Hunter Angler,
I had the same thoughts and was really excited about the recently available special run of Ruger No. 1s in .30-40 Krag offered by Cabelas. Cabelas claims that 100 were made with highly polished metal finish and stocked in Circassian walnut- beautiful guns from afar. However I recently looked at what the factory is putting out in their standard grades and have been less than impressed- the 22" barrel also did not make much sense to me. It was to be a project gun anyway with a trip to Turnbull Restoration in its future, but there are some things that cannot be hidden by a beautiful finish. I have elected to pass on this idea and have redirected attention to a Husqvarna Sporter in 9.3x57 to serve as an inexpensive, run it in the rain stalking arm (something I have been trying to nail down for quite some time). It seems Ruger has begun the move from its traditional base and are more interested in keeping pace with the current trends such as thier AR project. I suppose solvency in a weak economy is part of the equation. but one must wonder what W. B. Ruger would have thought of the recent developments? Bonanza brings up a very good observation with the earlier guns and although they are not easily found, an early example is worth the time lurking for one offered for sale- they do appear to be well made-.30-06 and 7mm Remington Magnum were made in the largest quantities at the time. It has been stated that the early guns have Douglas barrels, good triggers and were stocked by hand (without that ghastly wood to metal fit I have seen recently- proud fit would be a serious misnomer!). I still remain convinced it is a great candidate for consideration I just have not found the one that fits all my desired characteristics. I owned one in the venerable .45/70 Government and one in .405 Winchester both found new homes without much remorse on my part.