Ruger No. 1 Instruction Manual

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!WARNING – LEAD EXPOSURE
Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated
areas, cleaning firearms, or handling
ammunition may result in exposure to
lead and other substances known to the
state of California to cause birth defects,
reproductive harm, and other serious
physical injury. Have adequate ventilation
at all times. Wash hands thoroughly after
exposure.
SHOOTING OR CLEANING GUNS
MAY EXPOSE YOU TO LEAD
TO LOAD AND FIRE
Practice the important aspects of gun handling described below (with an
unloaded rifle) until you can perform each of the steps with skill and confidence.
But before loading the rifle, please read completely through this manual, and be
certain the muzzle is pointing in a safe direction. Do not load the rifle until you
are ready to use it!
1.With the rifle pointed in a safe direction (See Rule 2, p. 35), press the lever
latch and fully lower the lever. This will expose the breech end of the chamber. 
2. Move the safety selector fully rearward to the “Safe” position (see Figure 2,
p. 9).
3. Insert a cartridge of the correct caliber into the chamber only when you are
ready to shoot.
Know the caliber of your rifle you are loading and load car-
tridges of only that caliber into it!
Before loading, be certain the primer of each cartridge is seated
flush with, or below, the surface of the cartridge case base. A
cartridge discharged by the closing of the breech mechanism
can result in possible serious injury to the shooter and those
nearby.
If a cartridge does not chamber readily, do not force it. Check
the bore and chamber to be certain that they are free of obstruc-
tions and that each cartridge is the proper caliber and of correct
dimensions. If you cannot determine why the cartridge will not
fit, clear the rifle of all cartridges and write or call the factory. 
The wrong ammunition can destroy your gun and result in seri-
ous injury.
BE SURE WHAT YOU LOAD
IS CORRECT
!WARNING – LOADING  
						

							Never carry the rifle loaded with the safe-
ty selector in the “FIRE” position.If
dropped or struck with the safety off, the
rifle may fire. Such a discharge can occur
with or without the trigger being directly
struck or touched. Never rest a loaded
rifle against any object. (wall, fence, vehi-
cle, tree, etc.) because there is always the
possibility that the rifle will be jarred or
slide from its position and fall with suffi-
cient force to discharge. Keep safety on
unless actually firing.
Never lower (uncock) the firing pin with
a loaded cartridge in the chamber. Under
such circumstances the firing pin will be
in direct contact with the primer of the
loaded cartridge and a light accidental
blow to the firing pin can readily cause
the gun to discharge.
ANY GUN MAY FIRE IF
DROPPED
12
WARNING: DO NOT TOUCH THE TRIGGER
UNTIL YOU ARE ACTUALLY READY
TO FIRE THE RIFLE.
!
4. Raise the lever fully until the lever latch engages, closing and locking the
breech block. (Note: On the upward stroke of the lever, the breech block is
locked before the lever latch engages. However, the rifle should not be fired or
“dry fired” unless the lever latch is engaged.)
!WARNING – HANDLING
5. The rifle is now loaded and cocked, and the safety is engaged.
6. To fire the rifle, with the rifle pointing in a safe direction,push the safety for-
ward to the “Fire” position, thenplace the index finger on the trigger and
squeeze it. Pulling (squeezing) the trigger will discharge the cartridge. Always
be certain that you know where the bullet will strike when you fire the rifle.
Keep the thumb off of the safety when firing, as recoil can cause it to bruise
the thumb. 
						

							This precision trigger has been
carefully adjusted at the factory
and permanently secured. Do
not alter any factory setting! You
can create an unsafe condition
and the rifle may fire unexpect-
edly, or not fire at all.
You should be especially careful
to keep the safety on at all times
except when actually firingand
keep your finger of
f the trigger
unless you are squeezing it to
fire,in order to minimize the
possibility of accidental dis-
charge.
DO NOT TAMPER
WITH TRIGGER 
KEEP SAFETY ON UNLESS FIRING
13
When firing the No. 1 rifle be sure that
bystanders are well clear of the shooter and
standing a safe distance to the rear. Empty car-
tridge cases are hot and are normally ejected
from the rifle to the rear with some force. They
could cause injury to any person who is standing
too closely behind the shooter. Shooters should
be particularly cautious concerning ejected car-
tridge cases striking the face. Tilt the rifle away
from you when opening the lever. Always wear
shooting glasses and hearing protectors. 
EJECTED BRASS IS HOT
!WARNING – FIRING
!WARNING – TRIGGER ADJUSTMENT
SAFE SAFE  
						

