Anyone still use a Ruger 96/44?

[4b1t]

I have one in the gun vault that has not seen the light of day in 20 years. Only reason it came out is that I needed to steal a set of Ruger medium height rings from the box for a 10/22. It is not on the Ruger site anymore, when did they stop making it ? Any following out there or is it a dead end design.

 

[m777]

They quit in '07. You can look up the year of manufacture and the manual on the Ruger website under customer service.
Clint

 

[Canadian_Zuk]

There is definitely a following for the 96/44 and the older Deerfields. Value is anywhere from $500-$1000 depending on model and condition, tube mag or rotary mag, etc... I've been on the lookout for one for some time now, perfect size, caliber and punch for Southern Ontario bush pushing.

 

[boxhitch]

Just bought my first , and its in a1 condition. Paid too much but liked the idea of the drop magazine , more user friendly than the tubes on Win , Rossis etc.
Checked at the local shop for Williams sights , they hadn't seen a 96/44 for years , until two weeks earlier they had one come in , and it sold within two days.
Looking to take a bbear this spring , will be ordering an extra mag or two.

Any following out there or is it a dead end design.

It has its range limitations , and only the 4 shot mag.
But its light , compact , fast , dimensions near a 10/22 , 240 gr @ 1700?
Now the Wife (tm) needs one too.

 

[jjohnwm]

When that gun came out, it was obviously a smart, useful design, functionally superior to traditional tube-mag levers. I held off buying one because I KNEW that Ruger would bring out a deluxe version with a walnut stock, and that's what I wanted.

Hmmm....

 

[two-dogs]

I have a custom 96/44. Heavy barrel, dual cheek pc stock. I bought it a few years back, it sits in the safe. I'm guilty of that a lot, and should be punished! I really want a 99/44, but I just can't find one.