i have one that looks same condition -have owned over 30 yrs and would not take1000 for it-he stole his for that price-you do have to keep action clean for it to cycle properly
@Kelly Harbeson Thread locker will hold if the threads and fastener are prepped correctly. Mine has held for 30 plus years with blue locker. Rimmed is no problem in a rotary clip.
I was given a Ruger 44 carbine for my 12th birthday (September 1966) in time for my first deer hunt. It is still my favorite long gun and prized possession. Thanks for showing others this fine carbine.
@@edb3877 As it happened I got a party permit doe on the 3rd day of the hunt. Wounded her and tracked her about a mile thru swamps, field dressed her and dragged her back to the road myself. There was little snow and a long drag, but proud I was.
My Mom got 2 deer with hers when she was 86, one was running. She was hog hunting with my bro a month before she passed away. Lived a very full outdoors life.
This was my first deer rifle my dad bought for me and I still use it. Mine has a Redfield 4x32 Wideview on it and is easily a 100 yard gun. If you read the literature on it, they recommend 240gr ammo. I've shot 180gr in it without problems but have always used 240gr jacketed soft points for hunting. I carry this for use in stands where my shots are inside 100 yards. Dropped 2 hogs last season with it that snuck in on me behind the stand. It's small and easy to move around when something doesn't come in where you think they will. Great little rifle as long as you take care of it.
Was my first too, dad bought it for me and I killed a couple of deer with it when I was a boy. I’m sure he pawned it for beer money not long after but would love to still have it and the other guns he bought for me and somehow all disappeared
Had one as my first deer rifle. I joined the Navy and my dad traded it in on a Remington 700 BDL. I missed it, so bought one a year or so ago and enjoy it once again.
I owned one about 25yrs ago. Wanted one for years and finally got one. I kept it for a few years and finally reached the end of my rope with the internal mag issues I had with it. I decided that a lever action was a much better choice for me, sold it and never looked back. Hope you enjoy yours more than I enjoyed mine!
Yep sold both of mine and went to the lever model more accurate and easy to unload. I was so worried about my wife unloading the auto that I had her wait for me to come to her stand and I would unload it
Two of Ruger's biggest and stupidest mistakes were discontinuing the 44 Magnum Carbine and their Security - Speed Six 357 Revolvers. The classic 44 Magnum carbine always has been a great woods or hunting rifle for those who want a lightweight, easy-to-use, short to midrange-distance rifle for use on medium to large game animals (coyotes, antelope, big horn sheep, mountain lions or mule - whitetail deer, wild hogs or even bears).
Same here. I would buy one in a second. Been waiting for some 77/44 to come back in stock but been waiting a long time. Cant get a straight answer as to whether they were discontinued again. Ruger seems to have turned a lot of focus to AR and PCC types. I guess that is where the market is.
Had one & love it! I used it as a backup for hunting javelina hogs on foot in Texas with my .44 Colt Anaconda pistol. Gave it to my son who gave it to his.
Excellent job on the stock, Congrats on the new Carbine ! I bought one from an older gentleman. Originally, I went to purchase a Remington Wingmaster, walked out with a Ruger 44 Mag Carbine (and the Remington). He stated it had been sitting in his gun safe for 35+ years. A good cleaning , haven't had any problems yet with 240 grain ammo. Please let me know if you'd be interested in selling the old stock. Have a great day!
I bought one about 30 years ago for $500 and never regretted it. It had a cheap Tasco 4 power scope on it but the glass is very clear so I left it on. Haven’t fired it in a couple years now but now you made me want to dig it out of the back of my safe. Always fired factory Remington 240 gr semi jacketed flat nose and never had any issues with it.
Warning to those that decide to disassemble one to clean. This rifle has TWO coil springs for the main springs and you have to connect them both at the same time to reassemble it again. So unless you understand that type setup, be careful how far you disassemble it. I have one and learn the technique to assembling them and had a few people bring theirs over to my house in paper bags to reassemble theirs back together for them... And I absolutely love mine. A great little rifle that has a pretty good kick and that is because the longer barrel makes the bullets leave at a faster speed than a 44 handgun. Especially for a reloader that tunes the charge for that rifle... Thumbs Up!
