.45-70 Gov: Ruger no1 or Bergara BA13?

[Landy99]

I can’t decide which of these rifles I would like more in my cabinet. I always liked the Ruger no1, but also quite fancy something a bit more modern. It would have to be one of the other, I can’t have both!

It wouldn’t be my primary stalking rifle, but it would be used on deer occasionally, as well as medium and long range target shooting.

Both rifles would be scoped. The Ruger wouldn’t be moderated, the Bergara would.

Which would you have…?

 

[Oh6]

Being able to easily break down the BA13 is a definite benefit to transport and security.
Moderating one is obviously optional depending on the day as well.

 

[Andy RV]

No. 1 for me!

 

[kenbro]

I‘ve had a few of each and still don’t have a preferred one.
From an engineering and looks point of view the #1 (Or #3) has the edge but I like the compactness of the B13, only 35 inches overall with a 20” barrel.
At the moment Bergara say not to swap barrels (They will swap) but they are rumoured to be offering barrels only in the near future.
That would make the 13 a very versatile rifle/shotgun?
I’m currently running a B13 x .223.
Cheers, Ken.

 

[nun_hunter]

I‘ve had a few of each and still don’t have a preferred one.
From an engineering and looks point of view the #1 (Or #3) has the edge but I like the compactness of the B13, only 35 inches overall with a 20” barrel.
At the moment Bergara say not to swap barrels (They will swap) but they are rumoured to be offering barrels only in the near future.
That would make the 13 a very versatile rifle/shotgun?
I’m currently running a B13 x .223.
Cheers, Ken.

I emailed Bergara this month and asked them directly about barrel changing. Their reply was categorically that it wasn't designed or intended to be able to swap barrels, in either BA-13 or CVA Scout form. Whether it's possible or not is a different matter. I would love it if they did offer spare barrels as they would no doubt be cheap and very useful.

I like mine and prefer the looks of it to that of the Ruger. For about £300 direct from Boyds you can get a laminate stock for the BA-13 which would make it a much nicer rifle and elevate it from cheap workhorse.

As for target shooting I think you would need to temper your expectations due to the slightly increased lock time of the hammer needing to be released. Although the trigger is crisp it is reasonably heavy and no obvious way to lighten it without completely dismantling the trigger group. From watching YouTube videos this doesn't look like a job for the feint hearted. I've worked on most my rifle's triggers in some way or another and am fairly confident in this but I'm reluctant to try anything with the Bergara just yet. As a stalking rifle the trigger is fine, pretty good in fact but it's not a target trigger at all.

Bergara have also upgraded the carry bag for the BA-13 from a cheap looking holdall affair to a rather nice looking backpack with some molle panels on it. This makes it quite a discreet carry option if you need or want that sort of thing.

 

[kenbro]

As op choosing between #1 and 13 both have slow lock times. The Ruger mechanism has lots of distance to cover before the firing pin is struck, but if you can get a Jard trigger that is a big improvement.

I asked for a carry bag when ordering my latest (Couple weeks ago) 13 and it came with the old style bag. .
Ken.
Ps. The B13 feels quite heavy, prob due to its compact size.

 

[nun_hunter]

As op choosing between #1 and 13 both have slow lock times. The Ruger mechanism has lots of distance to cover before the firing pin is struck, but if you can get a Jard trigger that is a big improvement.

I asked for a carry bag when ordering my latest (Couple weeks ago) 13 and it came with the old style bag. .
Ken.
Ps. The B13 feels quite heavy, prob due to its compact size.

You are right that the BA-13 does feel heavy but it does handle nicely, probably because it is compact and balanced.

 

[kenbro]

Hi, In my post #4 I said ‘From an engineering’ point of view the Ruger was better. Thats not to mean the Bergara is inferior in any way, just different designs and my opinion.

There are several top quality (And top price!) rifles employing similar designs to Bergara B13s.
Cheers, Ken.

