I traded into a Ruger # 1 that I am going to sell and need help determining a value.

It is a red pad gun chambered in 300 win mag. I looked up the serial # and it said it was made in 1981. There's a few minor dings in the wood and there are some thin spots in the blueing and minor freckling on the receiver. It appears to have been shot very little, but certainly used (though cared for)

One thing that's puzzling me is the finish on the wood. All the #1s I've seen have whatever varnish ruger uses on the wood. This one seems to have an oil finish. The guy I got it from swore it was original, but I'm not sure about that. Did they ever come with an oil finish?

Also, I don't believe the scope mount rib (?) Is original to this particular gun. It has a dovetail for a rear sight, but there is no front sight on the barrel.

I know it's hard to give a good value without pics, but I have been as honest as I can about condition.

If I cant figure out how much to ask, I'll just put it on GB along with a lot of pics and see what happens.

Thanks in advance for the help.

El Numero Uno may be able to assist you on this.

Sounds modified a bit. Maybe 700

agreed x2

Last fall I paid $600 for a 1978-vintage red pad #1, .250-3000 rebarreled from .270 with a 22" Douglas barrel, mint looking otherwise. With a Leupold VX-III 1.5-5 on it. I figured I got it for a decent price but not a steal. (Shoots better than your average 40 year old #1. A lot better.)

The #1b had a rib, but usually those were not dovetailed. Maybe that one got a rib that was dovetailed cause that is what they had available.
Not sure on the finish. Most likely refinished

Thanks fellas. Not quite what I was hoping, but I would still do alright on it. I think I'll go the Gunbroker rout and let the buyer tell me what it's worth.