Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Single Shots How desirable is the Ruger No. 3 in 45-70?

Many years ago I had one and converted it to a 222. I put Ruger Number 1 wood on it along with a quarter length barrel vent and have a really neat looking number 3. I did this so that I could get rid of the finger locking lever on the number 1 and have a more useable caliber for what I wanted (ground squirrels). The Number 1 wood is much nicer looking in my opinion than the Number 3 too! I haven't used the rifle in years and haven't even seen it in the bottom of my safe. Better go dig it out. I'll bet she misses me !

Yep I bet she does, some have said the #3 was a horrible idea but with the right upgrades she is far supperior to the modern 1885.

Pretty darn desirable. It's true calling is to be a woodland stalking rifle. One of these days, I am going to fire up the acetylene torch and unbend the end of the finger lever slightly so that I can slip my ring finger underneath it. Then send the lever to Turnbull to have it color cased.

From a collectors point of view, it's desirable, from a shooters point of view, not so much.

A LGS has one in pristine condition that I can get for $625.00 but I think I'm gonna pass. All the 45/70 stuff I have loaded is loaded with 70 grs. of BP topped by a 550 gr Hoch bullet! A prescription for pain in a 6 1/2 pound rifle!