There are a lot of reasons that seem to justify the reintroduction of the Deerfield, especially if you add some additional cartridge options. But I only called out four in the video, so I will be changing the title to reflect that ;-)
@@patrickhenry236 I’d be surprised if they didn’t. Speaking of .41 Mag, try lighter ammo if that does happen. my JM 1894FG does well with the 190gr Hornady Leverevolution. Try those or the 180gr Barnes hollow point
@@joeymurphy5617 for non handloads, I will probably stick with underwood loadings. It's already what I feed my 357 carry piece, or my Bisley 41 when factory ammo is called for. For handloads in 41, I like heavy for caliber bullets and just acquired a stock of 240gr Keith pattern hard casts. Thanks for your input though.
No problem, I have a Ruger .44mag carbine also, it's the older one that looks like a 10/22. It has the 4 round tubular magazine in the stock. I have a 4x luepold scope on it and sling. It's my favorite deep woods hog and deer rifle. Shoots 1moa at hundred with my hand loads.
Your absolutely right I've seen few of those in my life but I do remember seeing one in a pawn shop for 200 bucks I kick my self for not grabbing some more crap up when it was cheaper
A single stack detachable box magazine in .357 Mag with various capacity between 10 to 15 rounds and I would buy one as soon as it hit the market. More than 15 rounds might make it too ungainly unless they can figure out how Kel-Tec did their double stack magazine for the PMR30 in .22 Magnum. Ruger could also release it using the same Rotary Magazine they use in the Series 77 Bolt Rifle.
@@philipbrown3146 man I would have snatched that up. We ended up at my father-in-laws deer camp when I was a younger fella, and a really nice guy handed me his to carry while checking stands after a storm. At this point I had never shot it, but I was already in love. He apparently noticed this, and the next day he let me use it in a blind, where I took a nice little 8 point. I have only seen a couple at gun shows after that, and they wanted the gun show price for them.
Yes, please! Bring it back!!!!! I will buy one this time, I promise! Suggestions for the new one: Make it in .357 Magnum also. Larger capacity magazines would be a plus, but I'm OK with the originals also. Myself, I can't imagine cobbling up such such a light, handy rifle with a scope. Thanks, George. 👍
You are welcome. Of course the reason I put a scope on was just to verify the accuracy potential of that little gun. And it did its job. Thanks for your comment!
The original Ruger 44 Magnum Carbine was also an excellent gun. It was tube fed so you didn’t have to worry about dropping the magazine in the snow or mud. And you could top it off.
Thats exactly why the original was a huge piece of crap. I dont have giant bratwurst fingers and rate very high on manual dexterity tests yet regularly fumbled the ammo trying to load it. Now youve got a pocket full of wet muddy ammo and your fingers are freezing from picking it up out of the snow because you certainly arent going to reload or top it off with gloves on because theres barely enough room without gloves. There was no excuse for the tube mag. The overall performance just couldnt make up for what a huge pain in the ass that thing was. I tried to hang on thinking someone over there would eventually fix the design and I could move to that one. The rotary abortion was just enough of an insult to move to a lever action instead. If they ever get serious about wanting to design one properly with a full capacity magazine people might buy it.
I believe the original Ruger Carbine and the Deerfield had 1"x38" rate of twist,maybe if the rate of twist was 1"x20" accuracy could be slightly better. Ruger should definitely bring back the 44 Remington Magnum PCC. Thanks for review.
I would like to see it reintroduced with a larger capacity magazine and in both .357 mag and .44 mag. I would purchase one of each. Just subscribed to your channel. I like your laid back style of presenting. I look forward to more episodes. Cheers
The Deerfield appears to have been intended for Eastern Woods Deer Hunting. Small, lightweight, yet packing a punch, with fast follow up shots. The Rotary Mag is genius and eliminates the problem of rim-lock with a rimmed cartridge like the 44 Magnum. The scope isn't really needed in those conditions. Just about Perfect. Personally, I don't understand the capacity issue if the purpose is Eastern Woods Deer Hunting, but it does definitely limit the carbine's versatility if someone wanted to tote it around the farm. Maybe release it in 10MM? That would solve that problem and not disturb its intended purpose...
