While hunting I often carry my No.1 with a Butt stock shell holder. I have a live round in the chamber and the safety is on, probably how most of us hunt. Normally this is not a problem however on a Elk hunt a few years back I experianced that the safety would come off and every couple of miles I would lose my chambered shell, a 7MM STW. Granted the country was the roughest that I have ever hunted, but there has to be a better method.

Thanks in advance for your reply,

Glenn

Yeh, I had the same problem walking through timber.

I just carry mine unloaded when walking through timber now. Lost enough bullets.

Same problem, I wish the safety would lock the opening lever also. Carry mine empty - no guess work after that. I read that a stronger spring on the release lever helps but does not solve the problem. Except for that "flaw" I like carrying my #1 on my yearly moose hunts. FWIW --- John303.

I sling me No.1 butt up and muzzle down or level with the muzzle forward. It may feel weird at first but it keeps the lever from catching on things. Other than that, you need to live with its limitations and remember that the No.1s lever is always looking for something to open it. Tree branches, Willow branches, sagebrush, coat pockets, Buck knife belt sheaths, etc. Stronger latch springs? Good luck on that one.

I wish the safety would lock the opening lever also?



Show me where that can happen.

The gun is what it is. Learn to deal with its limitations. The gun has no brains, you do, use them.

it may not be the "classic" style but a rubberband should help keep it closed and would be easy to remove

The rubber band thing is not a new idea.

I've carried my Ruger #3 in some pretty rough country and have never had the action open unexpectedly. Would it be possible to add whatever spring that holds the #3 lever tightly in place to a #1... in addition to the lever catch?

There are 50 ways, just like Paul Simon said.

Stronger lever latch spring; new latch piece(s) with all lost motion removed and locking angles corrected; add a ball detent like the No 3; add an over-center spring; add new locking mechanism between safety and lever; add additional safety-locking pin/button to the existing lever latch; etc, etc.

To simply give up and say 'deal with it' is kinda silly for a gunSMITHING forum, don't you think? After all, we ARE engaged in the pursuit of improving things, aren't we?
Regards, Joe

one solution
[IMG]http://i234.pho

quote:

Originally posted by J.D.Steele:
There are 50 ways, just like Paul Simon said.

Stronger lever latch spring; new latch piece(s) with all lost motion removed and locking angles corrected; add a ball detent like the No 3; add an over-center spring; add new locking mechanism between safety and lever; add additional safety-locking pin/button to the existing lever latch; etc, etc.

To simply give up and say 'deal with it' is kinda silly for a gunSMITHING forum, don't you think? After all, we ARE engaged in the pursuit of improving things, aren't we?
Regards, Joe

Sorry if my posts sounded angry, I wasn’t. And I did “simply gave up and said 'deal with it” because I realized the latch would open on contact with a coat pocket and other things many years ago. Once I started carrying the rifle in a way that minimized the latch exposure I never had a problem. That didn’t cost a dime.

Since 1976, if I hunted big game with a rifle, it has been with a No.1 (except for a few years I hunted with a Sharps or T/C) so I’ve had a few years of dealing with this “problem”.

I’m sure there are smiths that can come up with a way to install a locking device on the lever or breech-block but at what cost to functionality and monetary expense?

If I felt that the latch was a monumental problem I would try making a device that would slip over the lever and through the trigger bow just in front of the latch hinge. I would most likely make it out of scrap nylon so it didn’t mare the finish and with a low enough profile in the trigger bow so as not to interfere with a gloved finger. I spent all of 15 minutes making this prototype (and it shows) at the cost of .00 cents. I tested it some where over 15 pounds (maxed my scales at 15#) of pull before it failed to hold the lever shut and popped off. Not bad. I don’t think you can get a latch spring that strong.




This lever lock thingy could be made even stronger and prettier with better design and material. It may be as cheesy as a rubber band but I couldn't buy a rubber band for what I have it this thing. Just another idea for people to think about. Some people find the latch problematic, I don’t.

I carry mine chamber loaded. safety on. In really rough going I'll unchamber & carry empty. I use a 2 round ammmo carrier around the middle of the rifle, under the scope. Just tuck two rounds in that & it gives me a quick reload if needed.

Have both No.1 and No.3 and the 3 has a bit different set up on the lever than the 1. The 3 has what I call a detent ball in the breech block/frame and is positive when lever is closed. The latch set up on the 1 is a bit wimpy in my opinion and if one could put a stronger retaining spring in that latch arrangement, should help preventing it coming open as easy as they do now.

Thanks Fellas for all the input!
I didn't realize that I started such an interesting thread. It has always been a problem and you guys came up with some really good solutions.

So it wasn't me, or the fault of the No.1...the lever does get caught and...end of the mystery the cartridge is lost. Of course there is not a problem if you are posted, however on a spot and stalk hunt, be prepared!

Burried in S N O W !

Glenn

MickinColo,

Nice idea, and thanks for posting the picture. You got me thinking of other solutions. I came up with using a light weight wire tie. Now I have not tried it yet but there are various sized wire ties, and a light weight wire tie would be strong enough to hold the action closed, but weak enough to break upon cycling the action if required.

Glenn

safari sling...cradled in front of you

Leave it unloaded, you seldom if ever would need that quick a shot. At least not IME* here in Idaho or Montana or anywhere else I have hunted with one.

Rich

*In My Experience