Bolt or a #1

[Nosler guy]

You actually just said you would like to get a .458 - I assumed that you would be wanting to hunt with it, and automatically was thinking Dangerous game...

If that's the case - run this by your PH / outfitter. Bet he'll answer your question ...

 

[uplander01]

If you want to use a #1, do yourself a favor and get the 450-400, it will be much more pleasant to shoot.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I would never hunt birds with a single shot. And they're not going to kill me if wounded. Just doesn't make sense to hunt dangerous game with a single shot. Yeah, I've seen the videos of guys fast firing No. 1 with cartridges stuck between their fingers. Somehow I just don't see that working very well while trying to dodge a buffalo's horns in thick brush. I've seen video of the PH trying to reload his double rifle as a buff was running him down. Running with a gun broken open is difficult enough. Trying to fetch a couple of shells and shove them in the chamber while watching the buff and where I'm running ... all at the same time. No thanks. I'll take my chances running from the buff with three more rounds already in the gun. I can easily reload while running with the gun in one piece and muzzle in front of me. No grappling with ammo on my belt. No need to take my eyes off the buff or where I'm running. This is a no brainer.

 

[Bandera]

As always the Ruger No.1 is a very polarizing topic and rifle.

 

[cajunchefray]

As always the Ruger No.1 is a very polarizing topic and rifle.

If you think a Ruger #1 is a choice but get one and fire some factory full power loads to experience the recoil.

I really like Ruger #1's and have owned 4 over past several years, 30-06, .35 Whelen, 450-400 Nitro, 416 Remington Mag.

Above .375 H&H, the recoil was enough to slow down my ability to reload quickly.

That 450-400 Nitro was the most beautiful and finely fitted #1 I owned, but just kicked the hell out of me, as I was not able to rapidly reload and fire the critical accurate second shot, with factory 400 grain loads. It was more manageable with my 300 grain loads, but I wanted it to be a good companion rifle with my double 450-400,
The Ruger #1 .400 Jeffery just didn't work for me, and I sold it to someone better able to use it.

My preferred big bore I can use is an Interarms Whitworth .458 Win Mag, it fits me well, and I can deliver 3 shots proficiently. Fit and balance are paramount.

We can make this easy for you to spend your money .

Just buy a bolt 458 (suggest the Winchester Model 70, or a Dakota/Parkwest), as well as a Ruger #1 shoot the hell out of them, and decide which is best for you.

 

[F. Vaccaro]

I have loaded the #1 in .45-70 to a chronographed 1800fps with the 500gr Hornady. Its recoil was beyond unpleasant, the .458 #1 would be heavier, but you'd also have more velocity. I love the #1, but I stop at the .375!

 

[Altitude sickness]

Get both.


“This one’s for fighting” this one’s for fun”

 

[JimP]

I would never hunt birds with a single shot. And they're not going to kill me if wounded. Just doesn't make sense to hunt dangerous game with a single shot. Yeah, I've seen the videos of guys fast firing No. 1 with cartridges stuck between their fingers. Somehow I just don't see that working very well while trying to dodge a buffalo's horns in thick brush. I've seen video of the PH trying to reload his double rifle as a buff was running him down. Running with a gun broken open is difficult enough. Trying to fetch a couple of shells and shove them in the chamber while watching the buff and where I'm running ... all at the same time. No thanks. I'll take my chances running from the buff with three more rounds already in the gun. I can easily reload while running with the gun in one piece and muzzle in front of me. No grappling with ammo on my belt. No need to take my eyes off the buff or where I'm running. This is a no brainer.

With practice you can reload a #1 almost as fast as you can a bolt.

You just can't be timid and have to come prepared for a quick reload.

If you are in that thick brush with a buff staring you down odds are you are not going to get more than that one aimed shot.

 

[Doug3006]

I’m a huge fan of Ruger #1s and own several. I wouldn’t choose one for anything that requires a 458. A quick second shot could make a life-saving difference.

 

[Papa72]

All that being said I have a monumental hankering for a Ruger #1 in .450/.400. That’s coming from a guy that’s selling a .416 Ruger and about to list a .375 Ruger African because I have decided my .416 Ruger Mark X will be all the DG rifle I will ever need.

