Falling Block thoughts (Ruger vs. 1885(

timsesink · #1 04-13-2010, 10:47 AM

I've really grown fond of the traditional styling of the falling block rifles and am torn between looking for a second hand 1885 or going with a new Ruger No.1 as they're around the same price. Is the higher price of the 1885 justified? What are your thoughts as general hunting firearms? (i.e carryability, shootability, etcc..) Thanx in advance for your thoughts.

switchsl · #2 04-13-2010, 11:16 AM

I have never been fortunate enough to afford one but shot a lot of loners in silhouette. The aesthetics of the 1885 is impeccable, and being a traditionalist I think they are worth the money. Pedrosolli makes fine rifles and I think you wont be disappointed owning one. The vernier sights are certainly not for hunting, I’m sure you have a different choice for sights… and I remember not all had ejectors… unless you have bare fingers, it can be tough to get a hold of the case. I like the external hammer, but they seem a heavy gun in my opinion to carry and shoot offhand. What caliber and manufacturer are you looking to buy? That’s all I can input here. Go Creedmoor!!

timsesink · #3 04-13-2010, 11:18 AM

There's a 1885 in the buy forum in 45/70 that I'm begging my wife about. However it's about the same as a new Ruger no.1. I'm thinking of using it as my main bear/moose/elk hunting gun. Glad to hear you really enjoyed the 1885.

switchsl · #4 04-13-2010, 11:51 AM

yes I noticed that item, and was going to send you a message.... but im new here and dont know how.

double gun · #5 04-13-2010, 06:02 PM

Both are nice rifles. Pick which ever one fits you better and/or you like better.

catnthehat · #6 04-13-2010, 06:43 PM

I like them both, the 1885 has an open hammer and and cartridge stop is is nice when shooting long range and not having to look for brass after!

The Ruger has a stronger action however, but both are good - asked to choose, I could not!

The tapered octagon in 6mm rem was a favourite factory rifle in the 1885, and the RSI in 7X57was a particularly nice one in the Ruger No.1.
But neither had the "WOW!!" of the 1885 in 6.5Badcat with its RKS gain twist 30" barrel, nor the "one ton gun" Ruger no.1 FO class rifle in 6mmBR with its heavy RKS barrel and aluminum forend!!
I have bought and sold over a dozen of each in the last few years, and have only one of each left , neither of which is going anywhere soon ( until I shoot a deer with the 303 no.1 stalking rifle!

)
I will always have a soft spot for either......
Cat

hal53 · #7 04-13-2010, 06:47 PM

HA!!!!!!!...I've benn watching this thread for 2+ hours waiting for Cat's reply, FWIW, just got a #1, and wish I could shoot as good as it can....

timsesink · #8 04-13-2010, 07:19 PM

yeh, they really are things of beauty and simplicity something I value

timsesink · #9 04-13-2010, 07:23 PM

my wife is putting her foot down but I've known it to move

catnthehat · #10 04-13-2010, 08:06 PM

just a few pics of some - some have been sold to other members, some I still have

6.5/284 RKS gain twist - B78
receiver of my Ruger No.1 in 308 - which is now in 280AI

RSI in 7X57 now owned by Dick284

1885 Uberti Highwall in 40/65 and tasco trad scope with custom mounts

catnthehat · #11 04-13-2010, 08:12 PM

I can't post any single shot pics and not include my most loved ones!
6.5Badcat with 10XIOR scope and 28" RKS gain twist barrel.
Long range hunter, for sure

the one ton gun, FO class 6mmBR with 28" RKS barrel and machined aluminum forend!

And of course, last but not least, my long range 45/70 match rifle with its 30" badger barrel and Kepplinger trigger!

Cat

timsesink · #12 04-13-2010, 08:13 PM

That B78 is sure a piece of work, thanx for posting

catnthehat · #13 04-13-2010, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timsesink

That B78 is sure a piece of work, thanx for posting

Thanks, it's owned by my son , really cool gun with fluted barrel and all.
shoots like a house afire!

Oh, in case anyone is wondering, I HAVE owned factory single shots - REALY I have! ( just not for long!!

)
The work on all these rifles was done at Rangesports Unlimited, BTW ( except for the 45/70 )
Cat

hal53 · #14 04-13-2010, 08:18 PM

Great looking guns!!!..think my wife was right when I finally found my #1 that I wanted, when it came home, she looked at me and said ***** it's nice, won't be the last one will it???..LOL...yes dear , it will be the last one this week!!!! they are addicting!!

catnthehat · #15 04-13-2010, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hal53

Great looking guns!!!..think my wife was right when I finally found my #1 that I wanted, when it came home, she looked at me and said ***** it's nice, won't be the last one will it???..LOL...yes dear , it will be the last one this week!!!! they are addicting!!

Crap, single shots are about as addictive as shotguns!!

Cat

hal53 · #16 04-13-2010, 08:27 PM

Okay!!!!!! this isn't even a fair fight anymore!!!!!!

BTW there's a Wingmaster for sale on here, why don't u buy it before i'm divorced???

catnthehat · #17 04-13-2010, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hal53

Okay!!!!!! this isn't even a fair fight anymore!!!!!!

BTW there's a Wingmaster for sale on here, why don't u buy it before i'm divorced???

Check your PM's and you will see why I can't afford a COOEY SINGLE SHOT at this time!!

Cat

asheepatthewheel · #18 04-15-2010, 08:55 AM

that B78 in 6.5/284 makes me drool. lets hope cooler heads prevail!!!!

timsesink · #19 04-15-2010, 09:12 AM

oh man, those Browning 1885's and B78's are sure nice.

switchsl · #20 04-16-2010, 05:12 AM

I keep coming back to this thread to review the gun porn catnthehat posted

catnthehat · #21 04-16-2010, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by switchsl

I keep coming back to this thread to review the gun porn catnthehat posted

Well the, here's a pic just for your!

These are the two 6.5 badcats that me and Oldbadger had Rangesports Unlimited do up for us.
One is a 28" , the other a 30.
1K was a cinch for either of these rifles, in fact I shot the ammo that was built for one out of the other, and dropped it right into a nice 6" group at 1K!
I had run put of ammo and OB gave me one of his - different bullet, powder everything! The only things the same were the velocity and the reamer, barrel blanks, and the smith that did the job!
Cat

junkdude · #22 04-17-2010, 11:20 PM

Any comments or experience with any of the other manufacturers of falling block guns such as Chaparell, Pedersoli, Armisport, Shiloh? Good value or junk? I like rugers, they are well made. Just not sure about these others

catnthehat · #23 04-18-2010, 06:42 AM

double tap!

catnthehat · #24 04-18-2010, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by junkdude

Any comments or experience with any of the other manufacturers of falling block guns such as Chaparell, Pedersoli, Armisport, Shiloh? Good value or junk? I like rugers, they are well made. Just not sure about these others

The bottom one in the group pic is Armsport that was made by Pedersoli ,in 45/110. It is a good rifle, decently made.
The Uberti was also a very good rifle.
Blackman has one in 45/70 in target configuration ( the one on the pics with the scope is actually a straight stocked carbine) and he has done some wonderful shooting with it at long range.

For a cheaper style of hunting rifle, the H&R Buffalo Hunter is a great value and VERY accurate rifle - and don't let anyone tell you it's not (traditional) H&R was right there during the 1800's with Sharps and all the others!

Cat

leo · #25 04-18-2010, 07:26 AM

Hey Cat, now I know what you mean by some thing strange

Very cool stuff

What do you do for trigger work on them?