Ruger No.1 458 Lott

[Aussie Chris]

Hi guys, I’ve bought a Ruger Number 1 stainless in 458 Lott specifically to put into a custom stock on. It scratches my itch to have a double rifle somewhat and is a fraction of the cost haha.

But I’ve got a few questions.

It’s currently got a laminated stock, the gun is in “as new” condition but it has no checkering. I’m just starting to wonder whether a beautiful walnut stock might crack with full power 550gr Woodleighs?
(I’m Australian so I must use Woodleigh’s )

So that’s question 1 will it be risky in a walnut stock. Keep in mind it’s not got an extended tang or other things that a proper double rifles might have to reduce stress on the stock.

The other question is that even though I really want a double rifle at some point and am pondering getting a Heym 450/400NE or 450NE what do you guys think? If I sneak up to a Cape buffalo and shoot it once with a well placed 550gr Woodleigh (or Hydro) is that going to kill it quicker than say two shots from a 450/400NE?

I’m not super worried about a charge as the PH will be protecting (I hope), I’m more worried about the PH shooting my buffalo as it runs off because the shot didn’t look fatal enough.

My gun is the standard grey laminate stainless. But something like what you see attached below is what I want to turn it into

1. Will the stock crack ?
2. What’s a well placed 458Lott worth? Will it be more fatal than two from a 450/400NE ?
I just really really really won’t be happy if my PH shoots the buffalo. I’m ok with him doing it if it needs to be done but I hate those situations I see on YouTube where the PH shoots heaps quickly and then there’s the usual back slapping “well done”. I’d pretend I was happy but inside I’d feel robbed

Thanks guys.

 

[Aussie Chris]

I have a Ruger No.1 in 458 Win mag already and can re load it pretty fast actually, so a second shot isn’t out of the question but I can’t count on it.
I want to wait for a good first shot to be presented and only shoot when I am confident and will assume I won’t get a good second shot.
I’ve never shot a Cape Buffalo before so I’m not sure how reasonable my expectations are.
Don’t get me wrong, I want a humane kill and don’t want to have it get away.
I guess what I want is this, (and you guys tell me if I’m being unreasonable). If I do a good shot, then the PH doesn’t then shoot it again.
But if I didn’t do a good shot then that’s on me, and I don’t want the animal to needlessly suffer just because of my stubbornness and I certainly don’t want it to get away.

 

[Mauser78]

If you have a 375 maybe take that along for plains game and 2nd shot on Buff, take your first shot with your Ruger, and let them hand you your 2nd rifle for a backup shot if needed, or even a camp gun. I am sure your PH will accomodate you.

 

[BlueFlyer]

The issue of the stock cracking probably has more to do with the person fitting the stock. If you use good quality wood with the grain in the wrist orientated correctly it will be fine.
The trouble we have down under is finding a competent stock maker and finding someone who understands how to fit the stock to a Ruger No1 is even more challenging.
Looking forward to seeing the final result.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

Chris, firstly congratulations upon a fine Ruger No1, they are always special.
Firstly, upon whether to go with a single shot from the 458 Lott vs two from a 450/400. Well the Lott, properly placed is more than enough and if you get in nice and close, as you would with the double anyway, then your accuracy will be spot on. Go the extra mile and put a Swarovski 1-6 x 24i EE on it, hard to find, expensive, but correct. You may not get two off from the double anyway.
As to the stock, firstly, choose the grain for straight flow through the stress zone, ie grip. Second, get the stockmaker to drill the through bolt to be a really snug fit. I recently did a fiddly stock repair job where I installed a close fitting stainless steel tube epoxied into the wood so the through bolt takes almost all of the stress. Finally, fit recoil reducer(s), they absorb the shock for the stock as well as you.
Go for it!