Ruger Model 96/44 lever action carbine

[44 Mag]

Anyone know anything about this model? Ruger Model 96/44cal lever action carbine. There is one for sale a our local pawn shop for $400. Appears to be in excellent condition but it only has a magazine for 4 rounds. Rifle is kinda small for a 44Mag round, its about the same length as the Daisy BB gun I owned when I was a kid, and I would prefer a magazine with more round capacity. I didn't even know Ruger made a 44 lever action carbine!
Think its worth $400 without shooting it first? :banghead:

 

[rcmodel]

They were made from 1996 to 2007, then discontinued.

Never had any experience with them, but I haven't heard anything bad about them either.

Here is a link to serial numbers, and the owners manual.
http://www.ruger.com/service/productHistory/RI-96-44.html

$400 sounds fair.

rc

 

[Jim K]

If you check the number made (shipped) per year, it is easy to seen why that rifle is no longer in the line.

Jim

 

[Ron James]

As far as I know, there are no higher capacity magazines for the Ruger curious, why would you need more rounds for a hunting rifle? It is a brush/woods gun, quick, light, and easy to use in thick brush.

 

[Elkins45]

I would certainly pay $400 for one that seemed to be in good condition, especially now that Marlins aren't freely available.

Mag capacity shouldn't be an issue for a hunting rifle. If you don't drop a deer with the first five rounds then taking time to insert a new mag might give you a chance to calm down and focus.

 

[Nite Ryder]

As far as I know, there are no higher capacity magazines for the Ruger curious, why would you need more rounds for a hunting rifle? It is a brush/woods gun, quick, light, and easy to use in thick brush.

There is a difference between need and want. I wouldn't want a Ruger 44 Carbine that held only 4 rounds, when you can buy a Marlin that holds several more rounds. You can't buy a Marlin in good condition for $400, I suspect because they are more desirable. I like Ruger firearms, but the four round magazine would be a deal breaker for me. There are no after market magazines for these rifles. Someday that rifle might be worth $400 because so few were made, but who wants to invest their money only to make a small profit?

 

[rcmodel]

Funny?

I have hunted everything that crawls, flies, or walks for 60 years with single- shots, 3-shot plugged shotguns, and 5 round bolt-actions.

I can't even remember a time when one or at most 3 shots when bird hunting flushing quail wasn't enough.

The 96/44 is a hunting rifle / carbine.
If you can't do it with 4-5 shots, you probably got the wrong little .44 Mag carbine for your needs.

rc

 

[Elkins45]

You can't buy a Marlin in good condition for $400, I suspect because they are more desirable.

As little as four years ago you could pick up 2-3 of them at that price at almost every local gun show, all in good condition. The main reason prices have jumped is because Marlin isn't making them, or they are making ones perceived to be of inferior quality. Prices are up because of perceived scarcity.

I don't know how many rounds the Marlin holds but I do know that loading a centerfire tube magazine is not a fast process. If you consider how long it would take to load and fire 20 rounds I will bet the Ruger is actually faster, even if just reusing one magazine over and over.

 

[g.willikers]

And you may want to do that, use the same magazine.
They are kind of pricey.
The Marlins hold ten rounds plus one, quite a difference.

 

[Hanshi]

Never owned one but they do look nice.

 

[44 Mag]

To young for medicare & to old for women to care!

Thanks for all your input! I went ahead an purchased the Ruger 96/44, the little nipple on the end of the mag was broken off, so I got the gun for $350. Purchased a new mag from Ruger for $35. Gun is practically new, no wear at all, I think I got a pretty good deal. I've only fire a few rounds through it but it shoots like a dream. Kinda loud, but not as much recoil as I expected. In my old age I've become more of a gun collector than a hunter, so I think the 4 round mag will be just fine.
Now I'm looking for an inexpensive 22 revolver to burn up some old 22 ammo that's been sitting on my shelf for a few years. I purchased a S&W MP15/22cal a while back (don't know why, just saw it and have to have it) Pretty neat little toy, but it doesn't like old ammo. Seems to be partial to fresh American Eagle.
I'm working on filling up my new gun-safe that my wife got me for Fathers Day, before she turns it into a food pantry. I'm half-way there!