EGW Ruger NO. 1 Picatinny Rail Review

Table of Contents

First Thoughts on the EGW Ruger NO. 1 Picatinny Rail

The EGW Ruger NO. 1 Picatinny Rail is a seemingly simple accessory that holds immense potential for enhancing the versatility of the iconic Ruger No. 1 rifle. EGW (Evolution Gun Works) is a well-regarded name in the firearms industry, known for producing quality mounting solutions. This particular rail is designed to allow shooters to easily mount optics like scopes, red dots, or even night vision devices onto their single-shot Ruger No. 1 rifles.

My journey to acquiring this rail began with a desire to modernize my grandfather’s old Ruger No. 1 in .270 Winchester. While I appreciate the classic lines and inherent accuracy of the rifle, I found myself limited by the traditional mounting options available. The goal was to retain the rifle’s aesthetic appeal while gaining the flexibility to switch between different optics for various hunting scenarios.

Upon unboxing the EGW Ruger NO. 1 Picatinny Rail, I was immediately struck by the clean, matte black finish and the apparent sturdiness of the construction. The rail felt solid in my hand, promising a stable and secure platform for mounting optics. The 1-piece design contributes to its rigidity and simplifies the installation process.

I considered other options, including Weaver-style bases and gunsmith-installed rails. I ultimately chose the EGW rail for its reputation for precision, ease of installation, and compatibility with a wide range of Picatinny-compatible accessories. Unlike some alternatives, the EGW rail didn’t require any permanent modifications to the rifle, which was a significant factor in my decision.

My initial impression was positive. This seemingly simple piece of metal promised to breathe new life into a beloved firearm, expanding its capabilities and making it a more versatile tool for the modern hunter. I was eager to get it mounted and test its performance.

Real-World Testing: Putting EGW Ruger NO. 1 Picatinny Rail to the Test

First Use Experience

The EGW Ruger NO. 1 Picatinny Rail saw its first action at my local shooting range, mounted on my Ruger No. 1 chambered in .270 Winchester. The installation was straightforward, requiring only a few minutes and basic tools. I mounted a Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×40 scope, torqued the rings to spec, and headed to the 100-yard line.

The initial testing involved sighting in the scope and evaluating the rail’s stability under recoil. Even with the moderate recoil of the .270, the EGW rail remained firmly in place, providing a consistent zero. I also experimented with removing and reattaching the scope, and the zero remained remarkably consistent. The rail’s rigid construction instilled confidence in its ability to maintain accuracy.

There were no immediate issues or surprises during the first range session. The EGW Ruger NO. 1 Picatinny Rail performed exactly as expected, providing a secure and reliable mounting platform for my optic. The added flexibility of using Picatinny-compatible rings made swapping between different scopes a breeze.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the EGW Ruger NO. 1 Picatinny Rail has proven to be a durable and reliable addition to my Ruger No. 1. I have used the rifle in various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme heat, and the rail has shown no signs of corrosion or degradation. The black anodized finish has held up well to handling and exposure to the elements.

There has been no noticeable wear and tear on the rail itself. The mounting screws have remained tight, and the rail has maintained its structural integrity despite repeated recoil and handling. Cleaning and maintenance are simple; a quick wipe-down with a clean cloth is all that’s needed to keep the rail in good condition.

Compared to my previous experience with traditional scope mounts on the Ruger No. 1, the EGW rail offers a significant improvement in versatility and ease of use. Swapping between optics for different hunting scenarios is now a quick and painless process, allowing me to adapt to changing conditions and target distances with ease. The EGW Ruger NO. 1 Picatinny Rail has truly transformed my Ruger No. 1 into a more adaptable and capable firearm.

Breaking Down the Features of EGW Ruger NO. 1 Picatinny Rail

Specifications

Make: Ruger
Model: #1, No. 1
Number of Bases: 1-Piece
Style: Picatinny Rail
Color: Black

These specifications highlight the purpose-built nature of the EGW Ruger NO. 1 Picatinny Rail. The 1-piece design enhances rigidity and simplifies installation, while the Picatinny rail style offers maximum compatibility with a wide range of optics and accessories. The black finish provides a sleek, low-profile look that complements the classic aesthetics of the Ruger No. 1.

