Model 70 vs. Ruger #1

[Cajun]

While this may not actually be a "sniper rifle" question I will go ahead and ask it from those that seem to know.

Some time ago I asked JY about a good rifle for accurate shooting, varmiting and possible deer hunting. He mentioned the Winchester Model 70 Coyote. That looks like a nice little rifle and I've also looked at the Model 70 Stealth.

That being said, I really like the looks, feel and action on the Ruger #1. Have any of you had much experience with these? One comment from an acquaintance was that the #1 needed all sorts of "work" but that it was really accurate. I don't really want to do much work on a rifle and don't have the time.

My job keeps me overseas most of the time and when home I just enjoy going out and making a day of shooting.

Any thoughts, advice, pros and cons gladly accepted.

Thanks,

Cajun

[JY]

Hi Cajun;

I've had a couple Ruger #1's, one in .300WM and one in .458WM. Both were good hunting rifles but like what was told to you before, they need work. The method of attaching the fore arm is the problem, the cure is to modify it to a "free float" which gets a little involved. As is they will shoot well enough for deer size game and larger, for varmint it needs work( in appropriate caliber, none that I listed http://www.specialoperations.com/ubboard/biggrin.gif ). I think if you don't have the time to play with the rifle you'll be better served by either the Stealth or Coyote, while the #1 can be a great rifle it takes time and work. I should have said I had two .300WMs the first's quarter rib was way off and I couldn't get enough clicks in windage to correct it, was a nice 1976 with the special markings too, new in the box, would have been a nice rifle to keep and pass on.

Take care, my friend...Jim

[This message has been edited by JY (edited 04-10-2001).]

[Sharky]

It should also be said that luck plays a part. Sometimes you get a tack-driver right out of the box and sometimes you get a 2-minute gun. I've seen Savages out of the box that would shoot circles around the average Remington. I've seen Remington PSS'es shoot better than many custom bolt guns. Thing is, if you go with a name like Winchester or Remington you cut down the odds quite a bit of buying a gun that will need excessive work before it will group to your satisfaction. There are two schools of thought on this subject also. One is that until your marksmanship skills exceed the limitations of your gun, your gun is good enough as is. The other is that you should buy the best rifle that you can afford because a better rifle will make up for small deficiencies in your marksmanship. I can see the points in both but don't subscribe exclusively to either. If I were you, I would do like JY suggested and stick with a Winchester or a Remington. Just my opinion.

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F.I.D.O.

[Cajun]

Thanks for the input. After the first advice and you guys concurring, I think that the #1 will just have to wait. As for my marksmanship skills, maybe I ought to get a BB gun. http://www.specialoperations.com/ubboard/smile.gif

Money is not that great of a problem. I actually have $1,500 right now and by the time I purchase in July there might be $2,000. Not that this will let me buy the bank but it does open up some options. I've also got to put nice optics on the thing.

Thanks for the information.

cajun

[Cajun]

Now that we've got the rifle picket out here are a couple of more questions for you.

1. I noticed on someone's post earlier that you should spend as much on optics as the rifle itself. If that is the rule of thumb what sort of scope would be appropriate for the Model 70? Do you recommend traditional scope or any of the ACOG style stuff?

2. I reload handgun ammunition and am wondering if I can get satisfactory results this way or should I stick to factory loads?

Thanks again to all.

cajun

[USMCSNIPERONE]

Cajun,
I posted that about spending as much on your
optics as you do on your rifle.If you do you
can usually be confident knowing that you have good optics.I haven't found any bad optics in the price range of a good rifle.

When I say good optics I would say Leupold
on up. yes there are cheaper ones out there
that are good but the confidence in them is
low.
Just buy the best you can afford and practice,practice,practice.

JY and Sharky gave you good advice,I had a
#1 25-06 and that thing gave me fits,I finally sold it. I didn't now then what I
know now or I would probably still have it.

Have fun be safe
Semper fi Sniperone