I'm not a collector of "safe queens", I always have shot or hunted with every gun I ever owned. But a couple of weeks ago my wife bought me this Ruger #1 (she thought it was pretty because of the wood) that turns out to be pre-prefix serial #3XXX, 7mm Rem Mag, AH lightweight 22"bbl. and it looks to be in unfired condition. Would a gun like this have a collectors value? Or should I just go ahead and shoot it? Can't really find any like it to make any kind of comparison. Does anyone have an idea of value? It is 2nd year of production. Can't think it would hurt the value that much to go ahead and use it.
Last edited by oldgunsmith; 12/01/24.
If you don't like Robert E. Lee, you won't like it on this ranch. JGM
That’s a beauty! I’m not a collector so can’t help you there but I’d imagine it would have a following. That said, in my opinion, using a rifle that you really like and not subjecting it to abusive use won’t hurt anything (that’s what that make stainless steel and synthetic for!).
Should one happen to become ill, would you please include my name and address in that portion of the will pertaining to your wife's inheritance? Thank you in advance.
Congratulations to you Sir, your wife buys firearms for you! A really nice one at that!
"Camping places fix themselves in your mind as if you had spent long periods of your life in them. You will remember a curve of your wagon track in the grass of the plain like the features of a friend." Isak Dinesen
I have to be honest with you. I own several collectable firearms. That's a beautiful #1, and as I had one that was that nice, and an early one like yours. Unless your rough on things and abuse your rifles, take it out and have a blast! They make great hunters, in a wonderful caliber, and she would be proud that your enjoying it. IMO!
HS 58
I Learned a long time ago to Separate My Want's from My Needs!
I briefly owned that exact model, purchased originally by my brother. Four-digit serial number. Yours is the only other one I’ve seen. Somewhere I have some Kodachromes of it.
If you decide to shoot it, do it in dim light; it’s impressive!
There were an estimated 108 of this particular non-prefix model/chambering made. In No. 1 collector circles, not super rare, but not often encountered either! I've owned two non-prefix 7mm Mag rifles; an AB and a BB. if I had that AH of yours, I'd be keeping it. Careful use and maintenance won't affect the future value. It will certainly get your attention when you fire it in that light 22" barrel (if you fire it at dusk, it will blind you! ;-) ). Your wife is a keeper for sure - you should take her out for a nice dinner and do everything on her honey-do list.
And FWIW, I have the same model in 222 Rem. that will never leave.
Congrats! And go buy the wife something nice in return!
I have an AH, 22" barrel in 7mm Mag s/n a few hundred earlier than yours. I recall seeing another one for sale in the past, so I think there are a few around. I'm not quite sure what Ruger was thinking, making a 22" barrel 7mm mag.
Mine has a small crack in the stock just under the comb, in a non-critical area, and has enough handling marks that I'll probably go ahead & shoot it. But it will be with reduced loads!
Thanks for looking at my new toy guys. I think you have talked me into shooting it. I guess when you think about it, if it devalues from shooting it, I really haven't lost anything cause I won't be around when she sells it !!! Since I'm 83 and almost blind, the muzzle flash probably won't bother me all that much !! Hadn't thought about it, but I bet the grandkids will love seeing it at night :):):)
This reminds me of something that happened about 50 years ago, I had gotten some tracer ammo somewhere and my brother in law and I were out on the lease. He had never seen a tracer fired, so I asked him what he wanted me to shoot at. He said shoot at the moon. It was headed straight for the moon and as that tracer finally made its arc he exclaimed "Damn if it was a full moon you would have hit it !!" The gun wasn't the only thing that was loaded that night :):)
If you don't like Robert E. Lee, you won't like it on this ranch. JGM
I made up some mild loads for mine, using 140gr Accubonds and Varget. It shot very well, averaging about 2750 fps, and grouping about 1" - 1¼" at 100 yards. I have no interest in trying to burn 70grains of powder in a 22" barrel
Interesting. What chamberings were available in the #1 AH I've only seen 30 06 and 25 06. I have a #1 AH in 25 06, love the rifle, not wild about 25 06.
