The Ruger No.1 really is an excellent rifle. I've had several in the past and still have two. They both get a tremendous amount of use for hunting here in Alaska.

I know you don't want to go past the $1,000 mark, but I have to make a comment on the Martini-Hagn singleshot. Most folks know them as the Hagn. I picked up a few at the ACGG show that Martini-Hagn had on display. I have never picked up a rifle that felt so "alive" in my hands. These rifles really have soul. So much so, that I working on the details for the one I'm ordering!

I love my Ruger No.1's, but these Hagn's are really something else. Ralf Martini is an outstanding person also. Even though I was a nobody, he took quite a bit of his time to introduce me to the other members of the Guild and explain the finer points of the Hagn action.