Ruger .44 carbine questions...

[Quincy12]

I recently picked up a Ruger .44 carbine, made in 1972 based on the serial number. This one has the “finger groove” stock with the Monte Carlo butt on it instead of the usual barrel band stock. I have a couple of questions one of you may be able to answer. Is the barreled action held to the stock at the forend by the front sling swivel mount (since this stock does not have a barrel band)? Also, is this stock prone to splitting the way the standard version is? I’ve read numerous posts about where the stock has split at the forend because the wood is very thin under the magazine tube. If so, is there anything that can be done to help prevent this? Thanks for any thoughts you may have.

Q

 

[JR47]

I've owned a Ruger .44 Carbine since 1967-68. Mine is the standard version, and it's had thousands of 240 g bullets through it. The stock has never given me a minute's trouble. Nor have I ever heard of them having a splitting problem.

 

[Reloadron]

Like JR47 I have owned no less than 3 of them including the current one I have. They have always been one of the most reliable and accurate little large bore carbine rifles I have owned. All were the standard model with thousands of rounds fired and never a problem or split wood.

So while I can't answer your question for the version you call out I can say my experience never included split wood. All my ammunition was standard 240 grain bullets with standard factory loads including my hand loads.

Ron

 

[Quincy12]

Thanks for your thoughts, I appreciate it.

 

[ElToro]

i got mine cheap as it had a crack starting in the stock. a friend with some wood skills glued and sanded it and refinished it free, you cant tell it was ever cracked. many hundred of rounds since and no problems. they dont make parts for thisi rifle any more so buy any parts you can find including the stock. the finger groove stock you mention is an uncommon variation.