Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Single Shots Ruger #1 custom builders list

In no particular order:

Mark Stratton, http://www.gunmaker.net/main.html

Carolina Precision Rifles, http://www.cprifles.com/rgr1.htm

Stephen Dodd Hughes (SDH here at the Campfire),

Paul & Sharon Dressel, http://www.dressels.com/

Gary Reeder, http://www.reedercustomguns.com

A friend has a #1B in .284 Winchester done by Mark Penrod. Hart barrel, NP3 on the metal; very nice work.

Mainframe

VA:

Thanks for starting this. In fact, I'll be saving it to my hardrive every now and then for archival purposes. I'm going through a single-shot phase right now, and I've started selling off my repeaters to finance my next project. (Still in the pre-planning stage.)

I've seen Paul & Sharon Dressel offer up some No.1's they have reworked. I'm not sure if this is something they do very often, but would suspect if it come from their shop it would be right.
http://www.dressels.com/

Gary Reeder makes them too, although his forte is pistols. Reedercustomguns.com

Updated list (NOTE TO MODERATOR - WE NEED A STICKY!)

In no particular order:

Mark Stratton, http://www.gunmaker.net/main.html

Carolina Precision Rifles, http://www.cprifles.com/rgr1.htm

Stephen Dodd Hughes (SDH here at the Campfire), (need info)

Paul & Sharon Dressel, http://www.dressels.com/

Gary Reeder, http://www.reedercustomguns.com

Rick Ruggiero, Broad Creek Rifle Works, http://www.bcrw4guns.com

Sandy Garret, Northern VA Gun Works, (703) 644-6504

Bill's Accuracy Shop, http://www.billsaccuracy.com

Mark Penrod, (need info)

VAnimrod,

There is one on your list that I had build one of my #1's about 6 yrs. ago . That one is a "VERY POOR" choice. I have a lot of the correspondance we had. You would not beleve the "nihtmares" he caused me.

chestsprings,

The list is not intended to be a "good guy" list, just a list of folks who build custom #1s.

BUT, if you had such an experience, and I have no reason to doubt that you did, conversations via PM with anyone who is contemplating a custom job might well be in order.

Folks thinking about a custom #1, please PM chestsprings re: his experiences. Thanks,

Garland Gilbreath, Triple G Gunsmith, Stephenville TX

Haven't spoke with him for a couple of years but if you call Shilen about a #1 they'll send you to Garland.

FWIW:
Greg Tannel at Gre- Tan built my 17PPC #1 and Kevin Weaver is working on my .20 LS (-.195" BR) #1.

Michael

Got links or other info?

Here's the links:

Gre Tan Rifles: http://www.gtrtooling.com/index.htm

Weaver Rifles: http://www.weaverrifles.com/


Hope This Helps
Michael

Updated list (NOTE TO MODERATOR - WE NEED A STICKY!)

In no particular order:

Mark Stratton, http://www.gunmaker.net/main.html

Carolina Precision Rifles, http://www.cprifles.com/rgr1.htm

Stephen Dodd Hughes (SDH here at the Campfire), (need info)

Paul & Sharon Dressel, http://www.dressels.com/

Gary Reeder, http://www.reedercustomguns.com

Rick Ruggiero, Broad Creek Rifle Works, http://www.bcrw4guns.com

Sandy Garret, Northern VA Gun Works, (703) 644-6504

Bill's Accuracy Shop, http://www.billsaccuracy.com

Mark Penrod, (need info)

Gre Tan Rifles: http://www.gtrtooling.com/index.htm

Weaver Rifles: http://www.weaverrifles.com/

The older Rugers ran to such nice wood, and the stock shape has always been so good, that it has hardly seemed worthwhile to rebuild them.

The link for Broad Creek Rifle Works is not functioning.

John

Try this addy instead:

Broad Creek Rifle Works
120 Horsey Ave.
Laurel, DE 19956
302-875-5446

Contact info for Mark Penrod:
Penrod Precision
312 East College Avenue, North Manchester, IN 46962
Tel: (260) 982-8385

chestprings, I don't know who you had trouble with but we both know it wasn't me. When you badmouth an un-named source, you badmouth the whole list instead of the guy you had trouble with. Next time, name the source, or PLEASE refrain!

