Ruger 44 carbine
- Thread starter Ruger007
- Start date
The deerstalker model 44 is the older version, tube fed and looked like a 10/22 action (kind of) with a 1-38” twist. These aren’t super common but pop up way more often than the Deerfield.
The Deerfield 99/44 is the newer version with multiple upgrades and is super sought after. It looks kind of like a mini-14 action and used detachable mags, 1-20” twist. These are much less common, and sell quickly when they do pop up.
The Deerfield 99/44 is the newer version with multiple upgrades and is super sought after. It looks kind of like a mini-14 action and used detachable mags, 1-20” twist. These are much less common, and sell quickly when they do pop up.
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I have owned many of the semi autos with the tube mags, they are okay if they arent worn out. My first one I bought for $240 15 years ago. The only one I regret selling is the manlicher stock version. I always wanted a Deerfield but never came across one for sale.
- Location
- Southern Vancouver Island
I had 2 of the early Deerstalker versions years back, but they didn't stay long. I totally pass on the 99/44 due to its' cruddy gas impingement system.
Bill Ruger should've just copied & scaled up the M1 carbine system a wee bit. Super reliable function & simple to maintain. Figuring his taste in rifle styles, he
could've made the buggers look like dis.
Bill Ruger should've just copied & scaled up the M1 carbine system a wee bit. Super reliable function & simple to maintain. Figuring his taste in rifle styles, he
could've made the buggers look like dis.
Attachments
The deerstalkers would be the rarest from a collectors standpoint. That name lasted about a year before they were sued by ithaca who already had a gun by that name. After that it was the Ruger 44 carbine until it was discontinued in 1985. I have a 44 carbine. I haven't seen one of the deerfields that came around in 2000, but based on the fact that Ruger stopped the 44 carbine because it was too expensive, my gut tells me the deerfield might not be that great. However, Ruger is really good at making guns cheaply so I'd definitely give one a try if it crossed my path. But only if it was a day that ended in y and I'm still breathing.
The early 44 Carbines had no cartridge cut off therefore all cartridges had to be run through the action when unloading, they also had an aluminum butt plate these would be of early 60s vintage. Later the cartridge cut off was added and the butt plate went plastic. I have a 44 carbine toped with a eotech type sight. Lovely light, fast, easy handling little rifle, great for in the bush when dogging. My go to gun when setting and checking bear baits. I would not part with mine. I have had mine for years and never had a malfunction or issue with it.
I have owned a couple of both, but they really weren't my cup of tea. The last mag-fed model went a number of years ago to two-dogs (with 2 spare mags), and I sold the last tube-fed one a year or so ago for $600 I think it was. I had six guys say "I'll take it" within about ten minutes when I listed it..........and the guy who bought it flipped it for a thousand if memory serves me.
I now have the lever action 96/44, which is a fun little gun, but honestly I prefer my Ruger in .450 Bushmaster, so the 96 will go to a new home. But not before I get a handle on what they go for these days!
Doug
I now have the lever action 96/44, which is a fun little gun, but honestly I prefer my Ruger in .450 Bushmaster, so the 96 will go to a new home. But not before I get a handle on what they go for these days!
Doug
