OK, this is my second post. This time I have questions about the Ruger #3. I have had a #1B for many years and enjoy shooting it and the action. Recently I have become somewhat intrigued with the #3. Somewhere in the back of my mind I remember reading that the #3 is not known for its accuracy. By that I don't mean the reputation that the #1 has wiuth forearm hanger, but rather related to the barrel band.

Anyone out there have a #3? what sort of accuracy are you getting with them?

My paqrticular interest is in a 30-40 Krag. I recently read (but again don't quite remember), that one of the relaoding books (either Hornady or Hodgson) had a special section on loads for the 30-40 in a #3. Does anyone have that?

Once again, thanks for your help

Hodgdon #26 has "heavy loads for modern rifles". Lyman #47 has loads for "Ruger No. 3 Carbine Only". I don't have the lastest editions.

Bye
Jack

Have worked with a couple of #3's...I actually prefer building on a #3 than a #1 as I like the more American lever (the #1 has a British look to it), Action is pretty much the same as a #1...same fore end hanger, the barrel band is just along for the "look". Barrel band can cause bedding trouble, so when I did have rifles built on #3's, restocked (at least the fore end if not the whole thing). On the factory issue rifles, tended to try the rifle with the barrel band as issued and then removed...if accuracy improved with the barrel band removed, would rashape the band and the forened seat until the band actually didn't touch the barrel.

Never hand a #3 in 30-40...wanted one, but could never find one at a price that I'd jump at. Owned 2 issue 45/70's, a .223, and a .22hornet. OF the four, three of them needed the barrel band reshaped to no contact...the .223 didn't give a hoot either way.

MOST of them got a hole drilled'taped in the hanger (at it's end) and a set screw for applying some pressure...in the .223's case, it worked best with the screw backed out for no contact and that barrel band in full contact...go figure, guns are obstinate things.

Never hand a #3 in 30-40...wanted one, but could never find one at a price that I'd jump at.

I just missed one on Gunsamerica - it was a "200th year anniv" issue (1976), possibly unfired (it said). It went for $550. Think that was a good price?


MOST of them got a hole drilled'taped in the hanger

Yes, I have seen a few different articles on accurizing the No.1, all invloving things like that. Brownells even sells one. There was an older gunsmith up here in Kalispell - Mel Smart - who recently passed away. He invented a new lamination process and made one heck of a stock. Even made bats for the Seattle Mariners. Dave Scovil wrote a piece on how he put it in his bathtub for a week the shot it again and it did not change POI. Anyway, he had re-bedded dozens of No. 1s without these things. I gave him my #1B in 30-06 and now it shoots better than I do. Just mention that as an alternative.

I forgot to mention - in case anyone is interested. Mel's company still goes on without him. His stocks go by the name of "accrabond", they run somewhere in the $300 - 400 range I think. I thought he had a web site, but I can't find it. If anyone is interested, I can give them the phone #. We all miss Mel.

Sorry to raise from the archives such an old thread... But I just felt like commenting about Mel and his work.

I met him several years ago when I designed a website for him, he was going to build me a 10/22 stock something fun and cheap to play with.

Shows how well I stayed in touch... I just was trying to look up Mel's phone number and information when I found this thread.

Thats really too bad that he's passed on. Mel was a hellva guy, with a fantastic product.

I called up the folks that took over acrabond (now Serengeti) and they wanted nothing to do with me or my measly 10/22 project. They only do high dollar stuff now.

I hope that Mel's legacy lives on.

The 30-40 is no slouch either! I would very much enjoy a #3 in that caliber.
Cheezywan

bthornton,
I had Serengeti build a stock for my M70 300 H&H. The work is exceptional and I'm sure Mel would be pleased (may he rest in peace).

The owners, and everyone at Serengeti, were first class throughout the entire project. I wanted some modifications made to their basic pattern, something they really weren't setup for, but made it happen and turned out better than I could have imagined.

Rod, Larry, KC and all the rest at Serengeti are a fine group of people with an excellent product and top notch customer service.

I don't think Serengeti is set up to make stocks for the Ruger No.1's or No.3's at this time. I had spoken with Rod about it and he said they wouldn't offer that option until they "had it perfect".