Great carbine. I have the model you have. I used to have the hard to find model the front of the stock was recessed at the top. That carbine was like new. It hadn't been fired much. A friend offered me more then I could turn down so I no longer have it. Anyway the carbine I have now i mounted an older Simmons 44mag scope on it made specifically for the 44mag. I hand load for most of my gun's so of course I load for it as well. 240gr xtp over 2400 powder loaded quite warm at 50 yards off a rest it can put 5 rounds in 1" bullseye. Opens up to 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" at 100 yards. But mostly 1 1/4". Once I took it to my local outdoor range with 100. I planned to have fun and spend a couple hours there. I never shoot my gun's to the point the barrel gets hot. I figured couple hours with time in between loads for the barrel to cool. This was mid summer 85ish degrees so I just had a T-shirt on. After 30 rounds and the metal but plate my shoulder couldn't take much more so I never made it to shooting all my hand loads that day. The first 15 rounds no problem but by time I shot 30 I had enough.
This is an extremely underrated and undersold rifle. If you hunt in the midwest or midsouth, this rifle is a perfect match. It is light but hits very hard in .44 Magnum. It's easy to pick your way through brush while walking and stalking game. It's accurate at 100 yards and if scope-regulated is accurate at 200 yards. The ammunition is widely available. It loads and unloads easily. A great all-around rifle.
My friend in Maryland, a deer hunter, found one in mint condition for $500. Now a very happy guy. Me, I also have a 44, we’ll it’s a light snub Charter Arms
@@robertonavarro7713 Desert Eagle MK XIX in .44Mag. The .44 is "the round". I don't recommend the Desert Eagle .50 AE, and for many reasons. That said, I have the .50 cal. Beowulf and use it for the same reasons as the Ruger .44 rifle, except when I go for Brown Bear I want the additional velocity (2,000 fps) and energy (2,000 lbs) with that 350 grain bullet. There is no replacement for displacement.
@@richardgreen7811 Unlike my friend, I have very limited experience in deer hunting. I only shot one deer with a 12 ga. I guess you really need a 350 grain when you’re out looking around for a dangerous big brown bear. That 50 is a sledge hammer.
@@robertonavarro7713 True. Also, for most big game in the regions only providing limited visibility (trees), the .12 gauge slug is very powerful and accurate at 100 yards.
The only ruger I have ever regretted not buying was one of those carbines that was chamberd in 45 Winchester magnum. Now they claim that no such gun was ever made, but I had it in my hands in rockdale Texas in 1979 there was a 44 magnum and the 45 magnum laying side by side on the gun store counter my brother in law bought the 44 , and I seriously considered buying the 45 , and have always regretted that I didn't
I hear ya! I regret never buying one of these in 480 Ruger. Found it in the local Toys-R-Us back in the 80s. Everyone says it never existed but I remember.
They were an awesome rifle, Had one as a kid in NZ.... barrel chopped to 13 inches and suppressor fitted... 300 grain hard cast projectile... Armson OEG sight..
If Ruger would make then again they'd sell a million of them, especially with straight-walled cartridges now being legal in more states! I know I'd certainly buy one!
I loved mine, & it never failed to cycle. I only used Remington, I'm sure that helped. I found the 180 grain preferable. The 240 grain was best for the Redhawk, but the 180 grain for the carbine. The added velocity helped the bullet to expand. I had to sell it long ago for rent money. I've been looking for a replacement ever since.
Yes good deal indeed I have two one was a gift the other purchased and by the way my brother in law has one that is a box fed my wife used it to harvest a boar in Tn a few years ago great little guns !!!
I've had the Ruger 44 since the early 80's. Taken many deer with it. They don't go far. My stepfather liked mine so much he bought his own. He had cancer and his Remington 740 got too heavy for him. He took 2 deer with the Ruger and its light weight extended his ability to hunt by 5 years. I never cared much for the M1 Carbine buttstock and I wish Ruger made it with the 10-22 Deluxe style stock with a standard buttstock, no barrel band, and forearm checkering. 44 models sold by Walmart have a plastic instead of aluminum barrel band that is prone to breakage. There is a gas port adjustment screw in the front of the action that can loosen up under recoil. Ruger doesn't give explicit directions on proper adjustment. My gun failed to eject and it cost me a buck one year. Use some temporary Loctite on the threads once you have it adjusted for good cycling. I wish Ruger would offer this gun again but with a deluxe stock and a rotary magazine. It got old emptying the tubular magazine at the end of each hunting day and would be safer. I use Hornady loads which are full power and also the Lever Revolution loads for a little more range. Just my two cents. If you ever rebuild the stock again, take a look at the 10-22 Deluxe to see what you prefer.
