Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Single Shots 1885 Highwall vs. Ruger #1 Accuracy?

I have never owned a single shot rifle and really want one. Have heard of the problems getting Rugers to shot right, but have heard nothing pro or con about the Winchester. Ideally, I would like a .280 A.I., but am open to someithing that will launch a 130 to 150 grain bullet at 3000 fps plus. Can anyone give me feedback about the rifles and the round(s)? Thanks

dc3,

I have had good experiences and bad with both models. I guess it depends on what you like. The Win/Browning has an open hammer. The Ruger #1 has a tang safety. This year the Winchester M-1885 can be had in .270 WSM and 7mm WSM. Either should fit your needs and wants.

Bottom line: There is nothing intrinsically inaccurate about either design. Handle both. Buy the one that fits you the best. And then, make it what you want caliber wise. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Hope this helps...the9.3Guy

dc3,

Be realistic. Check out both and then decide which one you want to buy....FIRST!

I have two No. 1's, and am now looking at 1885's.

Good Huntin'! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Chris

Read what 9_3 just wrote. Then, read it again. That's about as simple and direct advice as you're likely to get.

Find 'em, fit 'em to you, and get the one that you feel best with. Single shots aren't like other rifles - they are a matter of personality and personal preference. When it fits, and it's right, then it's right, and that's just it.

BTW -welcome to the Campfire, the forum, and the "addiction." <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Are there aftermarket items to help the 1885 if it's not shooting right like there are for the Ruger? Are there any smiths that specialize in geting the most out of these or rebarelling them?

I don't think nI can answr the accuracy thing as far as one against the other!
The Ruger may be made a little more accurate easily, But thhe brownings are very fine right off the rack.

As was stasted . pick eithe on their merits, wheather you like a tang safety, open hammer, and the overall feel, becauser they both feel different.
The Browning also has a cool little stop that you can turn to either leject the cases or stop them from flying away when you open the action! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
catnthehat

What's really cool is that the stop can be rotated for right or left hand ejection. Southpaws take note!
--Bob

BTW - fellas, Winchester has released a run of 1885 Highwalls in .45-70 again this year. Their made by Browning, of course, but the two companies are owned by the same parent now, so it's 6 of one; half dozen of the other.

Anyway, the gun looks and handles nice; as I had my paws on one yesterday. I liked everything about it - except for the curved steel butt plate (OUCH!). <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

The rifle comes standard with a very fine bead out front, buckhorn rear AND a nice tang sight already installed, and also D&T'd. Should make the most out of that 28" barrel... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Pricey (around $900), but might be nice if you've been looking for one.

I have a No. 1 in 7mm Rem and I have no complaints about the accuracy. I have been able to shoot groups that measure right around an inch and I haven't done anything to the rifle. This might be a little off topic, but I'm curious. What advantages if any does the .280 A.I. offer over the 7mm Rem Mag?

i presently own two of each. Not taking anything away from the Ruger but, I do like the 1885 hands down. Both of mine were tack drivers right out of the boxs. The Rugers both had to have their forends worked over before they would start shooting good. Please i don't want to rile any Ruger fans because i am one myself. I also own several other makes os single shot falling block rifles. All of them have never equalled the 1885.
Best Regards,
Rollercoasterjr

One more thing about these two rifles.

They both have VERY cool variations!
The coolest looking of the Rugers IMHO is the RSI with its mannlicher syle forend and 20" barrel.

The Browning comes with a 28", octagon barrel.
Now, how cool is THAT!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
catnthehat

9_3GUY summed it up quite well. I think you ought to get the one you like the most and then, after a short while, buy the other as well, because you'll like that one, too. They're both fine rifles and I don't even try to say one is "superior" to the other.

I had a #1 in .300 Win Mag that I liked very much. I also had a 6mm Rem B-78 in the 26" octagon that I liked very much. I admired both of them. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />