Some time ago there was a post here about Uberti building an "African" style single shot based on their Winchester High Wall repro. It had several features that I liked and a few others that I wasn't so wild about, but the idea was a good one.

Well, a few months later I decided to contact R.J. Renner to see what he could do in the same vein with a Ruger No.1A in .25-06 I had but never shot. Here's the result of that conversation:



It's now a .275 Rigby (aka 7x57 Mauser) in his "African Light Rifle" configuation with iron sights and stock dimensions that actually fit me. I couldn't be happier with my choice of directions. It's a lovely piece of work.

Local ranges here have just recently re-opened and I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet, and I'm eager to rectify that soon.

That's a great looking rifle, Steve. I've been on the Renner web site many many times. He has some really good re-models, and yours is outstanding.

Congrats,

Ed

That is a fine looking rifle !! Ruger should be doing something along these lines.

I love the profile of the barrel.

Nice looking rifle Steve. Good choice on calibre as well.

Looks most lovely. Renner has a gift.

I'm in the process of modifying a #3 along the lines of Renner's version.

I had R. J. Renner work on a Ruger #1 275 Rigby a couple of years ago. He does exceptional work, for what he charges. Very nice rifle.

Wow that looks great!!! I had him do his Rigby treatment to my CZ 550.....what a difference in looks and handling. Your post is urging me to send my #1 to him.
Did he re-contour the barrel on yours himself?

I would have a two step process to pick a number 1 to send to Renner. First a caliber I want. Second, better wood than the usual fence post Rugers are stocked with. Which makes me think of a third, a new stock.

Dave

His website says he uses faux ebony for the tip. I wonder why?

quote:

Originally posted by Tex84:
His website says he uses faux ebony for the tip. I wonder why?

Maybe because it's getting harder and harder finding good ebony these days. And, it's getting expensive.

It's a beauty. I should do something like that with my Ruger No. 3

Very nice, Steve. Have you had a chance to shoot it yet?

Since coming across Renner's page on his Ultra Light No.1, I've been mentally whittling away the stock on my No.1. A 5.6 lb No.1--I wouldn't have thought it possible.

I have gotten out to the range with this rifle a couple of times, at last. Initial shooting at 50 yards to get the sights dialed in and break in the barrel ended up with one load basically putting three shots into one hole. This one's a keeper for sure.

bpesteve, Good shooting with a very classy rifle and cartridge.
I shoot 7x57AI in a TC Encore which is as ugly as your rifle is beautiful! Brian

Ruger needs to make these from the factory.
Great execution.

If I find a number 1 in the right caliber and good wood I would buy it and send it off to Renner.

Dave

Maybe because Faux Ebony will shrink away from the walnut over time as they don't cure it anymore, they just cut it up in blocks of 12 inches and send them off to sell....I still have some and I soak it in Alcohol and try to draw the oil out..It seems to work, but in time it may not..??????Also I like the option of the Alex Hendry and schnable forends..

I have a RJ Renner feather weight mod. 77 iron sights, stock is schnable forend, side panals, trigger job etc. etc. all the bells and whistles in a long throated 7x57...Its my all time favorite rifle these days and its a half/incher with all loads so far and to the same POI with the 3 loads I settled on, A 130 Speer, a 245 Speer, and a 175 gr. Nosler Partition, but shot Nosler 160s in it last week so that one joined the Renner club..It,s not one of my sale guns in the classified..It and my pre 64 30-06 fwt remain and Im off to Texas for whitetail in both North and South Texas God willing and the creek don't flow..

Very nice gun and very informative thread.

I am going to get a 303 built in the near future.

Mike