I’ve had mine for years. The key to have it cycle properly is to keep it clean. Also check the stock where the cycling bar is it could be rubbing on the stock. I shoot reloads in mine. The reloads are much more accurate than factory.
Back in the 60s and 70s, the only 44 magnum loads you could buy, they were Full House loads. That's all that you could buy off the shelf. And you can get it to function without having full power loads, but you must use powder that burns at a rate that the gun likes. I haven't played with one of those in a while but it was a most sensitive to certain powders, especially fast powders that don't give you a full cycle of energy.
Its a great rifle for trouble makers coyotes wild pigs and a trouble making pit bull about 2 years ago ! its old but still works great !! I love the 44mag i have a lever action marlin to ! its a fun rifle to shoot along with a couple shotguns and a 45 and a 38 revolver for a carry ifeel very secure out here in the country
I've had one for about 50 years. It has taken a bunch of deer. The short, carbine frame makes for a "fast" rifle. I luv' it and will own it unti I die. Then my boys can fight over it!
I tried ,begged, and attempted to get my hands on one for years. The ones I found for sale were shot out or tore up. And when you find one in mint, they want a fortune for it. So I found one to best it. I bought an Alexander Arms 50 Beowulf. 10 round mags. And a whole lot more power. Love it. I buy the ammo from them as well. But boy do I feel safe in the great outdoors. I agree with the other comment, Ruger was stupid to discontinue the Deerfield. But if you want to sleep like a baby in the outdoors, check out the 50 Beowulf. A lot of people try to go cheap by putting on uppers on their A.R.'s and such and end up with Jam-o-Matics. Spend the money and go Alexander Arms and you'll never have that problem. Or save some and get a Jam-O-Matic ...!!!
If Ruger ever started production again on this carbine -- which they won't -- they absolutely couldn't or shouldn't skimp on the quality of wood for the stock. The Gen 1 carbines (1961-85) had higher quality American black walnut, and even this material would sometimes crack or split behind the receiver from recoil. But the later 96/44 lever actions and the 99/44 semiautos came with cheap, fragile beech or birch wood that Ruger simply called "hardwood." So many of those were junk that cracked after just a few shots.
I bought my Ruger magnum here in Italy , it's a 1971, after cleaning the wood and full stripdown, I have the perfect pig gun, And yes it needs full loads or will not cycle.and yes 44 magnum is NOT cheap
I bought one for my wife, but the little bugger kicked way to much for her. I sold it and bought her a Remington 742 in 6mm Remington. That was a sweet little rifle.
I’d love to have one of these and I’d prefer the loading gate like yours over the rotary mag model as the loading gate model can be topped off as you go like a shotgun. Awesome rifle especially for $250 bucks!!
My father took a lot of deer and a moose with one of those in Topsfield Maine before I was born and I came in 75. He loved that rifle then his older brother got drunk while hunting and lost it in the woods.
man ide love to have a rugger deerfeild 44mag its built on the mini 14 action and takes magazines witch is pretty bad ass! dont get me wrong you got a screaming deal something you couldn't pass up well done! nice job on the stock. ive only made one rifle stock for myself, ive ben asked a few times to make one for a friend but i always decline and try to explain what i went threw and how long it takes. the finish can take up to a year on its own! and i have no power tools i did hand everything!
If you ever feel the need to go to a scope, the Leopold 1-4X variable is lightweight with a good field of view for running shots. I keep mine at 1X in case I jump a deer but if I spot one 100 yds. away, there is usually time to crank it up to 4X. I have a Sightron red dot on my 44 hunting revolver and that has 4 different crosshairs and dots in several MOAs and configurations and you can adjust for brightness. I think it would also go well on my Ruger if you hunt heavy brush. There may be others on the market now you might prefer. I haven't kept up with what is available.
I'm not sure of the Year Ruger came out with newer generation only for a couple years. They also made one in 308 they discontinue both I don't know why.
Great brush gun. I had one and it would jam a lot. Gun smiths couldn’t fix it. So we sent it to Ruger they basically rebuilt it along with new stock. No problems since. They did it a NO COST. Love it.
Consider yourself lucky that you paid only $250 for that thing. All the ones I come across at gun shows or the occasional gun store are close to, if not more than, $1,000! I'd say you scored
Rare and collectible now. Have never seen one that loads in that way. Many had a 3 round detachable rotary type magazine. The 4 round tube mag is better. Beautiful job on the stock also👍
I had one of these, my first deer hunting rifle. I loved the light weight and short profile, as it was easy to carry and get into and out of vehicles. But mine had a tendency to jam.
Watched a few of these review videos on the ruger 44. No one mentions how to back feed to unload these guns just thought it was worth mentioning since my uncle had one for years before someone showed him lol
That’s a steal I wouldn’t sell mine for anything, got it from my grandfather that used it to feed his family. There’s no telling how many deer he shot with it
It is an awesome piece but has a couple issues and if those issues pop up, it is scrap metal. Parts are nigh impossible to get. Sent one in for repair to Ruger and they gave me the option. A coupon toward the purchase of a new gun or get the gun back unrepaired. They couldn't fix it.
Can’t believe you found one for $200, would love to own one but hard to find and I wish Ruger would start making them again.
There’s an online auction in Canada right now that has 3 of 4, I expect theyll go over a grand each
i have one that looks same condition -have owned over 30 yrs and would not take1000 for it-he stole his for that price-you do have to keep action clean for it to cycle properly
People might have been put off it by the modified wood.
@Kelly Harbeson Thread locker will hold if the threads and fastener are prepped correctly. Mine has held for 30 plus years with blue locker. Rimmed is no problem in a rotary clip.
@Kelly Harbeson iv'e had one close to 30 years and never had any such problem
I was given a Ruger 44 carbine for my 12th birthday (September 1966) in time for my first deer hunt. It is still my favorite long gun and prized possession. Thanks for showing others this fine carbine.
I can only imagine the surprise and delight on your 12-year old face when you opened that birthday package. Did you do any good on that 1st hunt?
@@edb3877 As it happened I got a party permit doe on the 3rd day of the hunt. Wounded her and tracked her about a mile thru swamps, field dressed her and dragged her back to the road myself. There was little snow and a long drag, but proud I was.
@@williamzimmer4382 That's great William. What an experience for a young boy to have. Memories like that stay with us for life. Well done!
I killed big hogs,and deer with mine.including two gators, here in Florida
Fantastic find and at a steal of a price. Enjoy
My Mom got 2 deer with hers when she was 86, one was running. She was hog hunting with my bro a month before she passed away. Lived a very full outdoors life.
That is so cool!!!!
That's awesome! Your mom sounds like she was a wonderful person.
This was my first deer rifle my dad bought for me and I still use it. Mine has a Redfield 4x32 Wideview on it and is easily a 100 yard gun. If you read the literature on it, they recommend 240gr ammo. I've shot 180gr in it without problems but have always used 240gr jacketed soft points for hunting. I carry this for use in stands where my shots are inside 100 yards. Dropped 2 hogs last season with it that snuck in on me behind the stand. It's small and easy to move around when something doesn't come in where you think they will. Great little rifle as long as you take care of it.
Was my first too, dad bought it for me and I killed a couple of deer with it when I was a boy. I’m sure he pawned it for beer money not long after but would love to still have it and the other guns he bought for me and somehow all disappeared
It would make a great hog gun where I live here in Oklahoma,I'm covered up with hogs.
My first deer rifle had a Redfield 4x32, a .308 Winchester model 88🫡
Had one as my first deer rifle. I joined the Navy and my dad traded it in on a Remington 700 BDL. I missed it, so bought one a year or so ago and enjoy it once again.
Nothing better than a 700 30-06
I owned one about 25yrs ago. Wanted one for years and finally got one. I kept it for a few years and finally reached the end of my rope with the internal mag issues I had with it. I decided that a lever action was a much better choice for me, sold it and never looked back. Hope you enjoy yours more than I enjoyed mine!
Yep sold both of mine and went to the lever model more accurate and easy to unload. I was so worried about my wife unloading the auto that I had her wait for me to come to her stand and I would unload it
0:41 I got an Ithaca DeerSlayer. Pretty good little slug gun, it’s old enough to slam fire!
Two of Ruger's biggest and stupidest mistakes were discontinuing the 44 Magnum Carbine and their Security - Speed Six 357 Revolvers. The classic 44 Magnum carbine always has been a great woods or hunting rifle for those who want a lightweight, easy-to-use, short to midrange-distance rifle for use on medium to large game animals (coyotes, antelope, big horn sheep, mountain lions or mule - whitetail deer, wild hogs or even bears).
I couldn't agree more!
Same here. I would buy one in a second. Been waiting for some 77/44 to come back in stock but been waiting a long time. Cant get a straight answer as to whether they were discontinued again. Ruger seems to have turned a lot of focus to AR and PCC types. I guess that is where the market is.
I agree. If they came out again with a .44 mag carbine " wood stock" not that plastic crap, they would sell a million of them.
@@bobreynolds744 Damn right they would....and I would order one on the spot.
@@smithn.wesson495 you know you can already buy one right? They don’t have to make them again to get one…
Had one & love it! I used it as a backup for hunting javelina hogs on foot in Texas with my .44 Colt Anaconda pistol. Gave it to my son who gave it to his.
Then you still have it my friend. That’s how guns are supposed to be passed down. Respect.
Excellent job on the stock, Congrats on the new Carbine !
I bought one from an older gentleman. Originally, I went to purchase a Remington Wingmaster, walked out with a Ruger 44 Mag Carbine (and the Remington). He stated it had been sitting in his gun safe for 35+ years. A good cleaning , haven't had any problems yet with 240 grain ammo.
Please let me know if you'd be interested in selling the old stock.
Have a great day!
Always wanted one of the great little carbines.
My dad had this gun and traded it one day. He regretted ever getting rid of it. Thanks for the video.
You're welcome!
I had one of these years ago, excellent rifle! Never should have parted with it.
I bought one about 30 years ago for $500 and never regretted it. It had a cheap Tasco 4 power scope on it but the glass is very clear so I left it on. Haven’t fired it in a couple years now but now you made me want to dig it out of the back of my safe. Always fired factory Remington 240 gr semi jacketed flat nose and never had any issues with it.
Mine likes the old school ammunition as well. Anything lighter than 240gr starts to wander.
Warning to those that decide to disassemble one to clean. This rifle has TWO coil springs for the main springs and you have to connect them both at the same time to reassemble it again. So unless you understand that type setup, be careful how far you disassemble it. I have one and learn the technique to assembling them and had a few people bring theirs over to my house in paper bags to reassemble theirs back together for them... And I absolutely love mine. A great little rifle that has a pretty good kick and that is because the longer barrel makes the bullets leave at a faster speed than a 44 handgun. Especially for a reloader that tunes the charge for that rifle... Thumbs Up!
Great carbine. I have the model you have. I used to have the hard to find model the front of the stock was recessed at the top. That carbine was like new. It hadn't been fired much. A friend offered me more then I could turn down so I no longer have it.
Anyway the carbine I have now i mounted an older Simmons 44mag scope on it made specifically for the 44mag. I hand load for most of my gun's so of course I load for it as well. 240gr xtp over 2400 powder loaded quite warm at 50 yards off a rest it can put 5 rounds in 1" bullseye. Opens up to 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" at 100 yards. But mostly 1 1/4".
Once I took it to my local outdoor range with 100. I planned to have fun and spend a couple hours there. I never shoot my gun's to the point the barrel gets hot. I figured couple hours with time in between loads for the barrel to cool. This was mid summer 85ish degrees so I just had a T-shirt on. After 30 rounds and the metal but plate my shoulder couldn't take much more so I never made it to shooting all my hand loads that day. The first 15 rounds no problem but by time I shot 30 I had enough.
This is an extremely underrated and undersold rifle. If you hunt in the midwest or midsouth, this rifle is a perfect match. It is light but hits very hard in .44 Magnum. It's easy to pick your way through brush while walking and stalking game. It's accurate at 100 yards and if scope-regulated is accurate at 200 yards. The ammunition is widely available. It loads and unloads easily. A great all-around rifle.
My friend in Maryland, a deer hunter, found one in mint condition for $500. Now a very happy guy. Me, I also have a 44, we’ll it’s a light snub Charter Arms
@@robertonavarro7713 Desert Eagle MK XIX in .44Mag. The .44 is "the round". I don't recommend the Desert Eagle .50 AE, and for many reasons. That said, I have the .50 cal. Beowulf and use it for the same reasons as the Ruger .44 rifle, except when I go for Brown Bear I want the additional velocity (2,000 fps) and energy (2,000 lbs) with that 350 grain bullet. There is no replacement for displacement.
@@richardgreen7811 Unlike my friend, I have very limited experience in deer hunting. I only shot one deer with a 12 ga. I guess you really need a 350 grain when you’re out looking around for a dangerous big brown bear. That 50 is a sledge hammer.
@@robertonavarro7713 True. Also, for most big game in the regions only providing limited visibility (trees), the .12 gauge slug is very powerful and accurate at 100 yards.
That wood looks beautiful. You did a good job.
Thank you.
Beautiful little carbine, I've always just used tongue oil and fine grit (and elbow grease) on my stocks
The only ruger I have ever regretted not buying was one of those carbines that was chamberd in 45 Winchester magnum. Now they claim that no such gun was ever made, but I had it in my hands in rockdale Texas in 1979 there was a 44 magnum and the 45 magnum laying side by side on the gun store counter my brother in law bought the 44 , and I seriously considered buying the 45 , and have always regretted that I didn't
I hear ya! I regret never buying one of these in 480 Ruger. Found it in the local Toys-R-Us back in the 80s. Everyone says it never existed but I remember.
Been wanting one of those for ever.
I always wanted to get one of those. Great video. Nice place.
Thank you!
They were an awesome rifle, Had one as a kid in NZ.... barrel chopped to 13 inches and suppressor fitted... 300 grain hard cast projectile... Armson OEG sight..
If Ruger would make then again they'd sell a million of them, especially with straight-walled cartridges now being legal in more states! I know I'd certainly buy one!
I loved mine, & it never failed to cycle. I only used Remington, I'm sure that helped. I found the 180 grain preferable. The 240 grain was best for the Redhawk, but the 180 grain for the carbine. The added velocity helped the bullet to expand. I had to sell it long ago for rent money. I've been looking for a replacement ever since.
The fact that it was made in the 70's is a good thing.
I have been trying to find one of these for quite some time. People just don't let em go.
I was shocked to come across this one, for sure! Especially at the price.
No, they don't and there are good reasons for that! 🙂
Yes good deal indeed I have two one was a gift the other purchased and by the way my brother in law has one that is a box fed my wife used it to harvest a boar in Tn a few years ago great little guns !!!
This vid will help my hunting immensely!!! I ain't been going to the deer woods, just the regular woods. My mistake!
The Gun Community is great. Always looking forward, back, and such for fellow 2A followers.
If you got that for $250 you hit the absolute jackpot.
Absolutely 💯
Rare to find and I saw them back in N. Carolina back in the nineties and I don't think I ever saw one much under $500.00.
Those go for around $800 to $1200 depending on condition, when\if you can find. You got a fantastic deal on a fantastic piece!
I have a 1966 Ruger 44 with a Weaver 2.5 power scope that flips to the side for iron sight use. Great gun!!
I've had the Ruger 44 since the early 80's. Taken many deer with it. They don't go far. My stepfather liked mine so much he bought his own. He had cancer and his Remington 740 got too heavy for him. He took 2 deer with the Ruger and its light weight extended his ability to hunt by 5 years. I never cared much for the M1 Carbine buttstock and I wish Ruger made it with the 10-22 Deluxe style stock with a standard buttstock, no barrel band, and forearm checkering. 44 models sold by Walmart have a plastic instead of aluminum barrel band that is prone to breakage. There is a gas port adjustment screw in the front of the action that can loosen up under recoil. Ruger doesn't give explicit directions on proper adjustment. My gun failed to eject and it cost me a buck one year. Use some temporary Loctite on the threads once you have it adjusted for good cycling. I wish Ruger would offer this gun again but with a deluxe stock and a rotary magazine. It got old emptying the tubular magazine at the end of each hunting day and would be safer. I use Hornady loads which are full power and also the Lever Revolution loads for a little more range. Just my two cents. If you ever rebuild the stock again, take a look at the 10-22 Deluxe to see what you prefer.
You got a hell of a deal. I paid more than that for the one I bought in the 90s!
I have one I bought new in 1970 for $100. Shot maybe 20 rounds at the range and put it away. Like brand new and in the gun safe.
Love the wood chipper in the background.....
That chipper is a beast! It came with my tractor when I bought it. It will be in a video soon.
This is one of those rifles that I'd LOVE to have, basically a giant 10/22. There is also a version with a 3-round rotary mag.
I have the Deer Slayer that I got from my father. I found the Deer Stalker for my son...
Love them...
My dad traded a 1953 Ford pickup for the Ruger, a refrigerator, a cook stove, and some cash. I've always wanted one.
Really cool. Looked like it had a little kick to it.
Pretty similar to a 20 Guage recoil wise.
I’ve wanted one of those for the longest!
