I am considering buying a 1976 Ruger #1 Liberty .45-70. The seller says the gun is dinged up some. He lives close enough for me to go see the gun personally and I'm doing that this Sunday.
The seller says the wood has several nicks, none of which are too bad, except on the left side on the wrist of the stock, there are some big scratches. He said they were there when he bought the gun in 1991 and they look like somebody was carrying the gun slung over their shoulder and it rubbed against other metal--canteen? hammer of a revolver? Anyway, he says they're pretty big scratches.
The gun also had a little rust on the receiver that he buffed out and did a little cold bluing. He says he's taken good care of the rifle since he's had it and has shot <1" groups with handloads (he's never shot a factory round through it).
He wants $300 for it. Even though I haven't seen it yet, I'm thinking I am going to buy it. But...I'd thought I'd check in with you fanatics first and see what you think.