 

[rwp315]

I'm with Kevin on this one...........go with the No. 1. If you're hunting something dangerous, make your first shot count. If you need another, you will likely have a couple of PH's with you anyway. As a side note, I have shot a lot of black powder in my number ones....even the 22' bbl of the 45-70 has taken a lot of African plains game for me with 63 grains of 2F and a 405 grain hard cast. The 458 has the 24" bbl and holds close to 100 grains (if you use a drop tube,) I have taken deer and elk with it and a 440 grain hard cast. Recoil with black is mild, but with heavy smokeless loads both calibers are fierce kickers in the relatively light No. 1 (My rifles had the old red Ruger pad on them which is as hard as a drill bit).........Best of luck with your choice.........FWB

Thank you!

 

[WAB]

All that being said I have a monumental hankering for a Ruger #1 in .450/.400. That’s coming from a guy that’s selling a .416 Ruger and about to list a .375 Ruger African because I have decided my .416 Ruger Mark X will be all the DG rifle I will ever need.

I’ve struggled with the same thing! If I were to go after another buffalo I would be sorely tempted to find one with the heavy profile barrel and have it restocked appropriately to the recoil. However, I’ve shot so many buffalo I literally have no where to put another one. Somehow it seems wrong to shoot a buffalo and leave the horns in Africa

 

[Flewis]

I have a no1 in 470 nitro and recoil is about like my 505. 500jeff has less recoil.

 

[meigsbucks]

I think a bolt is the practical choice, but I am enamored with #1’s. I’ve owned a few #1’s in the past and like an ass, either sold them or had them stolen. I still have a #3 in .45/70 which is almost as brutal as the next rifle… I purchased a #1 in .458 Lott for my intended future buffalo hunt. After talking with several PH’s, I was doubting my choice and was thinking of taking my bolt .375. A couple of years before my hunt, Ruger brought out the .416 Ruger and opted for that. In hindsight, the #1 would have been fine. When I chase buffalo the next time, the #1 will be with me.

 

[rwp315]

I think a bolt is the practical choice, but I am enamored with #1’s. I’ve owned a few #1’s in the past and like an ass, either sold them or had them stolen. I still have a #3 in .45/70 which is almost as brutal as the next rifle… I purchased a #1 in .458 Lott for my intended future buffalo hunt. After talking with several PH’s, I was doubting my choice and was thinking of taking my bolt .375. A couple of years before my hunt, Ruger brought out the .416 Ruger and opted for that. In hindsight, the #1 would have been fine. When I chase buffalo the next time, the #1 will be with me.

The 30.06 #1 I fired years back I really liked.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

The 30.06 #1 I fired years back I really liked.

I have a No1 in 30-06 and I concur, it is accurate and very pleasant to shoot. I bought it new and although the wood is bland to me it is like a naturally beautiful woman who needs no makeup. If a 450/400 cropped up here I would take it. And that in preference to a 458. It is just more 'correct'.

 

[Desaad]

I'd say it is the ability to give the shooter an option of his or her taste. There is no "1" gun, every situation requires a different type of gun or caliber. The more reasons you need a firearm, the more firearms you will buy for those reasons. I love to shoot but given the current sky rocket of price gouging ammo cost i am forced to shoot a ruger 10/22 more than i ever have. I have to buy weapons of the same caliber to keep from having to buy and reload a bunch of other calibers. I do have several guns in the same cal like .223 i have AR's and bolt actions. I just bought a 25-06 so once i get set up to load ammo the next gun i buy will be in 25-06 or of the other calibers i currently have.

 

[rwp315]

I'd say it is the ability to give the shooter an option of his or her taste. There is no "1" gun, every situation requires a different type of gun or caliber. The more reasons you need a firearm, the more firearms you will buy for those reasons. I love to shoot but given the current sky rocket of price gouging ammo cost i am forced to shoot a ruger 10/22 more than i ever have. I have to buy weapons of the same caliber to keep from having to buy and reload a bunch of other calibers. I do have several guns in the same cal like .223 i have AR's and bolt actions. I just bought a 25-06 so once i get set up to load ammo the next gun i buy will be in 25-06 or of the other calibers i currently have.

 

[rwp315]

Totally understand! Thanks.

 

[cajunchefray]

Totally understand! Thanks.

I wish Ruger would make #1’s in big game calibers, above 375 and up with appropriate 26” barrels and stocks designed for heavy recoil.