 

[Smellydog]

If the B 13 has the same action design as the H&R single shot or Rossi single shots don't pull it apart! Not unless you have good patience and lots of time!

 

[Ronin]

There’s only one choice

No1

 

[alberta boy]

There's nothing wrong with a Bergara / CVA Scout , they're perfectly serviceable rifles , and all of the examples I've shot were very accurate , I will definitely end up with one at some point . That being said , I really like No1s , not as much as I like High Walls , Wickliffes , Farquharsons and Dakota Model 10s , but they're a really nice rifle ..................... after I fiddle with them for a while , but I do that with every rifle I get my hands on .

AB

 

[Smellydog]

There's nothing wrong with a Bergara / CVA Scout , they're perfectly serviceable rifles , and all of the examples I've shot were very accurate , I will definitely end up with one at some point . That being said , I really like No1s , not as much as I like High Walls , Wickliffes , Farquharsons and Dakota Model 10s , but they're a really nice rifle ..................... after I fiddle with them for a while , but I do that with every rifle I get my hands on .

AB

Interesting, I like #1's, right upto the point I pick one up!
They don't come up nice to my shoulder for off hand shooting.
A #3 suits me better but are rare over here.
I have to able to shoot a rifle off hand or it's no good to me....

 

[alberta boy]

Interesting, I like #1's, right upto the point I pick one up!
They don't come up nice to my shoulder for off hand shooting.
A #3 suits me better but are rare over here.
I have to able to shoot a rifle off hand or it's no good to me....

I've owned a few No3's over the years , in a few different calibers . They are handy little things , but the 45/70 versions can get a bit nasty with heavier loads . They're still common around here . I had one in 223 that was the perfect little walking around rifle . It was really lightweight and shot surprisingly well .

AB

 

[kenbro]

I've owned a few No3's over the years , in a few different calibers . They are handy little things , but the 45/70 versions can get a bit nasty with heavier loads . They're still common around here . I had one in 223 that was the perfect little walking around rifle . It was really lightweight and shot surprisingly well .

AB

Recently sold my #3 x 22 Hornet and guess what, it went to America.
Ken.
Ps. You need to be in possession of an extra long neck, or a good set of set back mounts if you don’t want to be crawling up the stock to see through the scope.

 

[Dodder]

I've got Stainless Laminate .45-70 No 1 - it makes me smile every time I open the cabinet and handle it - you can't beat a No1!

 

[Bavarianbrit]

I have 3x #1s .243, .270 win and a 7x57 stutzen. Tried the Begara and it felt very heavy compared to my Contender carbine 14 incher.

 

[6pt-sika]

Interesting, I like #1's, right upto the point I pick one up!
They don't come up nice to my shoulder for off hand shooting.
A #3 suits me better but are rare over here.
I have to able to shoot a rifle off hand or it's no good to me....

I’ve killed lots of deer and quite a few groundhogs with #1’s and a few deer with a #3 I have that the chamber was run out to 444 . Shooting groundhogs doesn’t have much to do with handling as the rifle is typically laying in the bags on the hood of the truck . I have however had more than a couple times I’ve used a #1B or H to kill two deer in a matter of seconds .

 

[Rutland lad]

I shot a Begara in .243 last year. Liked it. Seriously thought of getting one.

 

[6pt-sika]

I admit I’m a little anal about catching brass even when hunting but over the years I’ve become quite efficient at catching fired brass from a lever action or bolt action . It took a bit to be proficient and quick with a #1 but can be done and actually you can be better at it than ever assumed . If you care little about saving brass it’s all a moot point and quickness comes a lot faster . Just saying !

 

[6pt-sika]

While I’m a #1 fan for sure I’d love a Dakota 10 and or Blaser K95 to try I’ve always liked the looks of both . As to the Bergera and the NEI/H&R singles I’ve had NEI and H&R and while they shot great the triggers are hit or Miss and quite difficult to improve upon .