some very specific notions about achieving accuracy that are rooted in my custom benchrest rifles. Free-floating barrels is one of those notions. It is probably overkill for a hunting rifle; however, I am hopelessly addicted to shooting the smallest groups possible. For example, below is a photo of a 100 yard 5 shot group from my 6PPC.



Obviously this is an extreme obsession for rifle accuracy. Totally unnecessary for hunting; however, once addicted it is a hard habit to break for any level of shooting.

quote:

Originally posted by Jeff Welker:

Gary:

... I shoot competitive benchrest and have some very specific notions about achieving accuracy that are rooted in my custom benchrest rifles. Free-floating barrels is one of those notions. It is probably overkill for a hunting rifle; however, I am hopelessly addicted to shooting the smallest groups possible....

Obviously this is an extreme obsession for rifle accuracy. Totally unnecessary for hunting; however, once addicted it is a hard habit to break for any level of shooting.

If floating provides more consistent groups, I don't think it's overkill at all. Even for a "hunting" rifle.

I will tell you that my No.1-A seems to string a bit, if I do not have it positioned w/ the bags at the extreme rear of the fore grip. I think the reason is skinny barrel pressure sensitivity, & if that is indeed the case, floating would likely help. That said, it will probably never happen w/ this rifle.

Although tight group obsessed shooters take a lot of flak from the "minute of deer is OK" guys - especially online, my personal perspective is that (to quote somebody famous) "only accurate rifles are interesting".

I spend one heck of a lot more time at the range, then I do hunting.

As mentioned, I've been considering the commission of a "less is more" poorboy custom. No engraving or fancy wood, but w/ primary emphasis on a correctly chambered, quality barrel - & good trigger.

My question is, as we are talking about a bit of a proprietary platform, who has the best record for No.1 accuracy work?

Never have dealt w/ these guys, but the laminate stocked "B" at the bottom of the page looks interesting.
http://www.cprifles.com/rgr1.htm

A friend of mine has a couple of Reeder custom Ruger Blackhawks, that he is very partial to. I also note that he does custom No.1's. I could personally live without the scroll work, & muzzle brake, but kind of like the looks of the "vapor honed" effect, & lightly re-finished laminate.
http://www.reedercustomguns.co...m_rifles/number1.htm

Of course, while admittedly getting away from the "less is more" theme, there is this little gem...
http://www.hillcountryrifles.c...ws_detail.aspx?Id=34

Funny thing about building a custom anything, is how many times a guy can change concept direction, while still in the planning stage...
;-)

quote:

Originally posted by SDH:
Jeff,
That looks like a two shot and a three shot group to me! ;>

Hey Now Steven:

That was my first zero shot in a registered match. It was shot on my birthday, and I won the yardage with a 0.1702 agg. - not that I'm particular about this target or anything

Let me tell you, pulling the trigger on that 5th shot was very stressful. Conditions had totally switched and were not coming back before my 7 minutes were up. Accordingly, I had to hold 1/2" right of my previous POA. When I saw that the bullet went into the group I nearly fainted. Sometimes a fella just gets lucky.

If you think my group was sexy, look at the group my mentor shot at the 2009 NBRSA National Championships. It is a 5 shot group at 200 yards that measured .093 - it is a pending world record for a sporter rifle. That 6PPC is a heck of a cartridge.

Nice thread guys, you make me want to take a #1 to the range right now! Thanks for the sites and the accuracy tips!

Glenn

I have been at the SCI Convention for the past couple of days and met a custom rifle maker that does some very nice work on Ruger No. 1's.

Is name is Justin Sip and he is located in Toquerville, Utah. I had a chance to fondle a wonderful No.1 he had in his booth and the craftmanship was flawless. Fit, finish, function, etc were as good as I've ever seen. Mr. Sip and I are going to talk further Here are a couple of photos.