Performance & Functionality

The EGW Ruger NO. 1 Picatinny Rail excels at its primary function: providing a secure and stable platform for mounting optics on the Ruger No. 1 rifle. Accuracy is maintained even with repeated firing and removal/reinstallation of the optic. The rail is robust enough to handle the recoil of various calibers suitable for the Ruger No. 1 platform.

A strength is its easy installation. The instructions are clear, and the included hardware is of high quality. A potential weakness could be the lack of built-in recoil lugs. However, the tight fit and secure mounting screws have proven sufficient in my experience.

The EGW Ruger NO. 1 Picatinny Rail meets and exceeds my expectations. It offers a significant improvement in versatility and ease of use compared to traditional mounting options.

Design & Ergonomics

The EGW Ruger NO. 1 Picatinny Rail is constructed from high-quality aluminum, resulting in a lightweight yet durable mounting solution. The matte black finish provides a low-profile look that doesn’t detract from the rifle’s classic lines. The rail integrates seamlessly with the Ruger No. 1’s receiver, maintaining the rifle’s balanced feel.

The rail is very user-friendly. Installation is straightforward, and there’s virtually no learning curve involved in using the rail.

Durability & Maintenance

The EGW Ruger NO. 1 Picatinny Rail is built to last. The high-quality aluminum construction and durable finish ensure that it can withstand years of use and exposure to the elements.

Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe-down with a clean cloth is all that’s needed to keep the rail in good condition. Due to the robust construction of the rail, repairs are extremely unlikely under normal usage conditions.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary purpose of the EGW Ruger NO. 1 Picatinny Rail is to provide a platform for mounting optics. It is compatible with any Picatinny-compatible scope rings, red dot sights, or other accessories. This opens up a wide range of customization options for the Ruger No. 1 rifle.

The EGW Ruger NO. 1 Picatinny Rail does not come with any specific accessories. However, its compatibility with a wide range of aftermarket accessories from other brands makes it a highly versatile platform for customization.

Pros and Cons of EGW Ruger NO. 1 Picatinny Rail

Pros

Easy to install, requiring only basic tools.
Provides a secure and stable mounting platform for optics.
Compatible with a wide range of Picatinny-compatible accessories.
Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
Modernizes the Ruger No. 1, expanding its versatility.

Cons

May require slight fitting on some Ruger No. 1 rifles.
The single-piece design might not suit users seeking adjustable MOA.

Who Should Buy EGW Ruger NO. 1 Picatinny Rail?

The EGW Ruger NO. 1 Picatinny Rail is perfect for Ruger No. 1 owners who want to modernize their rifles and expand their optic options. It’s ideal for hunters who need to switch between scopes for different game or hunting conditions. It also suits recreational shooters who want to experiment with different sighting systems.

Those who prioritize maintaining the rifle’s original aesthetics or require a more traditional mounting system might want to skip this product. Shooters who need adjustable MOA for extreme long-range shooting might also find it limiting.

A must-have accessory is a set of high-quality Picatinny scope rings. Ensure the rings are appropriate for the diameter of your scope’s main tube. A torque wrench is also recommended to ensure proper installation and prevent damage to the rail or scope.

Conclusion on EGW Ruger NO. 1 Picatinny Rail

The EGW Ruger NO. 1 Picatinny Rail is a well-designed and highly functional accessory that significantly enhances the versatility of the Ruger No. 1 rifle. Its easy installation, secure mounting platform, and compatibility with a wide range of accessories make it an excellent upgrade for any Ruger No. 1 owner.

At $62.49, the price is justified by the quality of construction and the added functionality it provides. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to modernize their Ruger No. 1 and expand their optic options.

I would personally recommend the EGW Ruger NO. 1 Picatinny Rail to any Ruger No. 1 owner looking to enhance their rifle’s capabilities. It’s a simple, effective, and affordable upgrade that will transform your rifle into a more versatile and capable tool. Don’t let your classic Ruger No. 1 be limited by outdated mounting systems – upgrade to the EGW Ruger NO. 1 Picatinny Rail and unlock its full potential!