Opinions on Ruger Deerfield (Range Report, May 5, 2007)

7.62mm

7.62mm

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Some BBQ Joint, far....far...away!!!
I am looking for opinions on a Ruger Deerfield. After this past season's Rifle Hunt, I am looking for a reliable semi auto, instead of the bolt action that I used this season. I had a chance to take two deer this year, but after shooting the first, then cycling the bolt, I had a hard time reaquiring the second deer. Also, the area that we hunt in is very "Thick", 20 to 40 yard shots are the norm, with 100 yards being the utmost longest. So I was thinking a light recoiling semi would be the ticket. Any comments or suggestions are welcome.

Here's a pic of the terrain:

thickstuff.jpg


Thanks
7.62mm
 
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The Ruger Deerfield is a great semi 44. Also consider the Ruger 96/44 lever 44. Both are excellent rifles, I own both, ideally suited to your terrain. For bigger medecine consider the Marlin 1895 Guide in 4570.
 
I concur but would add the Marlin '94 in .44 Mag., my preferrence is a 290 gr. WFN hard cast bullet, the Marlin is a solid quick handling carbine!!
 
Good post 7.62mm, I was wondering the same... I think a rifle like the ruger deerfield carbine would be great in that type of terrain. It is compact, light, it has ghost ring sights and is semi-auto to boot! The questions that I had were:

-does it feed reliably?
-easy to clean?
-overall quality?
-good safety design?
-and how does the .44mag fair against deer/what are it's limitations?

I also thought of the Mini Thirty, but instead of buying that, I think I would use my cheapo SKS...
 
Can't comment on the new Ruger, but I have one of the old .44 Ruger carbines. Reliable, handy, certainly sufficiently accurate. As far as a Mini-30 goes, I would consider a 240gr. HSP to be preferable to a 125gr. SP.
 
primus1, thanks for the article, has some great info.

I am not really into the lever actions, but am willing to concede that they come in some fantastic calibers and configurations. I think the semi is the way to go for me but am unsure of what to buy. Had thought of a Winchester 100 in 308 as well, but think the lighter recoiling 44 would suit me better.

Thanks for all your replies.

7.62mm
 
Looking at that pic (!), and you say 20-40 yard shots, I'd have to seriously consider a semiauto or pump shotgun, loaded with (dare I say it...) buckshot. Keep a couple of slugs ready for the 100 yard shot, if it presents itself, and you're set.

Plus, those woods must be full of grouse--if the deer don't show up, you've got the shotgun to put meat on the table;-)
 
How bout a Rem 7600 30/06 Carbine with a 1x4 scope or reciever sight? It would be perfect for that type of hunting, plus the 30/06 gives you more options at longer range if needed.







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7.62mm said:
primus1, thanks for the article, has some great info.

I am not really into the lever actions, but am willing to concede that they come in some fantastic calibers and configurations. I think the semi is the way to go for me but am unsure of what to buy. Had thought of a Winchester 100 in 308 as well, but think the lighter recoiling 44 would suit me better.

7.62mm
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I use a M-100 & find it a very good choice with a peep site.
But haveing shot the 44 Ruger a few times I really don't think it is a lighter recoiling gun. Remember your launching a 230-40 gn bullet! I'd also consider the Rem carbine although a 30-06 is a little heavy for close range deer hunting.
Personally I'd suggest you try the fit of each, make sure when you pull up the rifle you have the site picture directly in front of your eyes! I hunt the same type country & if you hesitate to search for the sites in most cases the deer is gone.
 
I got one of the older ones in a trade in excellent condition a couple weeks ago and put it for sale. I recieved 7 PM's in 10 minutes on that little carbine. The most and quickest amount of PM's ever on a deal. They must be a decent rig with a really good reputation. Or i just sold it too cheap???:confused:
 
Mine's an original!

I bought an original "Deerstalker" carbine last year. It has a S/N in the 2500 range, and was one of those made before the hooplah kicked up by Mossberg for having a name too close to that of their "Deerslayer" shotgun. Ruger apparently changed the name after that; but mine is labelled Deerstalker!:)

Sorry for rambling...in any case it is a fantastic rifle! w/ an Aimpoint mounted on it I was getting consistent 5 shot groups in the "less than 2"" range. At fifty yards w/ open sights (where I can actually see the target :rolleyes: ) it cuts ragged holes! It goes bang every single time, and feels like a 10-22 to carry afield.

Magnificent!;)

Jeff/1911.
 
SuperCub said:
How bout a Rem 7600 30/06 Carbine with a 1x4 scope or reciever sight? It would be perfect for that type of hunting, plus the 30/06 gives you more options at longer range if needed.







.
Click to expand...

That's the way my rig is set-up, but in 308 and I still would'nt say no to a deerfield. It's lighter, shorter and you can easily put a sling on it... I think Bishopus is on to something though, each time I get in the field with a rifle, I keep tripping over grouse :)
 
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Earlier Ruger .44 Semis. were not cast bullet friendly, it fouled up the gas ports, for me that makes it a non-starter as cast bullets in the .44 are more effective and come in a broader range of weights and styles than jacketed.
 
I've owned both the new and old version....trust me on this:

Buy the old version!

Made when parts were machined, not cast. Reliable (I'm going on 4000 rounds!) and accurate (1" 3 shot groups @ 100, 240 winchester white-box)

Seriously, awesome gun. I kept the right one.

Heres a pic of last years bear with that gun: 119yds (lasered) bang-flop.

-1.jpg

bear2_2_1.jpg
 
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