Ruger #1 ejection?

[Buck Nekid]

Just started to play with my new (to me) Ruger #1 and have discovered a flaw in the ejection system. This rifle has a sliding tang safety which, when in the "fire" position sits forward toward the breech. The problem is that when a spent cartridge is ejected from the chamber the head of the ejected case hits the tip of the tang safety and sits RIGHT IN THE LOADING AREA where the new cartridge would go. I suppose I could cut the projecting tip of the tang safety off but somehow taking a Dremel wheel to this beautiful rifle gives me the willies. However, follow up shots are going to be dicey at best unless I can come up with a way to get that spent case to fly freely out of the loading area.
Anybody have any ideas?

 

[Steve_P]

Not a #1 owner here, but just a thought....
Does the speed in which the action is opened have any effect on the trajectory of the ejected casing? Maybe opening the breech a bit faster or harder may cause the spent shell to fly a bit more?

Steve

 

[Buck Nekid]

Thanks for the thought Steve but no, the ejection speed is more a function of the spring that powers the ejector and this is independent of the direct action of the lever. Even if it did leave faster it would still be on that same path headed for the safety button. AARRRRGH!

 

[PatMcD]

What caliber is it? I had a #1 in .375 H&H Magnum that would hang up if it was eased open. A brisk opening would clear it no problem. I could see a smaller case getting fetched up on the safety.

Not to be a wise-ass, but if fast follow-up shots were a big concern, why did you opt for a single-shot rifle?

 

[jamz]

I've got a No.1 in 30-06, and I never noticed cases hanging up on the safety.

 

[Buck Nekid]

Pat, I don't know if you've done any hunting but a properly functioning single shot can be re-loaded almost as quickly as a bolt action. But I didn't buy it for its re-loading ability. I'm a sucker for a pretty gun and this one sang to me right off the shelf. If I never solve my ejection problem I'll still be in love!
By the way, it's a 30-06.

 

[jhrosier]

Buck,
Your problem with the cases catching on the safety is common, but not universal.
You might want to try adjusting the tension of the ejector spring a little heavier.
Instructions are in your manual.
Some folks have found that you can tilt the rifle slightly to the right when opening the breech and that will help.
If all else fails, you can slightly shorten and bevel the nose of the safety button for more clearance. If you muck up the safety button it will have to be replaced by the factory. They will not sell this part.

Jack

 

[Buck Nekid]

Jack,
Thanks so much. Those are all solid ideas and I believe I will try them both. Also good advice about the safety button. I have a habit of "fixing" parts to the point they need replacement and I sure don't want to have to send this back to the factory. Appreciate the input.
Buck