I agree Henry should make that Homesteader in a better cartridge. .357 or .44 magnum or even the .30 Carbine. If the rimmed cartridges work well in the Ruger rotary magazine, I am sure they would work well in the Homesteader. But I'd rather have the Ruger Deerfield. 😜
I would love for a modern rifle chambered in 30 carbine. That round has been pigeon holed to a particular rifle and completely under utilized based on a perceived lack of power.
Owned two original deerstalkers , still have the best one , it shoots cloverleafs @100 with 240gr. JHP Rem. green box. Started my son on a 10/22 and later to the .44. He took his first few deer with it.
Hi George, I agree with you on that flyer. I would tell my kids when I was teaching them "always get a good shoulder snuggle" then squeeze the trigger! I would be interested in Ruger making that in 357/38 or even 9mm. And yes of course bigger magazine capability.
I feel like Ruger is missing the boat on the current straight wall hunting cartridge craze. The .44 mag fills the niche perfectly. Even in states like New Hampshire that allow high power rifle cartridges, the .44 is still perfect in the dense woods where most shots are under 50 yards. So there'd still be a market for it in states other than just those with straight wall cartridge rules. While I'm dreaming, .357 and a 10mm would also be nice.
It would be nice. I think a box fed semi auto in traditional materials for the 350 & 400 Legends could also be a winner. Could have some of the charm of the old Remington Model 8 (while hopefully avoiding its mechanical complexity).
That’s a good concept. Something like the Ruger Mini-14, with a box magazine in .350 or .400 Legend. 5 round magazines for states or seasons with limited round count regulations, and 10 round magazines for other reasons.
I would have to have one. Flip up peep, love that. I always thought it was the 44 mag carbine with a metal plate on top. Appears to be a completely different carbine. That one is absolutely beautiful.
The deerfield is one of the most wanted rifles on my bucket list . I've had the other 44 carbine and let it slip out if my hands. I still have my Marlin 44 higher round count and a slicked up Ruger 44 super black hawk. Your right about the round count.
I got a early 60's 44 carbine and it's by far my favorite rifle, easy on the kids and wife to shoot also and will take down anything where I live, has a k2.5 weaver on top with weaver fold away mounts
I love PCC's although I did swap my original Ruger PC 9 for a M1 carbine. The original took the P85-89 magazines and was not a take down. I keep saying I'm going to get another one of the newer ones. I like that deerfield a lot, but would prefer, just as you mentioned, larger capacity as well as different caliber options. I kept thinking that a .357 would be awesome in that thing. Either way, I just like the PCC as they make awesome truck/farm guns. Thanks for showing this one again!
The factory mag is limited due to the fact a rotary magazine is far more reliable with rimmed cartridges than a single column magazine. I use the same ( or a very similar) mag in a 77/44. Works very well, all the time.
This gun is, in my mind, a great hunting rifle for those who hunt in a lot of brush and are going to encounter deer at closer range than I do out west. It's compact, easy to handle, and has more than enough power to do the job well.
My brother-in-law, who is sort of a city slicker but also the only serious deer hunter in the family, always used one of the original models with the tube magazine and had great success with it. I think it is perfect for Upper Michigan deer hunting.
@@Fuzzybeanerizer A good hunter matches the gun and caliber to the game, hunting terrain, and their laws. Your brother-in-law clearly did that and had great success!
HEADS UP RUGER!!! Please bring us the PCC Deerfield and when you do...we would love to have different cartridge options and maybe a higher capacity mag. (But it's not a deal breaker if you can't do those two things.😊) Thanks for another great video and great shooting! Please keep them coming.
This would be the perfect rifle for me to carry around here in North georgia. Most of the shots ive taken on game on public land have been well within 100 yds. If they could bring it back somewhat like the pc carbine i would throw a handy little reddot on it and be done. Come on Ruger!
I'd love to see ruger bring back the deer stalker, but in more of like a homesteader version, with, like you said a higher capacity magazine. I've got the tube magazine model, and I've actually thought of buying another 4 round magazine tube, and have my gunsmith weld that on to the end of the original tube mag, and just put a longer spring in it. Sounds like it would work in theory. Another great video George! Keep up the great work! And hello from the northwoods of Wisconsin!
That would be very cool to see a modern update to that tool in .44 mag. It would be very solid. How about an offering in .460 with the ability to fire .454 & 45 LC...
