Pretty sure Ruger never did any CC in-house for No. Ones. The recent issues with case coloring were contracted by distributors (i.e. Lipsey, Talo, etc.). I know the 22 Hornets were done by Tyler Gun Works.
Sure. If you look at the two pictures below of your rifle and FNC's, you should see what I'm talking about. The earlier rifles had more "sculpted" stocks and were more or less hand fitted/shaped and finished. The checkering on the grip was more extensive and extended back into the more defined...
It should be noted that all the early 45-70s had the "square edged" buttpad versus the early rounded Mershon pad that they should have had from that time period.
Nice rifle, but no, if you look closely, you'll see that your checkering is different than FNC's (and mine above). His/mine has 1st variation type, yours has the second variation (ca. sn 130-5000 through mid-1976)
I've been waiting for someone with a little more knowledgeable to chime in, but since they haven't, I'll give you my $.02
It's been suggested by those in the know that the earliest 45-70 No. Ones showed up in 1970, even though they may have non-prefix receivers (both are possible, but both are...