Why aren't there many used falling block rifles out there for sale?

W

.wheelgunner.

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I've owned two (Brownings) and now want another. But they really don't seem to be very popular.

Anybody else like them?

If so, how would you compare Ruger to the Browning?
 
I have handled both, but only shot the Browning 1885 (mine is in .30-06). I like the look and the exposed hammer of my Browning, but would have no problem with a Ruger No. 1, or No. 3. Both feel good in the hands, and have good fit and finish.......the only turn off to me is they get a bit spendy when it comes to purchase price (although, I got mine in almost new condition for $400 :D ).

Need to get my next 1885 in .405 Winchester or .303 British/.30-40.........or maybe a No. 3 in .22 Hornet.

I don't think the fact that you aren't seeing many for sale means they are not popular, I think that, like myself, most owners of these rifles enjoy them and have no wish to get rid of them.
 
I like them, but...

...whenever I look at them, this is what I think:

  • That's a lot of dough for a single shot...
  • Thompson/Center ones cost about the same, have an accuracy guarantee, and cost less.
  • H&R Handi-Rifles offer the same functionality too...

From a beauty standpoint, I don't think any of them hold a candle to the Ruger #1. Ol' Bill was an aficionado of fine guns, to be sure.

The Brownings are based on a much older, and I think weaker, design.
 
As an owner of two #1s in 45-70 and 30'06 I can testify to their popularity and accuracy. As I've gotten older I've come to appreciate their craftsmanship and the conservative nature of what they represent. Everyone and his brother has an AR-15 or an AK-47 along with the unnecessary rail and accessories that go with them but to shoot one shot at a time that has to count when I'm out hunting is what defines a superior hunting firearm to me.
 
Let's face it, while falling blocks can be great guns, they just aren't that popular in this day and age of high capacity semi auto hunting rifles.

I bought a used Ruger No. 1 a couple of years ago in 45-70 Gov't (it was virtually new in box) and it's a fine rifle. Very strong, accurate and just a blast to shoot and hunt with. A very fine rifle overall and I have zero complaints with it. If you can hunt down a used Ruger No. 1, you won't regret it.
 
here,s a low wall browning in .260 rem. with a 2x7 leupold that i hunt with and realy like the most out of 7 browning-winchester and ruger single shots i own. being left handed makes them easy for me to use. the photos don,t do justice to the wood on the low wall. eastbank.
 
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The same question can be asked about many formerly popular guns. They are no where to be found on the market. Methinks there are hundreds of millions of guns setting closets around the country going unused. They probably dribble onto the market when the owners die.
 
Rifleman1776 said:
Methinks there are hundreds of millions of guns setting closets around the country going unused. They probably dribble onto the market when the owners die.
Click to expand...

Well, several dozens of millions at least. Falling block rifles fill a niche market. I've got one (a Sharps replica)and it's a wonderful firearm. Still, it's mostly a closet queen and gets passed over in favor of my bolt-actions when it's time to go afield.

I plan to make a hunt with it this season, knock over a doe, then decide which of the grandkids I want to pass it to. I'm sure that one of them will be happy to look after PawPaw's "bvffalo gun".
 
I have a No.1 in 7mmMag and absolutely love the gun. I love the way it shoots, looks, functions and everything else. But its too big for most of my hunting situations in all facets. The gun is heavy and not practical for carry, its long and hard to manage in our permanent stands and a 7mmMag is just overkill on a whitetail taken inside 250yards. My bolt guns are also more accurate.

I'd never sell the No.1 though, there's a beanfeild out there waiting for me to get to.
 
I have a #1-A in 22-Hornet, H&R Buffalo Classic in 38-55, Orig. Trapdoor "84", Sharps replica by Taylor's in 45-70, and a few single shot handguns too. I love these guns. There is almost a seperate subculture of single shot shooters within the shooting, hunting, and collecting community. Most who have them consider them as tresures to be handed down from gen. to gen. and therefore they just don't seem to sell them, or trade them for that matter. As for the Ruger vs. Browning...I won't be getting rid of my #1. I do hope to get a good Hiwall someday. The only thing holding me back is lack of time and money. I am sure that if I could get a whole lot of one some of the other will soon show up.
 
Can't help it--they are just very cool--- both the Rugers and the Brownings are very well made and super strong--I don't presently own any #1's but the ones Iv'e had have been accurate and dependable--these two brownings will be with me forever--45-70 [ for the pigs ] and the 06 is for the deer--
I'll scope the 45-70 a little later, but just got the bases and rings on the 06 and ready to start shopping for a scope---
 

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My Browning BPCR is a fine rifle. Nearly as good as a real Winchester and with a great Badger barrel. You won't see it on the used market as long as I can get down behind it.
 
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