I’ve had mine for years. The key to have it cycle properly is to keep it clean. Also check the stock where the cycling bar is it could be rubbing on the stock. I shoot reloads in mine. The reloads are much more accurate than factory.
That’s a badass woods rifle for sure
My sisters friend got one from her deceased father.she sold it to me for 250 dollars very nice carbine haven't shot mine yet.jim
Back in the 60s and 70s, the only 44 magnum loads you could buy, they were Full House loads. That's all that you could buy off the shelf.
And you can get it to function without having full power loads, but you must use powder that burns at a rate that the gun likes. I haven't played with one of those in a while but it was a most sensitive to certain powders, especially fast powders that don't give you a full cycle of energy.
Had one back in the 80s it was great to shoot the only thing I didn't like was it didn't hold enough ammo
Its a great rifle for trouble makers coyotes wild pigs and a trouble making pit bull about 2 years ago ! its old but still works great !! I love the 44mag i have a lever action marlin to ! its a fun rifle to shoot along with a couple shotguns and a 45 and a 38 revolver for a carry ifeel very secure out here in the country
I've had one for about 50 years. It has taken a bunch of deer. The short, carbine frame makes for a "fast" rifle. I luv' it and will own it unti I die. Then my boys can fight over it!
I tried ,begged, and attempted to get my hands on one for years. The ones I found for sale were shot out or tore up. And when you find one in mint, they want a fortune for it. So I found one to best it. I bought an Alexander Arms 50 Beowulf. 10 round mags. And a whole lot more power. Love it. I buy the ammo from them as well. But boy do I feel safe in the great outdoors. I agree with the other comment, Ruger was stupid to discontinue the Deerfield. But if you want to sleep like a baby in the outdoors, check out the 50 Beowulf. A lot of people try to go cheap by putting on uppers on their A.R.'s and such and end up with Jam-o-Matics. Spend the money and go Alexander Arms and you'll never have that problem. Or save some and get a Jam-O-Matic ...!!!
Super cool, want to get one of these one day
250 dollars??? holy cow!! that's one smoking deal..
Just saw one at Cabelas in Maine and the asking price was $1600.
If Ruger ever started production again on this carbine -- which they won't -- they absolutely couldn't or shouldn't skimp on the quality of wood for the stock. The Gen 1 carbines (1961-85) had higher quality American black walnut, and even this material would sometimes crack or split behind the receiver from recoil. But the later 96/44 lever actions and the 99/44 semiautos came with cheap, fragile beech or birch wood that Ruger simply called "hardwood." So many of those were junk that cracked after just a few shots.
I bought my Ruger magnum here in Italy , it's a 1971, after cleaning the wood and full stripdown, I have the perfect pig gun,
And yes it needs full loads or will not cycle.and yes 44 magnum is NOT cheap
Man! I have been wanting one for years. I had a friend at deer camp that had one.
Everytime that i see one (not very often) they are super expensive.
Man that's gorgeous, crazy deal you got too.
I wish Ruger would start making this one again. Prices on decent used ones are outrageous.
I wish they would re-make it but taking mags instead. Can't be that difficult to do since the Desert eagle has a .44 Magnum version
I bought one for my wife, but the little bugger kicked way to much for her. I sold it and bought her a Remington 742 in 6mm Remington. That was a sweet little rifle.
I'm surprised Ruger hasn't brought something like this back.
I agree
They did, it had an external mag. Only lasted a few years, about 20 years ago.
They still have em, but in a bolt action series now.
@@kolejohnson73
Bruh 20 years ago was like the start of Iraq war....
@@kolejohnson73 The Deerfield I think they called it.
This can protect me in all dangerous, treatening situations.!
have owned two,loved both
i like those buggers. Good job buying that.
I’d love to have one of these and I’d prefer the loading gate like yours over the rotary mag model as the loading gate model can be topped off as you go like a shotgun. Awesome rifle especially for $250 bucks!!
44 MAG hits game a lot harder than paper charts would suggest!
My father took a lot of deer and a moose with one of those in Topsfield Maine before I was born and I came in 75. He loved that rifle then his older brother got drunk while hunting and lost it in the woods.
So you're saying that in the woods somewhere in maine is a ruger 44carbine just sitting there??😮
@@DEROCK72 yep
Wish they would bring these back!
My favorite carbine, bar none.