Thanks for the plug VAnimrod, BUT, the #3 shown is the only Ruger single shot I've ever built and will remain as such. TOO much work. The metalwork on this one was done by the late, great gunmaker John Madole, one of three. I stocked and finished the rifle. the story is in my Custom Rifles book.

I've lately been working with Dakota #10 actions, here is a recently completed project, .257 Roberts.


The next custom rifle is on a Martini & Hagn brld action in .280. I'm pretty well booked up for project, but always looking for a good client.

"chestprings, I don't know who you had trouble with but we both know it wasn't me. When you badmouth an un-named source, you badmouth the whole list instead of the guy you had trouble with."


SDH, Your right, it wasn't you. As to "badmouth the whole list" , YOU need to read my post. I didn't badmouth everone. I said " That one is a poor choice".


Next time, name the source, or "PLEASE refrain!"


As for "refraining", I didn't know you I had to contact you for permission to say "that one is a poor choice" Excuse me.


I had quite a few people contact me, asking about the situation I had, so your comment on refraining is mute. After they ask me certain questions, some probably will use the person . That's ok with me, it's their money, but at least they know.


If some one is going to put a lot of much money in a custom gun, I know I would want to know what gun smith has done good work, & who hasn't , & what type of work to expect. This communication goes on all the time on teh "campfire" forum. So light up. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Stephen

Damn, I like that side lever. And the engraving on the top pic.

STOP TEASING ME!!!

Any Canadians do good #1 work?

Any canadians do good work? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

web pageMartini & Hagn

SDH,

Pictures I've seen of your work have been exquisite. Thanks for hanging around the Campfire.

Did that zebra in the picture fall to a .257 Roberts? As I read your text, I get the impression that the lovely side-lever Dakota 10 is the .257 Bob you mentioned. I'd surely be interested in the details of bullet penetration and animal reaction if that is the case.

Best regards,
Mainframe

Thanks for the welcome, mainframe. No, the sidelever was a Ruger #3 and is in .30-40. This is the Dakota .257 Rob.

Ya know, SDH, you're gonna owe me one of them rifles pretty soon ... drool-soaked and ruined keyboards get expensive quick... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

That is one beautiful rifle...well, I guess I should say ANOTHER beautiful rifle.

My use of the term "exquisite" was clearly not an overstatement. Every man should own at least one truly fine rifle in his life. Speaking for me, either the side-lever #3 or the Dakota .257 would do nicely. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Mainframe

Agreed, mainframe. SDH, I'll take the one that he don't get; considering the damage done to my computer hardware here lately, I'll consider it an even trade. PM me with which is available and I'll give you the shipping address... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I'd like to know who. I'm thinking of having some tuning done to my 1B in .257 Roberts. Can you PM me, chestsprings?

Thanks

I needed that!

I had Clyde Moore rebarrel this baby to 500 Nitro Express 3 1/4" and he made the rib up to accept Talley QD rings.

D&D Gunsmiths
363 Elmwood Ave.
Troy, MI 48083
(248) 583-1512

He is a nice guy and did great work. She shoots exactly on top of the bead at 100 yards with no filing of the express sight needed...guess we lucked out there.

oh sweet mother of ....

That's just too nice.

Well, I know what's going on my "I want it, but I won't get it" Christmas list...

Bump... just 'cause.

That guy can'y be more than ten miles from my house. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> Does he have a web site? I gotta look him up. Nice rifle!

I hope no one uses Broad Creek Rifle Works. I sent him my brand new unfired #1 2 yrs ago. I got it back and was getting 2-3 in groups with reloads. I was told he blueprinted the whole action and recut crown. Well that was b.s the barrel never came off! I sent it back and when I ogt it back 2 months later it did shoot better but he kept my gun case. I tried several times I get him to send it w/no luck. In general a real [bleep] business man. He was supposed to send along test targets and dummy rounds,they never came either I guess they were lost with the case! Its sad this is the only time I've ever had a problem with anyone in the gun industry. I just dont want anyone to have the same problem.

