Ruger No. 1
Introducing a relatively expensive single-shot centerfire rifle in 1967 was not the first time Bill Ruger confounded both the industry and shooting public, nor would it be the last. In its external appearance the No. 1 most closely resembles the old British Farquharson falling block rifle of the late 19th century, but mechanically it is a uniquely Ruger design. It is a rifle that is produced using the most modern materials and production techniques, yet it harkens back to another time when the single-shot was not only the most accurate rifle type but the only one capable of handling the most powerful cartridges in existence.

The No.1 is not for everyone, yet it's amazing how many of those "everyones" sooner or later succumb to its siren call. Usually it happens when a hunter reaches the point where the gun he uses to take game becomes as important as taking it at all. Using a No. 1 represents a state of mind.

Currently there are 11 distinct models of Ruger No. 1s chambered in 18 calibers from .204 Ruger to .416 Rigby and .450/400 Nitro Express. The No. 1 is quite a testament to the prescience of Bill Ruger, for even today, 40 years after its introduction, it has no rivals in the marketplace.

Ruger 77 Mk. II
The original Model 77 goes back to 1968, and the Mk. II began being integrated into the Ruger line in 1994, fully replacing it by 1996. The major change seen in the Mk. II, which is the rifle pictured in the lead photograph for this article, was the adoption of a controlled-round-feed action.

I've always wondered why the original 77, which already had the primary component for controlled-round feed--the big outrigger extractor that rides side-saddle on the bolt body--wasn't taken advantage of. Instead, it was a push feed with plunger-type ejector. Regardless, controlled-round-feed is what the Mk. II is all about. In addition, it has an excellent trigger and safety, integral scope mount rails and is one of the most comprehensive line of centerfire rifles extant.

I don't think it's been around quite long enough to qualify as being legendary, but I'm convinced a generation from now it would make anybody's Top Ten list. I'm just voting early.