@@brandonmaas960 not sure which gun you are referring to because these are absolutely gas operated carbines. Both the original 1960s version, the Deerstalker/ Model 44, and the Deerfield use gas operated rotating bolt actions. You can easily make a rifle that could SHOOT all three of the rounds. Making one that would CYCLE all three rounds semiautomatically, especially mixed, would be extremely difficult. That has to do with the wide variance in overall length and chamber pressure between the three. A design optimized for the 2.3” long .460 Magnum operating at a chamber pressure of 60-65Kpsi, a pressure that is above that of most full size deer rifles, isn’t going to feed a .45 Colt that is .70” shorter and a standard chamber pressure of 14Kpsi. The .454 has a similarly high operating pressure to the .460 S&W but it’s still over half an inch shorter in OAL, meaning the bolt will have to have sufficient travel to pick up the next round whether it’s powered by another .454, a .460, or a .45 Colt, and a box magazine will have a ton of extra space for cartridges to move around during the firing cycle. The extremely high chamber pressure of the hotter rounds will make it tough to make a semi-auto action that doesn’t try to beat itself to death. The .460 is a very violent cartridge, one that required the Smith engineers to stiffen up the .500S&Ws X-frame to handle it. That’s a design that is a solid frame of steel with no parts moving at the instant of firing, not a semi-auto rifle that has to endure that pounding on much smaller locking surfaces over and over. The older Ruger deerstalker with its tubular mag and design features that time the release of the cartridge to the travel of the bolt to prevent short striking or double feeding would probably have an easier time with such design parameters, but you have all the inherent issues with loading and unloading, capacity, magazine length, etc. and getting to work with the (comparatively) wimpy .45 Colt loads.
Been shooting 45 plus years and a pistol cartridge in any type of rifle configuration has never interested me. If I'm going to carry a rifle, I'm going to use a rifle cartridge. However, I can see why others might like it, just not my style. Nice job on the video!
I have the older version from 1961 with under loading tube magazine that only shots non-lead 240 gr rounds or close to that due to the rifling twist. With open sites you can hit a target 8 inch across in the center at 100 meters. All models are good for areas that require straight walled cartridges for hunting or home defense.
Awesome rifle! I've always wantes one, but have never seen one in the wild. I agree that a larger capactiy magazine would be fantastic. 10 rounds would be outstanding.
Great vid and cool gun. I remember those coming out... I also remember people complaining that you can't shoot 300 grain loadings from it... I have a Rossi 45 Colt and I handload, so I have a handy 20" carbine that holds 10 rounds and I handload and the Rossi can handle +P 45 Colt loads making it the equal to a 44 Mag. So I'm happy with that. But I can see how folks might want a Deerfield.
Interesting idea to bring it back. Just wondering here if maybe the action could be stretched a little and the newer straight side case efforts of Remington and Winchester could be fit into it. A little more power and range??? I think most shooters were like me back when it was made and at that time we were not looking for that concept. Times have changed
Since I consider auto loading carbines to be defensive or battle weapons I agree that higher capacity would be a priority. For hunting I would choose an 1894. Of course with its higher capacity and ability to top up in battery I very well might choose the lever for defense too. That said if Ruger could really come up with an affordable M1 carbine alternative in .357 or .44 mag with 10 and 20 round magazines well I might well be convinced.
Why not avoid the rim debate and make it in 357 Sig and 10mm (or 10mm Magnum if you think that round could be resurrected)? I think 44 Magnum generates too much recoil for the range it's designed for. I base this on my experience owning a M1 carbine converted to 45 Winchester Magnum. It was not pleasant to shoot.
@@Paladin1873 I am not much of a rimless guy but I could have some fun with one chambered in 7.62x25 Tok. 🙂 A .44 could be useful in bear country if it were 100% reliable.
@@joeymurphy5617 I'm comparing rifles to rifles. The LeMag carbine kicked as hard or harder than a 30-30 or 35 Remington, so if I'm going to tote a handy light rifle, I prefer one with more range and striking power than a pistol caliber.
