Ruger No. 3 .22 Hornet Single-Shot Rifle with Scope

Ruger No. 3 Single-Shot Rifle – .22 Hornet

1980 Manufacture Date | 22" Barrel | Bushnell Custom-M 4× Scope | Blued Steel
Serial: 132-03972

Overview

The Ruger No. 3 in .22 Hornet is a classic American single-shot sporting rifle built on Ruger’s strong Farquharson-style falling-block action. Produced during the original No. 3 production era (1973–1986), these rifles have become increasingly desirable among collectors who appreciate traditional single-shot field rifles with practical hunting chamberings.

This example, manufactured in 1980, retains the correct 22" blued barrel configuration and is fitted with a Bushnell Custom-M fixed 4× scope, a period-appropriate optic commonly encountered on varmint and small-game rifles of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Chambered in .22 Hornet, the Ruger No. 3 offers excellent accuracy with mild recoil and remains one of the most enjoyable classic cartridges for small-game hunting, varmints, and traditional single-shot shooting.

Overall condition is great, with strong original finish and only light handling wear consistent with careful ownership. Bore is bright and clean. Lenses on scope are clear.

Please review all photos for an accurate depiction of this rifle.

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Ruger No. 3 Platform

Introduced in 1973 as a simplified companion to the Ruger No. 1, the No. 3 shares the same rugged falling-block action while incorporating a lighter, more utilitarian sporting configuration.

Key characteristics include:

• Compact 22" barrel profile
• Straight-grip walnut stock
• Lightweight hunting configuration
• Strong falling-block action derived from the Ruger No. 1
• Traditional open sight arrangement

Production of the No. 3 ended in 1986, and examples in classic chamberings like .22 Hornet continue to attract collector interest.

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Bushnell Custom-M 4× Scope

This rifle is equipped with a Bushnell Custom-M fixed 4× scope, a well-regarded American sporting optic from the era and an excellent match for a traditional varmint rifle.

Benefits include:

• Lightweight fixed-power hunting configuration
• Clear sight picture ideal for small-game distances
• Period-correct appearance consistent with late-production No. 3 rifles
• Reliable and practical field performance

Period optics like the Custom-M enhance the rifle’s vintage sporting character while remaining fully usable today.

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Collector Appeal

Ruger No. 3 rifles chambered in .22 Hornet remain especially attractive to collectors due to:

• limited production window (1973–1986)
• classic single-shot falling-block action
• traditional varmint cartridge chambering
• correct 22" barrel configuration
• period-correct Bushnell Custom-M optic
• strong overall condition
• 1980 manufacture date within original production era

Examples in this configuration continue to represent one of the most approachable and enjoyable classic Ruger single-shot platforms.

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Specifications

Manufacturer: Ruger
Model: No. 3
Caliber:.22 Hornet
Action: Falling Block Single Shot
Barrel Length: 22"
Finish: Blued
Front Sight: Gold bead
Rear Sight: Factory open rear sight
Optic: Bushnell Custom-M 4× scope
Stock: Walnut straight grip
Serial Number: 132-03972
Manufacture Date: 1980
Condition: Great overall condition with light handling wear

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