Why is the Browning designed singleshot (either hi-wall or the low wall) considered an accurate rifle and the Ruger #1, as one w/ a multitude of faults ?

[ 10-26-2003, 06:51: Message edited by: Sysephus ]

The 1885 forend is attached to a hanger which is attached to the front of the receiver. The fore end then does not contact the barrel and there is no problem as far as accuracy vs fore end pressure. The ruger fore end is mounted differently and can have problems related to the foe end mounting. There are a number of modifications for the mounting of the fore end to correct the problem.After all these years I would have thought that ruger would have solved that .

I don't think the Number one has a bad rep from the average hunter, if it did, sales would slow and Ruger would fix it.
Its when you get serious with it for target or varmit work that you recognize that it could use some tuning and I don't think enough folks get that far with the number one. Mete has it right on the forend issue. There are a number of gunsmiths that make a good living tuning the number one, I spent $125 on a 6mm Varmit heavy barrel and it went from 2-1/2 groups to just over an MOA shooter.
It's hard to figure though, I've also got a Number 3 in 223 that shot sub MOA right out of the box, and everyone says the number 3 is less accurate because of the barrel band...go figure.

best of luck, if you want a number one, buy it and shoot it, develop loads for it or try different brands of ammo. If you aren't happy with what you got, then send it off for some work...will still cost less than the Browning...


PS I have a Browning 1885 in 45-70 and love it too, I'm not bashing them, just upping the number one/3.

regards,
graycg

Find a copy of Frank de Haas' book mr. single shot's gunsmithing idea book. Seems he felt the Brownings needed just as much tinkering as the Rugers, and for the sam reasons.
Paul B.

The book I mentioned shows the Browning 78 which was discontinued and later brought back out as the Browning 85. The attachment of the forearm is on a hanger in the same manner as the Ruger #1. Mr. de Haas used the exact same method to accurize the Browning as he did on the Ruger. One of the several methods he used was fastening a block to the barrel and attaching the forearm to that, eliminating the use of the hanger altogether. You can do the same with the Ruger.
Paul B.