Fine rifle,,,,super sweet,,,,,collectible likely by now...
man ide love to have a rugger deerfeild 44mag its built on the mini 14 action and takes magazines witch is pretty bad ass! dont get me wrong you got a screaming deal something you couldn't pass up well done! nice job on the stock. ive only made one rifle stock for myself, ive ben asked a few times to make one for a friend but i always decline and try to explain what i went threw and how long it takes. the finish can take up to a year on its own! and i have no power tools i did hand everything!
I found one a couple of towns over at a gun shop. Bought it that day. It was jamming up at first until I did a thorough cleaning.
I have one and it shoots best with very heavy bullets and hot loads. If I get a chance I will look up the load.
I use 270 gr Speer and H110 and get over 1900 fps
These things are really cool. A couple years ago I saw two on the used gun rack at cabellas for $1100 each 😂
That's cool, didn't know the made a 44 mag version. I know they made a 22 mag version that was also discontinued because of reliability issues
Had one for decades- you got a great deal.
If you ever feel the need to go to a scope, the Leopold 1-4X variable is lightweight with a good field of view for running shots. I keep mine at 1X in case I jump a deer but if I spot one 100 yds. away, there is usually time to crank it up to 4X. I have a Sightron red dot on my 44 hunting revolver and that has 4 different crosshairs and dots in several MOAs and configurations and you can adjust for brightness. I think it would also go well on my Ruger if you hunt heavy brush. There may be others on the market now you might prefer. I haven't kept up with what is available.
Excellent video.
Thank you very much!
I used to have a partner when I was a police officer who had a .44mag ruger like this. They also made a mini 14 in .308, but they are rare.
Ruger Ranch Rifle ,and the XGI .and the mini 14 .
The Ruger Mini-30 is 7.62x39
None of the Mini series is chambered in 308Win
@@Kyle-sr6jmwrong.
You are going to love that carbine! And unlike newer Deerfield, the original will feed ammo loaded with the 300 grain XTP bullets.
I'm not sure of the Year Ruger came out with newer generation only for a couple years. They also made one in 308 they discontinue both I don't know why.
Wow !!! You did good with that purchase buddy. I'm in Massachusetts if you can find one it's worth anywhere from 800 $ to 1000 $.
Great brush gun. I had one and it would jam a lot. Gun smiths couldn’t fix it. So we sent it to Ruger they basically rebuilt it along with new stock. No problems since. They did it a NO COST. Love it.
Consider yourself lucky that you paid only $250 for that thing. All the ones I come across at gun shows or the occasional gun store are close to, if not more than, $1,000! I'd say you scored
I have been looking for one of these since I was 16. Still haven't been able to get one.
This one definitely snuck up on me. I went over to the guys house to look at a mini 14.
Nice carbine. The imi timberwolf pump action would be amazing as well
I would love to get my hands on one of those!
Been looking for one of these here in NH
Rare and collectible now. Have never seen one that loads in that way. Many had a 3 round detachable rotary type magazine. The 4 round tube mag is better. Beautiful job on the stock also👍
Thank you!
I had one of these, my first deer hunting rifle. I loved the light weight and short profile, as it was easy to carry and get into and out of vehicles. But mine had a tendency to jam.
I have this carbine in .22 WRM with an octagonal Green River barrel. Now it shots more accurately.
My .44 mag. carbine is a Winchester 94.
Watched a few of these review videos on the ruger 44. No one mentions how to back feed to unload these guns just thought it was worth mentioning since my uncle had one for years before someone showed him lol
Always wanted one, then I wanted
the rotary magazine model, but they've always been too expensive
Very nice looking rifle
Wish they still made them
A great video and a beautiful rifle.
Than you very much!
Hello from Sweden 🇸🇪
At least they are sort of back in the lever gun game with the Marlins
That’s a steal I wouldn’t sell mine for anything, got it from my grandfather that used it to feed his family. There’s no telling how many deer he shot with it
I have one of the older ones that have deer stalker on it. Love it to death. Serial number says its 1962
I have exactly the same rifle . Old eyes told me to put a 2x7 x4 0 scope on it
I've got a Weaver 1x3 on mine. Like it alot.
It is an awesome piece but has a couple issues and if those issues pop up, it is scrap metal. Parts are nigh impossible to get. Sent one in for repair to Ruger and they gave me the option. A coupon toward the purchase of a new gun or get the gun back unrepaired. They couldn't fix it.
Very true, they are no longer supported by Ruger. If something needs repaired, it's going to be custom.