							When there is a cartridge in the cham-
ber and the safety selector is in the
“Fire” position, the cartridge will dis-
charge if the trigger is pulled. It is
absolutely essential for the user to know
how to completely unload it.
“Completely” means fully opening the
lever, removing a chambered cartridge,
and checking to be sure the rifle is
empty. The safety selector should always
be in the “Safe” position when the rifle
is being unloaded.See the “Operation of
Safety” section of this manual.
ALWAYS CHECK TO BE
SURE RIFLE IS UNLOADED
14
1
2 3
SAFETY IN
SAFE
POSITION
CORRECT UNLOADING SEQUENCE
TO UNLOAD RIFLE
(Keep the Rifle Pointed in a Safe Direction)
UNLOAD THE RIFLE IMMEDIATELY WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED SHOOTING.
1.Move the safety selector fully to the “Safe” position if the rifle is cocked.
2. Depress the lever latch and fully lower the lever to open the breech and to
eject the chambered cartridge.
3. Inspect the chamber to be certain the cartridge has been extracted. Leave the
breech block open.
!WARNING – UNLOADING 
						

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CARTRIDGE EXTRACTION AND EJECTION
When the lever is lowered the fired cartridge case is automatically extracted and
ejected. Check the chamber to be sure it is empty before closing the lever. If
automatic ejection is not desired, remove the forearm and back-off the ejector
strut adjustment screw until the ejector spring unit can be removed.
(See Figure 4) The ejector will then function as an extractor only, and the car-
tridge (or fired cartridge case) will be partially removed from the chamber by the
final downward motion of the lever. If the ejector spring unit is replaced, do not
over-tighten the ejector strut adjustment screw because that will bind the
action. The force of ejection can be altered to some extent by moving the adjust-
ment screw.
4. If you wish to store the rifle with the action shut, after making sure the cham-
ber is empty, fully shut the lever.
5. Move the safety selector to the “Fire “ position and with the rifle pointed in a
safe direction, pull the trigger.
TO CLEAR A MALFUNCTION (“JAM”)
If a jam occurs, immediately put the safety selector in the “Safe” position and be
certain the muzzle of the rifle is at all times pointing in a safe direction.
Then study the situation to determine the nature of the jam and how best to
clear it.
–If a cartridge or fired case is caught between the breech block and the bar-
rel, or if it is not extracted and remains in the chamber, don’t try to force
the lever shut. Lower the lever and breech block fully and carefully remove
the jammed cartridge or case.
–When attempting to extract a cartridge that is “stuck” in the chamber do
not use any type of tool that is likely to act as a “firing pin” and discharge
the cartridge should the tool impact on the primer.
Figure 4 
						

