Found a Ruger #1-B in 220 swift today just sitting on the shelf, it is used but looked to be in "as new" condition. Does anyone know off hand what the twist on these were, and what a fair price would be?

The twist is 1 in 14. As far as price goes, it depends on what part of the country you’re in. I would say anything $600 and under would be a good price around here.

I agree with twist info posted above but will add that these rifles start in the $800 range at least in my part of the country and can easily approach the $1000 mark based on claiber/configuration.

For a No.1-B in this area, $600 is about the very top (highest) price they will actually sell for in pre-owned condition, no matter how well cared for. A No. 1-S will sell for more sometimes, depending on chambering.

I have seen folks ask more for a used No. 1-V, but have never seen one sell for more with my own eyes. I paid $325 for my No. 1-V in .300 Win Mag, and $300 even for my like-new No. 1-V in .25-06.

I have perhaps 15 of the Rugers now (haven't counted recently), and except for the Lipsey's .405 and .450/.400, each of which I paid between $700 and $800 for, NIB, most of mine were found for about $300-$330. I didn't pay as much as $400 for any of them except the two just mentioned.

I just keep my eyes open wherever I go, and make offers. The worst that can happen is they will say "No!" And it is surprising how often they hesitatingly say "Okay...." if you carry cash with you and are willing to lay it on the table right then.

If the one you saw is in a gun store, I'd be willing to bet they don't have an actual $500 into it....probably more like $450, tops. This is one of the worst times of the year to sell most centerfire rifles (right after Christmas and the hunting seasons)...the other really bad time is July/early August.

With taxes, insurance, and all sorts of other bills coming due about now, small stores often feel a bit of a cash pinch right now. Me, I'd fondle the gun a lot, say I'd like to have it but am hurting for dough just like every one else, and offer them no more than $475 IF I really did want it a lot.

I MIGHT let them sweet talk me into $500, if they throw in some factory ammo, or a bunch of brass, or a set of dies, or something like that. Otherwise I'd walk. Next week I'd check again to see if they still had it. If so, I'd make the same offer again. Sometimes cash speaks louder than any "Well, I know its worth more than that" thoughts in the owner's mind.

If no deal occurs, welll....you'll see another rifle just as desirable not too long from now.

quote:

I MIGHT let them sweet talk me into $500, if they throw in some factory ammo, a bunch of brass, a set of dies, or something like that. Otherwise I'd walk. Next week I'd check again to see if trhey still had it. If so, I'd make the same offer again. Sometimes cash speaks louder than any "Well, I know its worth more than that" thoughts in the owner's mind.

You'd not get away with that down here. People seem to think #1's are made of gold. I got lucky on the last two I bought, both "B"s, one a 25-06 and the other 1 1976 "Liberty" gun. I got the pair for $1,100. The guy came down only because I was taking both guns. Guess the batch of "Franklins" in my hand swayed him to my way of thinking.
I have noticed too that caliber can make a big difference in price. You can pick up an 06 way cheaper than say a 7x57.
Dunno what #1s go for in the area where the fellow is looking at the 220 Swift, but in my neck of the woods, that price is fairly well in line.
I guess the point is, just how badly do you want that gun?
As I have a tendency to buy every #1 I see if it's in a cartridge I don't already have, there have been times when I didn't bother to quibble and just bit the bullet and paid the price.
So, the question is, if you want it that bad, pay the price. FWIW,I think it will probably be a good shooter. If not, do a long and serious cleaning of the copper fouling in the barrel. Clean aggressively. When I used to work for a gunsmith, people would bring in their 220 Swifts wanting a rebarrel, telling us the gun was shot out. Abour a three to four hour copper removal session and 99 percent of the time the guns were shooting like new.
Paul B.

Paul -

You may be right, but I've bought a good many Rugers not too far north of you...in Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Mesa.

I think the major reason I get them cheaper is that I really DON'T care whether I get them or not, and that shows. When the would-be sellers turn me down, I genuinely don't care. I'm always polite, always thank them for listening to my offer, but I also always walk on as soon as I see we can't make a deal at very close to my offer.

I'll always see another, and the same money I offered them will still be in my pocket to pay for the next gun I make an offer on, when that seller accepts.

I also reciprocate by selling my stuff for very reasonable prices....perhaps making a little, but never trying to soak the buyer for as much as I might be able to get. It makes me very welcome to dealers and traders. They know I'll pay cash for something I want at a price I want, don't "kick tires" or spout "be-backs", and I won't try to shaft them on my stuff. If I buy something at a good price, I'll sell it to them at a price where they can make some money too.

As most gun traders finally learn, some early, some late, one makes his money when buying, not when selling. If a person buys at the right prices, he can always easily sell the guns, with at least a little profit added in.

Makes life easy, fun, friendly, and interesting.

The shop was asking $900, I decided I didnt need it that bad (in West Virginia) guess I need to go #1 shopping out west! Cant see them dropping $300 off that, but hey, I may just stop in again with some cash and see, probably walk out with my cash!

I live in WV. And that sounds awful high to me. It must have a nice scope on it for that price. $600 should be top dollar. But that does not mean that you are not working with a stupid dealer. Tom.

$1200 with scope, I had him give me a price without the scope!!!!!!

Hello guys.

Interesting thread indeed. As they say the ruger No.1 or any gun is "worth what the public will pay". My experiance dictates that the rare calibers will go for more money for sure. The condition, ie; original box etc. I have seen older vintage "red pad guns" go for more then NIB.

If I could get used Ruger no. 1's for #300, I shopping at the wrong end of the country! You could probably get a good set of oars, but certainly not a No. 1. LOL

Glenn