Awhile back I purchased a NIB Ruger #3 in .223. Having several #3�s I decided to let a local �forum member� part-time stock maker whittle on it. I thought I�d see how a #3 sans the infamous barrel band would turn out. I didn�t want to do anything overly elaborate, as I prefer subtleness. We worked with the original stock and forend, and in lieu of the barrel band chose an ebony end cap, however sculptured the bottom fore arm plate as utilized on the #1�s and added a sculpted plate behind the receiver on the butt stock. Well much to my dismay, even though this was a new in the box (NOS) #3, when the barrel band was removed, a layer of rust encircled the barrel.
Today I picked up the rifle and we tried to remove the rust with (0-4) steel wool and a dab of oil to no avail. A visit to the bluing shop revealed the barrel and receiver would have to be re-blued at a cost, $145.00.
The gun hefts and shoulders nicely. It�s light and balances well. I thought I might add checkering at some point down the road.
Another member on here is holding a different .223 for me until we can get together in April, so I thought rather than spend the money to re-blue, why not just re-barrel in a unique caliber keeping the same barrel contour and possibly swapping out the front sight, or add a #1 front sight purely for aesthetic reasons. I don�t like to duplicate calibers so my options are open. Looking for suggestions from the forum members? Anyone know a quick fix? Re-blue or re-barrel? What�re your thoughts? Is there a commonly sought after caliber that might add value?

I always thought a .30-40 #3, with #1A wood would be a pretty slick setup. Ditto a .375 Winchester

How about a 218 Zipper,re-blue, re-chamber less than a new barrel. Plus a lot of fun making brass.

INTERESTING! What about twist rates?

It doesn't look too bad to me. Some work with a good cold blue should cover it up pretty well.

I had a #3 in 223 as well and when I discovered that Numrich Gun parts had #3 barrels in 375 Win. for $65, I had mine rebarreled. I kept the 223 barrel so I can change it back to it's original caliber by just screwing the 223 barrel back on. Here's what it looksl ike now.

I acquired a #3 in 223 a couple years ago. The forend was under one hell of a lot of stress when tightened down.
--I relieved the wood from touching the action.
--I removed the wood and barrel band at the front.
--I removed enough wood to clear the barrel at the front then added enough epoxy to fit just snug.
--I put a plastic shim between the barrel hanger and the barrel.

I now shoot 45 gr TSX at 5 rounds at 3/4" at 100 yards.

So I suggest you try these things out and shoot it before you go looking for another caliber/barrel.
JMHO
Tim

If you are going to keep the #3 butt stock with it's carbine butt plate I would chose a caliber that doesn't recoil much..
Since I like 7mm, I would have JES Reboring bore the barrel to .284 and chambered to one of the following:
708
7X57 (with short throat for 140 grainers)
7-30 Waters

Also .264 bore would be good for low recoil if you only hunted deer and hogs..
.260
6.5X55

I would also reshape that squarish fore arm tip to look like those that are on Martini & Hagen's single shots..

DMc,

You may not be aware that the barrel profile on the #3 is the same as a #1-B or #1-S. Thus any take-off barrel may be fitted to the #3 without messing with the fore-end. I would think that would open up a whole host of opportunities....

GH

Really good info here! Wasn't that mannlicher cool! Sure didn't know the barrel contours were identical!

If someone will post picts for me -- I'll need your email address -- I'll show you custom #3s in 7mm BR and 6.5x55 Swede.

1B

Does anyone have experience with the 338 RCM? Leaning toward re-barreling to this caliber.

Just buy some wood for it. There are quite a few from which to choose.....

Here are Dennis's pictures showing Custom Ruger Single Shots. Now that I have them posted I'm sure he will give us the history & specifics!

Actually, the top rifle is a custom 45-70 built on the usual #1 model. The gaudy Tiger maple stock is even more lustrous in daylight! I do not know who built it but it is accurized and shoots very nice groups.

The second one was originally a #3 44 mag that someone at the Ruger factory built into a fully custom 7mm BR. The english- style straight stock works very well -- a pistol grip would pinch your shooting hand under the lever where it should rest while shooting. The schnabel foreend also works for me as I have an aversion for the AH treatment.

I liked the 7mm BR so much I used it as a model for the third rifle in 6.5x55 Swede which was totally built to my specs. It has a custom set of bases and Talley LTW rings. The barrel is twisted 1 in 9 and the chamber is set on the tighter side of the SAAMI specs to better handle modern 120-140 gr bullets. The wood is Michigan black walnut -- the highlights do not show up well in this picture.

Both #3s weigh in @ 7.25 lbs scoped and group right around MOA.

Thanks to DMc.

1B