							If a cartridge hangs up, jams, or binds
when being chambered or when the
breech block is closed, do not attempt to
force it into the chamber by pushing or
striking the lever. Most failures of a car-
tridge to feed or to chamber are caused by
ammunition that is incorrect, dirty, or
defective.
Whatever the cause, the gun user must,
above all, recognize that jams can result
in the very potentially dangerous situation
of a cartridge discharging before it is
chambered. If this occurs, the cartridge
case will rupture and its fragments will fly
out of the gun with sufficient force to
cause injury. Always wear shooting glasses
and hearing protectors!
STRIKING PRIMER CAN
BURST CARTRIDGE
16
–After clearing a jam, inspect the gun mechanism to determine if dirt might
be the cause of the problem. Excess lubricant or grease can cause car-
tridges to feed sluggishly or fail to extract. An accumulation of grease or
dirt on the face or sides of the breech block, under the extractor, or in the
chamber can contribute to cartridge feeding problems. (See section on
“Care and Cleaning”, p. 20).
–After clearing a jam, inspect all cartridges that have been removed from
the gun. Safely dispose of any cartridges which are in any way damaged.
–If it appears that the rifle is not at fault and that the jam was caused by the
type of cartridge being used, then try another type.
–Examine your fired cartridge cases. If they have split, blown or bulged
heads, stop using that ammunition and promptly return the rifle to the
factory for examination.
–If the above procedures do not result in a smooth and reliable feeding
firearm, don’t use the rifle. The RUGER
®NO. 1can be returned direct-
ly to our Newport Product Service Department for inspection and repair, if
required. See the “Service and Parts Policy” section of the manual for
packing and shipping information.
!WARNING – MALFUNCTIONS
TO MINIMIZE MALFUNCTIONS (“JAMS”)
Firearms of all makes and types are susceptible to occasional malfunctioning due
to a cartridge not feeding into the chamber, or due to a cartridge or fired case
not being extracted and ejected.  
						

							17
To minimize the possibility of such occurrences the gun user should:
–Use ammunition of the correct caliber and type which is loaded to U.S.
Industry Specifications. Do not use cartridges that are deformed, or car-
tridges that have been reloaded.
–Clean and lubricate the gun in accordance with the instructions in this
manual.
–Learn to correctly operate the lever and how to properly load and empty
the chamber.
–If the mechanism shows signs of not functioning correctly, or if a part is
damaged or broken – don’t use the rifle. Have it inspected and repaired.
For most repairs we recommend that Ruger guns be returned to the factory.
However, if a gun has a cartridge in it which cannot be removed, then it is a vio-
lation of Federal Regulations to ship that loaded gun whether it be by U.S. Mail
or by common carrier. Contact our Newport Product Service Department at
(603) 865-2442.
BASIC DISASSEMBLY AND REASSEMBLY
!WARNING – DISASSEMBLY
Always unload a firearm
before cleaning, lubrication,
disassembly or assembly.
UNLOAD BEFORE CLEAN-
ING
1
2 3SAFETY IN
SAFE
POSITION
It is preferable to carry out these procedures on a workbench or table which has
a covered top. A piece of shallow nap rug or an old, coarse blanket is an ideal
covering. Such a covering not only reduces the chances of the rifle slipping and
being scratched, but it serves also to trap pins, plungers and springs that may
otherwise get lost. It is advisable to have a container – such as a shoebox – in
which each part can be placed as it is removed from the gun.
Before attempting to disassemble the rifle for the first time,  study the parts
drawing and parts list so as to be familiar with the relative position, appearance
and name of each part. Carry out the disassembly slowly, and carefully note the  
						

							18
position of the part in the gun before starting to remove it. If a part is under
spring tension (such as, the Safety or Trigger) remove it cautiously and anticipate
the direction the spring and plunger are most likely to “jump.”
WARNING: If a spring or plunger become lost do not use a substitute. Springs of
correct tension are vital to the safe and reliable performance of firearms. Before
starting disassembly, remove the sling, scope and rings and place the rear sight
blade in its down flat position.
DISASSEMBLY
(Rifle Must Be Unloaded Prior To Disassembly)
1.Keep the rifle pointed in a safe direction!Open the underlever and put the
safety in the “Safe” position.
2.CHECK TO BE CERTAIN THAT THE CHAMBER IS EMPTY!
3. Study the drawing below and those on pages 8 and 19. Use a screwdriver
whose tip correctly fits the screw slot.
4. Remove the forearm by unscrewing the forearm takedown screw and gently
pulling the forearm away from the receiver.
5. With hammer cocked, insert a “slave pin” through hole in hammer strut.
6. Pull trigger to release hammer spring tension.
7. Remove the hammer spring and strut as an assembly.
8. Lower the lever, unscrew lever pivot screw and lever pivot pin.
9. Remove hammer.
10. Raise lever to close breech, then lower lever about halfway and pull down-
ward, removing the breech block, breech block arm and the linkage as a unit
from the bottom of the receiver.
11. Remove the ejector, ejector plunger, and ejector plunger spring.
This is the extent of disassembly required for routine inspection, cleaning and
lubrication. Further disassembly is not
recommended!
LEVER PIVOT
SCREW
Figure 5 
						

