[Slaterface]

I am considering purchasing a Ruger 96/44. I want a brush gun and install peep sights, but I do not know what gun to get. I have a Ruger 96/22LR that I love to plink with and is as close as you can get to my scoped savage 99 300 savage. I guess that is why I am considering the 96/44.

If anyone out there has a 96/44 can you give me your impressions of the gun? I am not sure if the 44 mag is the best cartridge out there for a brush gun when compared to the alternatives (35 Rem, 30-30 etc…). Any thoughts would greatly be appreciated.

Thank you.

[wanderinwalker]

Used to have one. It was accurate (at suitable ranges), lightweight, handy, fast shooting and fun.

I didn't like the Ruger carbine stock for it is too bloody short for me, leading to an occasional scope eye even with the "light" recoil of the .44 Magnum in a rifle (the words I want to use for all of the advocates for shorter LOPs as a standard item are not fit for polite conversation) and the curved buttplate bit my collarbone from time to time, making it quite unpleasant to shoot. The trigger pull was awful, but if you aren't accustomed to tuned rifles it shouldn't be too much of an obstacle. To me and my body it kicked harder than it seemed like it should for such a "weak" rifle cartridge. Of course alot of that may have been triggered by the short LOP coupled with a scope. FWIW, I added a butt pad to lengthen the LOP by 1". It helped the scope eye but didn't cure the collarbone bite.

Anyway, it was accurate. 3 rounds into 1/2" at 50 yards were normal with its prefered ammo (240gr Hornady XTP). And short and light and handy.

However, I like the .44 Magnum in a carbine package. Evidenced by my recently acquired Marlin 1894PG. The Ruger is an excellent firearm if it fits you properly, don't get me wrong, but I prefer the Marlin by a huge margin. Seems to kick less (to me), though it doesn't seem to want to shoot as well.

[grimjaw]

I can only comment on impressions, as I have not fired the Ruger 96 series, but I don't like the looks of them. I do like the looks of the Savage 99's, though, if that makes any sense. I wish I could link you to the Chuck Hawks article on the 96/44, but it's part of his subscriber access. Anyway, I'm very happy with the Marlin and/or Winchester lever actions and prefer them to the Ruger 96's. All three have rifles chambered for .44 Magnum.

Ruger does make a bolt action 77/44 (http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=7401&return=Y) .44 Magnum that I find interesting, though. I've occasionally seen a stainless/synthetic version of the same gun on auctions.

jmm