My project is underway, I took the gun apart last night and found the breech block has some pitting around the firing pin. I can't tell if it is superficial or if the block is cracked. Where do I go from here? Leave it as is and don't worry about it? Find a new breech block or can this be repaired? Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks, JB

Well I don't much like the looks of that at all. Since this is still a current production rifle (the #1 anyway) and well supported, I would first contact Ruger. This may be a part that they will only sell to gunsmiths or fit themselves, but I would start with them. It may be repairable, but the cost just might exceed that of a replacement part.

It looks like there was some major unpleasantness that happened to that rifle.
If you have the complete, original gun, Ruger will replace the breechblock (probably for free). Finding just a breechblock out there the big wide world will be a challenge.
Another option might be a bushed firing pin like the Browning single shots. I don't see why this wouldn't work as well.
Good luck.

I contacted Ruger and they told me to box up the disassembled gun and send it in. They said they would contact me when they had the repair estimate. Keep your fingers crossed!! Best, JB

Looks like someone did a major hack job on the block with a welder! What's that about?
Is the #3 block not the same as a #1? Think they are and a new one can be had from Ruger. Good luck.

Don, I was really surprised when I took the gun apart. It looks likes it has never had a screw turned so your guess is as good as mine. I have seen pitting like this on doubles that were about 100 years old but never a gun of this vintage. Best-JB

Ruger is pretty funny about selling parts...some items they will sell to anyone, others only on an exchange, factory fitted, basis.

David
Montezuma, IA

JB
I had a #1 458 tropical that showed corosion between the wood and receiver. I sent it to Ruger and they scrapped it and sent me a new rifle. This was a 70s series gun that I had traded for used.
I'd send urs back and hope for the best.
Tom

For anyone interested, I found a Ruger No. 3 in .375 Win. at a gun show today in Denton, Texas. The price is $600. Seems a bit high, but they are rare.
The show is open tomorrow also.

I once had a Ruger No 1 220 Swift that started to rust where the wood meets the metal. It was pretty much everywhere. I mentioned this to a friend and said that it reminded me of salt-cured Browning wood. The friend said that wouldn't be a surprise as Ruger once bought a large quantity of salt cured wood from Herters. He advised me to send the gun back to Ruger and to mention the Herters wood. Ruger reblued the gun and replaced the wood with old-style wood. Didn't cost me a cent. It even has a red old style pad. My brother still has the gun and it still looks new.