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REASSEMBLY
1. Reassemble ejector, ejector plunger and spring in receiver.
2. Assemble breech block, breech block arm, ejector roller and linakge as shown
in Figure 5, page 18 and replace as a unit into receiver while holding the
ejector against the inside receiver wall.
3. Position hammer in the lever and engage the lever and link as shown in
Figure 6, above.
4. Hold the ejector against the inside receiver wall and insert the lever into the
receiver.
5. Move the lever to its closed position while depressing the trigger.
6. Replace pivot pin and retaining screw.
7. Replace hammer spring and strut assembly, cock the hammer and remove
slave pin.
8. Reassemble forearm to receiver and tighten forearm takedown screw.
9.With the rifle pointed in a safe direction,check operation of lever, breech
block, trigger and safety.
REGARDING ACCURACY:The accuracy of any rifle can vary depending upon the
make and type of cartridges used in it. Such being the case, if your RUGER
®
NO. 1rifle does not perform to expectations, it is advisable to try several brands
and types of cartridges to determine which one delivers the best accuracy, before
proceeding further. If your rifle is not as “accurate” as you believe it should be,
before concluding that some serious fault exists, run the following checks:
1. Be certain the forend screw is snugly tightened.
2. Be certain the bore is clean and free from accumulated metal fouling (deposit-
ed by metal jacketed and lead bullets). See the “Care and Cleaning” section of
this manual.
Figure 6 
						

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3. Check the sights for tightness, setting and alignment.
4. Rest the forend on your hand, not
directly onto a rest. Neverrest the barrel
directly onto a rest.
If everything is tight, the bore is clean, the sights are properly aligned and secure
but the accuracy problem persists, DO NOT alter the stock bedding in any way.
Do not scrape away wood and do not bed with “glass,” plastic, epoxy, etc. Once a
rifle stock has been altered, it cannot be reworked by our Product Service
Department.
If you still have an accuracy problem, write a brief letter to our Product Service
Department in Newport, New Hampshire 03773 and describe the nature of the
problem based on the use of factory-loaded cartridges – not reloads. You will
receive a prompt response from us and if indicated, detailed instructions with
regard to the return of the rifle.
CARE AND CLEANING
A firearm must be free of rust, dirt, grease and firing residues to function safely
and reliably. Periodic maintenance, which includes inspection of components to
determine if they are in proper working order, is absolutely essential. Firing
deposits particles of bullet lubricant and powder in the bore, chamber, receiver
and other parts of the rifle. There is no fixed rule as to how frequently the clean-
ing should be carried out, but the alert gun owner soon learns that any firearm
functions most reliably and accurately when it is free of accumulations of grease
and other firing residues.
Basic cleaning equipment includes: A correct size cleaning rod equipped with
bore brushes (fiber and brass) and a tip in which a cloth patch can be inserted,
patches, powder solvent, lubricant, small lint-free cloths and a toothbrush. Use
correct size patches and brushes. Larger sizes will bind in the bore and can be
very difficult to remove! Insert rod from the chamber end of the barrel and push
firmly so the patch or brush emerges from the muzzle. Don’t reverse the rod
when a brush or patch is being used – it may bind. Don’t use patches or brushes
dripping with solvent or oil. Use rod and brushes with care so as not to damage
gun.
1. To clean the rifle thoroughly, disassemble to the extent described above, taking
care to put pins, screws and similar easily mislaid and ‘rolling’ components in
a tray or box.
2. Push-pull a solvent-wetted patch through the bore several times. Next, using a
solvent-wetted brush, run it the full length of the bore as many times as is
necessary to completely remove all foreign matter from the bore and chamber.
Dry the bore with clean patches and examine it. If bore remains fouled, repeat
the brushing. Complete the cleaning by dry-patch wiping of bore and chamber.
WARNING: BEFORE CLEANING, BE CERTAIN THE RIFLE
CONTAINS NO CARTRIDGES.!