Are you Interested in a Ruger No.1 in .303 British?

[DANCESWITHEMPTIES]

I struck up a post over on CGN about the idea of having a Canadian Edition Ruger No.1 in .303 British & it was posted by another that maybe the serial numbers should start 1867-****. Well it's starting to catch on grow & in interest & may have morphed to become a Commonwealth Edition, as interest has come in from Australia, N.Z. & South Africa. Serial numbers may start with 303-**** if this happens. Clay at Prophet River chimed in and said that he would take hard confirmations for people who said they would take one or more, but with no deposit until he is satisfied that he can get most of the 200 orders filled; which is required to have Ruger go into production for the required min. of 250 rifles. Lipsey's in the U.S. has spoken for 50 if it works out.
If you are interested in the possibility of owning one, you should contact Clay at:
Prophet River Firearms
2309-54th Avenue,
Lloydminster
Alberta, T9V 2T6
Phone: 780-872-2865
I won't link his website here, as I am not sure if he is a contributing dealer or member here. So a simple search & you can find it.
(If I have violated any rules by posting this here or in the wrong form, my sincere apologies & nuke accordingly)

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[harry mac]

If the UK importers would bring some in (what's the chances of that?), and I could afford one, I'd definately move summat out from my gun cabinet to make room for one.
If Ruger won't do it how about NEF/H&R?

[DANCESWITHEMPTIES]

Talking with Clay today. He has about 110 confirmations on said rifle. Lipsey's is excited with this project and their both waiting to hear back from Ruger. I think he'll have enough orders to make a go of it. I don't think Ruger will say no to the money... With the holidays coming up, the answers maybe slow in the coming though.
As for imports into the UK, I would suggest that you contact Clay & I'm sure he can put on the right track with regards to that info.
I don't think I'd like to see the latest .303 hunter/sporter creation in a break action hardwood or synthetic stock. The No.1's got class...

[harry mac]

I don't think I'd like to see the latest .303 hunter/sporter creation in a break action hardwood or synthetic stock. The No.1's got class...

I'll be the first to agree there, but since the end of WWII, 303s have a tradition of affordability, which the H&R rifle has in spades. The Ruger does have class, but if I wanted a truly top notch quality single shot rifle in 303 (and if I could afford it) I'd commission Blaser to do me an M95 in 303. Such is the stuff dreams are made of.
What's the likely configuration/spec? 1/4 rib, express sights and rounded fore-end with barrel mounted swivel?

[DANCESWITHEMPTIES]

Sorry it took so long to reply but I was tasked to Panama City Fl. for the week. The model looks like it will be either an 'A' Light Sporter with a 22" barrel or an 'S' model (medium weight barrel) with either a 24" or 26" barrel. Both with the quarter rib rear adjustable sight. The thought being to keep the rifle as close to a regular priced one, to make it attractive to more people. So I'm hoping embellishments, such as a custom serial number and maybe a small, or no engraving and / or stamping will be what the majority want.
The Ruger, although more costly than a H&R is still inline with a Quality bolt action & suspect will hold more of a collectors eye. In short, when I thought about this rifle & came up with the idea (albeit, not that novel). I personally wanted a rifle that would reflect a true hunter and his skill. A cartridge that reflected some history in Canadian & was still commercially obtainable. And of quality and unique enough to get the average shooter interested in it, as I am; with it not being so exotic that it would be priced right out of most people's hands. "A not too common, common man's rifle" if that makes any sense...

[tiriaq]

An factory No. 1 in .303 is an excellent idea. I rebarrelled a No. 1 to .303 years ago. Used a .30-40 extractor.
FWIW, I think that the 26" barrel is the best choice. A single shot rifle like this should look like a classic, and an abbreviated carbine just wouldn't make the grade. The Henry forend would be appropriate.

[Amatikulu]

I would also be intersted in buying one, who do we contact in the USA - is it Lipseys?

[DANCESWITHEMPTIES]

I would also be intersted in buying one, who do we contact in the USA - is it Lipseys?

I would say that they are indeed the people you would need to talk to. According to Clay, today he has over 150 confirmations to buy in Canada.

[DANCESWITHEMPTIES]

An factory No. 1 in .303 is an excellent idea. I rebarrelled a No. 1 to .303 years ago. Used a .30-40 extractor.
FWIW, I think that the 26" barrel is the best choice. A single shot rifle like this should look like a classic, and an abbreviated carbine just wouldn't make the grade. The Henry forend would be appropriate.

I would take either model, but have to say that a carbine (RSI) would be my last choice as well...

[harry mac]

Any news/developments on this yet?