Somehow I missed this thread originally, now that I've wiped the drool off of my keyboard all I can type is WOW<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />



Mike

I also had a problem with Broad Creek Rifle Works, had them re-barrel a # 1 and when it came back the firing pin was hiting so low and off center I was getting mis-fires.
S/S

chestsprings, I too, had a horrific experience with one of those listed ( BCRW ), probably the same one as yours. It took me a little over 3 YEARS to get my gun, and that only after the very real threat of legal action. I was ready to drive to his place and retrieve my rifle. Having kinfolk that are employed with the US Attorneys Office seemed to help motivate him.

Isn't it some thing a lot of us had problems with the same "gunsmith".

I saved all my correspondence, & there is not enough space on this forum to list it all.

One of many incidents, when my rifle was sent to a person in Kansas ( I live in Va. ) by the "gunsmith", & he would not send a call tag to have it returned, until I threaten legal action. The story could go on & on.

I am over my situation, but I would NEVER recommend the "gunsmith".

Funny I told my buddy not to use BCRW.He did anyway for 2 trigger jobs. Well he got his rifles back but the gunsmith ended up keeping his cases. One of the same probs I had too. This guy is so clueless he cant remember what came wih each rifle and even who to send them too. I put out info on alot of sites to stop someone from making the saem mistake I did.

Drool....

More drool... That's what a quarter rib on a No. 1 tropical is supposed to look like...

Oh this is just great. I have several no 1-a's and a 1-s and always wanted one really nice pretty rifle. I bought a 1-s in 45-70 that turnbull color case hardened the reciver, lever, etc. on and it is really a nice looking gun, has some decent wood and shoots very good. I was completely satisfied.

Then I see this page.

Here we go again!

A 257 Bob with express iron sights... I love it!

Beauty of a gun...

TM

Another for the list:

http://www.leveractions.com/RugerNo_1.htm

It used to be that Brownell & Billingsley had an upgrade package for Ruger No. 1 rifles. I don't see them advertising that service anymore.

What gunsmiths now offer a similar package of light metalwork and stock slimming and refinishing?

thanks...jim

Jim,
Here's a link to the ACGG member info list and what their services are. As I went through, there appeared to be several who list Ruger No.1 work, including Duane Wiebe, Mark Stratton and SDH.
http://www.acgg.org/PDF%20files/DirServices.pdf

DPhillips,

Thanks for that link!. I am planning to go to their show in January too...jim

I am hoping to be there this coming year, but there's many a slip betwixt a cup and a lip.

Roger Ferrell is on the list from the ACGG. I have seen a custom Ruger #3 he built in .450/400 Nitro Express and it was a spectacular piece.

I'm going to have Bill Truitt (Bills Accuracy) build a Number 1 in .500 N.E. 3". Hope it shoots as well

Very nice. The Ruger No.1 is a class act in an English big bore chamber. I have a friend who shoots the 50-140 Sharps smokeless (510 Nitro Express) in the No. 1. I have tugged a few on the range. It is a real experience to shoot a 750 grain bullet at 1900 fps and 600 grain load at 2200 fps.

While I agree on the stock design, good (figured) wood is actually the exception on Rugers, IME. Calibers are limited, especially rimmed calibers, which I like in SS's. I also love octagon barrels on #1's. I just barreld one up for myself in 30 WCF with a 26"tapered octagon medium weight. Put a forend cap (cocobolo) & slimmed it down some. I rust blued it and it came out nice. I can really crank up the pressure in that caliber in the #1 action with surprising performance. Great fun to shoot offhand. I shot a couple deer with it last month.
Greg

Bump for a cool thread

I also had problems with Broad Creek Rifle Works, and would not use him again.

Don't mean to pile on to the other posts re them, but there is something pretty wrong at BCRW.

Steve

Mark's email: markpenrodkconline.com


Jeff

Red Oak Gunsmithing
Onaway Mi 49765
989-733-7010

Custom BBL and stock work.
Thanks Chris

Nitro,

Clyde Moore is retired now and not associated with D&D.

He was a great craftsman, excellent at communciation, and reasonable to boot and I'm sorry to see him go. He built two custom #1s for me -- a #3 Swede and 9.3x62 lB -- that are the prides of my gun safes. Only sorry that I learned about him towards the end of his career.

I also had two rifles accurized by BCRW and they came out fine.

1B

While not a full custom per se, Clay at Luxus Walnut stocked a .300 H&H in English walnut, very pleased with the results.

5+ year bump, just cuz.

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