My Old Ruger .44 mag rifle Rifle

[Chris Oxford]

I'm working on picking up a late 1960's Ruger Model 44 .44 mag semi automatic carbine Rifle. It's not much obviously compared to today's long range Lazer bolt action rifles and calibers but as a teenager it was one of my very first deer rifles. I've found it at a good price. I want it for nostalgic reasons. The little rifle is in great original condition with a 4 power Simmons scope on it. I'll post pics as soon as I have it in hand.

 

[JDeere]

Deerfield Carbine I suppose? I have always wanted one but just never pursued it. Last time I looked on GB prices were up there a bit. Post up when you get it...

 

[earlthegoat2]

Deerfield carbines came in the 2000s and lasted a few years.

The older model 44 as referenced was from the 60s and maybe 70s.

 

[JDeere]

Guess it's early I missed the Model 44 designation in the post. They were similar to each other...

 

[lemaymiami]

If the folks at Ruger ever came out with an updated version of that rifle - and made it with a mag that could hold ten rounds or more.... I'd be lining up to buy one as a close quarters defensive weapon... Guess I'll just have to keep dreaming...

 

[Chris Oxford]

If the folks at Ruger ever came out with an updated version of that rifle - and made it with a mag that could hold ten rounds or more.... I'd be lining up to buy one as a close quarters defensive weapon... Guess I'll just have to keep dreaming...

Yeah, the one I'm talking about is a tubular fed magazine. It was originally called The Deer Stalker I believe then Ithaca sued over the name and I think that was why it was then called The model 44. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong.

 

[JCooperfan1911]

If the folks at Ruger ever came out with an updated version of that rifle - and made it with a mag that could hold ten rounds or more.... I'd be lining up to buy one as a close quarters defensive weapon... Guess I'll just have to keep dreaming...

Research Cooper's Thumper.

 

[lemaymiami]

Cooper's concept, while not really suitable for military use, would be fine for how it would work as a close quarters defensive piece (with a bit more "thump" than 30 carbine at close distances...) in my opinion. That's why I mentioned my wish for something like the Ruger 44 - but with a greater ammo capacity... Must admit that if my own commercial carbine was a bit more reliable I wouldn't be wanting much else -as long as it was using soft point ammo...

 

[Seedy Character]

Always wanted one of those .44M carbines.
Updated magazine and caliber selection would be AWESOME.

Make a .44M, .41M, .357M, .327Fed, .30Carbine, .45Colt, 10mm, .45ACP, 9mm.

 

[DM~]

I have one, shot a huge buck with it back in the 60's, and it's killed more since then.

DM

 

[25-20 WCF]

The Model .44 was offered from 1961 to 1985. The Deerstalker ran from 2000 tp 2006. The latter was not based on the former and both had little in common besides being chambered in .44 Magnum and being semi-auto. The original was considered unreliable with lead bullets due to fouling of the gas port. Either is a fine hunting arm with modern ammunition, but don’t expect a reintroduction - twice bitten twice shy…





.

 

[JDeere]

The early model 44 was called the Deerstalker and the later 99/44 was the Deerfield I believe...

 

[Gordon]

I have had one many years , it is ammo sensitive and like mentioned cannot use unjacketed rounds without soon having big problems. With 180 grain -270 rounded profile bullets it worked. 4 round capacity in tube . Mine shot 5 " groups at 100 yards and 2" at 50 yards rested at 4x . Did a little better with the lighter 180 grain load I used . I sold it two years ago with a Bushnell scope chief 1.5-4x scope wit the kewl "Command Post" to a Georgia boy to use for hogs for $700.

 

[ECVMatt]

Congrats on finding a great rifle! I wish Ruger would bring back the Deerfield in both .44 and .357. I can't wait to see the pictures.

 

[Riomouse911]

The early model 44 was called the Deerstalker and the later 99/44 was the Deerfield I believe...

Didn’t Mossberg throw a fit claiming the Deerstalker name was too close to their trademarked Deerslayer shotguns so they were forced to change the name? (I may be wrong on this .)

Those Ruger .44 rifles are another gun from my youth that would be cool to own.

Stay safe.

 

[Chris Oxford]

Didn’t Mossberg throw a fit claiming the Deerstalker name was too close to their trademarked Deerslayer shotguns so they were forced to change the name? (I may be wrong on this .)

Those Ruger .44 rifles are another gun from my youth that would be cool to own.

Stay safe.

I believe you are correct. I said Ithaca had the issue but you are probably right. Thanks

 

[JT-AR-MG42]

Mine shot 5 " groups at 100 yards and 2" at 50 yards rested at 4x .

We might have had the same gun.
My first carbine shot like that and I soon moved it. Very early gun in like new condition,
so it was no chore to get my money back.

My current .44 came to me lightly used and very dirty.
It has a 4x Leupold Pioneer and shoots 1 1/2" at 50yds and easily stays in the ten ring on a TQ-4 at 100.
One quirk of this gun is powder selection of my loads.

240 gr. JSP with 23.5 grs. of H110 is the load for this one.

Same bullet with 24 grs. of 4227 (first load I tried, so understandably thought I had a real dog)
shot repeated 3" groups at 50 yds.
One of the biggest powder choice/accuracy swings I've personally encountered using the same bullet.

JT

 

[Gordon]

For the record it WAS Ithaca in the 1960s filed in court about their "Deerslayer " copyright being too close to "Deerstalker" Ruger named the little .44 Carbine initially. It never went anywhere except in Field and Stram type magazines and into laywers pockets but Ruger dropped that name in early 70s .

 

[edwardware]

I'd be lining up to buy one as a close quarters defensive weapon.

Overpenetrate much, or just have a T-Rex problem?

 

[lemaymiami]

I’ve used a firearm to kill when I had to as a young cop more than forty years ago. It was the only shot I ever fired in a 22 year career.

I’d like to spend the rest of my life without anything like that ever again. That said, if it’s ever necessary I want serious gear and will never change my mind about that…

By the way “close quarters” with a shotgun for me is less than 15 meters, with a carbine as described above. it would be less than 50 meters…

Guess I’m pretty old school

 

[Chris Oxford]

For the record it WAS Ithaca in the 1960s filed in court about their "Deerslayer " copyright being too close to "Deerstalker" Ruger named the little .44 Carbine initially. It never went anywhere except in Field and Stram type magazines and into laywers pockets but Ruger dropped that name in early 70s .

I thought it was Ithaca. Thanks.