I spoke with a Ruger rep at the 2003 Single Action Shooting Society Annual Convention, in 2003, about any possibility of Ruger ever bringing back the #3? He told me the cost was so close with making a #1 or #3, and the #3 sold for much less (back then) than a #1, the 'bean counters' at the factory called for ceasing production of the #3, as it was not economical feasable. He said he doubted Ruger would ever produce the #3 again?
Now if one of them independant distributor's ordered enough #3's, Ruger might just make up a batch? Though both concepts seem slim n' none for happening?
A #3 is more-so like the old Springfield Trapdoor Carbine, in appearance (yes, I know there's no external hammer, but . . . ), and is handier to haul around than a #1 (yes, the #1a is handy, but this is my opinion here lads).
I've a few #3's, but no #1's. I just prefer the #3 for a variety of reasons.
I've had one rebored from .223 to .257 Roberts (what a grand caribou iron that one made); and one .223 rebored to .308 WCF (LOTS of .308 ammo around)(and it's a dandy round unto its ownself); one still remains as a .30-40 Krag, complete with a receiver (peep) sight, and finds itself accompanying me on many a woods outing (10.0 grs of Unique behind a Speer 100 gr Plinker bullet does about 1500+ fps, and is a joy to use).
I always keep my eye-pans peeled for #3's, in my travels, but really don't bother looking for #1's hardly at all. Now the #1 is just fine, and if one in 9.3x74mm should come my way someday, I'd be rather pleased giving it a home, to say the least . . .
If you 'think' you'd like a #3, then by all means, don't let a good chance to buy one slip past you in your wanderings, as they're getting harder n' harder to find...
enjoy