I think you can still get #1 conversions to the 470 NE and 500, 577 etc at www.bowenclassicarms.com

Dear Top: There are no "tricks" with the No. 1's. I believe SSK Industries ( http://www.sskindusties.com/ )has converted a number of these rifles to large Nitro-Express calibers. I don't know what the upper limit on case diameter is, I think perhaps .620"?, but I'm sure you can build a .500 on one!



Good luck with your project! I think you'll enjoy your No. 1. I have owned five of them, plus a No. 3, and love them dearly.

My first No.1 is a K1V-BBZ in 204 Ruger. Picked it up last Thursday at Classic Arms and Archery in Lexington, KY. This rifle is not easy to find, but Hank did, and matched my best price too. Great guys to deal with.

Joe Leach did a trigger job (9 lbs from factory) down to just right 3.5 lbs and smoothed the action to glass!!!

It wears a Burris 4.5-14 Fullfield II.

So, how does it shoot? 0.4" 5-shot groups at 100 yards!!!! with FACTORY 32gr. the 40 gr are up around an inch. I plan to shoot 300 yards and chrony it this week. We were cutting a 3/8" rope hanging from a frame in two at 100 yards, in the breeze. Great fun.

The barrel is by far the easiest to clean I have ever had. Does not like to be shot dirty, needs cleaning every 20 rounds or so. But I only have put 60 or so rounds down range so far.

Muzzle jump is next to nothing, can't see the holes appear, by you don't miss them by much.

I plan on reloading for this rifle, only because I'm a reloading-nut, not because I can expect the reloads to shoot that much better.

Thanks for letting a proud Papa gloat.

Jimno

That 204 sounds great!!