cole k, I think you are exactly right and I don't mean to slam Rugers because I do think many are fine rifles. I just had a bad experience at a time in my life when I could least afford it. I still remember how much I anticipated getting that rifle! Anyway, since that time I have run accross any number of good shooting Number Ones but, other than the 45-70 mentioned, never owned another. I got the 45-70 as part of a trade involving several rifles and did not keep it long but it did seem to shoot very well.
