I finally acquired my first Ruger #1. Ser # 130-011xx which dates it to 1970. the barrel is marked "Stebbins 25-06 Rem.". I can't find any info on what this means. Any help would be appreciated. The barrel is 26" and somewhat of a heavy contour.

rechambered #1V?

Rich

I can find references to a Henry Stebbins who was a firearms writer in the '50's and '60's but no mention of him being a gunsmith or barrel maker.

I intend to call Ruger to see what configuration the rifle was sold as initially.

According to the nice lady at Ruger, the rifle left the factory as a 1V in 25-06 caliber in December 1971.
I'm still curious as to the "Stebbins 25-06 Rem." markings.

If your measurement of 26" is correct, then it would have to be a rebarrel wouldnt it? The #1V come with a 24" barrel.

It's definitely a re-barrel. I'm trying to figure out what "Stebbins 25-06" stamped on the barrel means.

I'm thinking a chamber cast might be a good idea......

I'll do a chamber cast as soon as the mailman delivers my stuff from Midway. BTW, I took a factory 25-06 cartridge, pulled the bullet and emptied the powder and inserted it. Perfect fit. Was able to close the action.

I have a 50 BMG rifle built by a gunsmith in Idaho that went by the name of Wes Stebbins. His shop was SMI that stood for Stebbins Manufacturing Inc.
I had the rifle built in 1987. Very high quality and workmanship. May be the same guy. He went out of business a few years after for some reason that had to do with a divorce I believe.

how did Wes Stebbins mark the caliber on his barrels?

I finally got to cast it and it is definitly a 25-06. Also, shot it. It does not like 120 gr. (as in bullets are flying sideways) bullets which makes me think it has a slower twist than 1-10.