I love my 44 mag lever guns (Winchester 94 and Henry Big Boy) and my 4” S&W 629. The Deerfield has always interested me, and I recently saw one for sale at my local gun shop but did not buy for two reasons: Autoloaders tend to be rough on brass and they toss it into inconvenient and obscure places and I dislike the idea of a rotary magazine for this cartridge. As I type this, I realize that I am a finicky old fart and I just passed up the opportunity to pick up a rifle that I have coveted since about 1983…LOVE your videos.
I love to see this auto make a come back with a adjustable gas block so it could cycle different pressure loads down to subsonic speeds and a threaded barrel would nice too!
I’ve got the older Ruger .44 Mag carbine. The receiver is like the Ruger 10-22 so the brass is side ejecting, not top ejecting like the Deerfield so I don’t have the issue with hitting the scope. Unfortunately it’s magazine is a tube feed like a shotgun not a detachable magazine like the Deerfield. If my carbine had the detachable magazine I would say it is the best carbine ever made. I’m perfectly happy with the .44 mag cartridge in a light handy carbine. I too have an old Weaver scope on mine.
Great video brother! I've really enjoyed it. Love this carbine and I'm a big fan of the .44 mag. anyway. You created some lively and positive discussion. God bless all here.
Absolutely I would buy one! One of the members of the deer camp I belong to in the Adirondacks had one, and another member--one of the original members--had a first-generation Deerfield with the tubular magazine in .44 Magnum. My cousin now has that particular Deerfield, and he hunts deer with it up there now. Plus, as a home defense carbine, it would definitely do the job. The box magazines would be critical.
My dad had a Ruger Model 44 when I was 12 years old in 1961. It uses a 4-round tubular magazine and was produced from 1961 to 1985. It was the first and I still have it and use it.
So happy you highlighted this awesome firearm. I searched for years to purchase one for my father. Unfortunately there hard to find and folks fortunate enough to own one seem unwilling to part with them..
I think with a pic rai, and maybe a larger capacity, this would be successful once again. I agree that .357 would be a nice option as well. I know manufacturing cost would probably make the whole idea prohibitive. These used to sell very reasonably by today's standard, but I'm afraid it couldn't be done today. Well, here's hoping I'm wrong. Bring it back.
🇦🇺😎👍What a koool little gun . Bit like a M1 carbine. All semiautomatic rifles were banned down here since 1997 for safety 😉.Unfortunately we will never see those types of classics again sad to say. . If I didn’t have family here I’d sell up and move to the US for a different life. Great video
Thanks. I appreciate that. And it's good to hear from my friends down under. I know you guys have different challenges. But it's good to know that you're getting to do some kinds of shooting.
Always wanted one of original Deerstalker’s. (Showing my age here.) Would be great if they brought the carbine back but I wouldn’t hold my breath that Ruger will give up their rotary magazine.
I would be one willing to give this gun a try, because I owned one of the Ruger Deer Stalker .44 Magnum carbines (from the 1970s) which had an entirely different system design. The Deer Stalker had a closed top design that was more easily fitted with a scope, but it also was probably not as reliable a feeding system as the open top M1 style rotating-bolt action. I sold my old Ruger 44 but I always liked the short, lightweight design which was easy to carry and get into and out of vehicles. I agree that they should offer larger mags if they re-introduce this rifle.
I wanted to get one of those, but was going through some turbulent years while they were in production. If the gun was re-introduced I'd sure buy one now. It is an ideal combination of nifty magazine, awesome mechanism, and a practical & fun cartridge.
From the look of the way the cases were ejecting they were hitting the horizontal turret. Turn the scope 90° so the horizontal turret is up top. This will mitigate the cases hitting the scope. Perhaps taller bases will help too.
I want mine in 454 cassull with 4 and 15 round mags also picatinny scope mounts ( mainly for a red dot) I also want a standard sporter stock, synthetic with spare mag capability. Might as well add the 44, 357, 41 magnums + 327 federal, 30 carbine oh and it will need a self regulating gas system for low and high pressure cartridges.
If they can make BX22 mags in .44 and .357 it would be fantastic to bring back this rifle. Having a quick shooting.44 and .357 is quite a intriguing… however… seeing that this is similar to a Mini14, Mini’s are priced at 800-1000 depending on your gun store. Would be an expensive PCC. But man it would great. However, an 1894 cowboy isn’t to much slower to shoot fast when you learn to work the action.
I really liked your video on the Ruger Deerfield that is based on the mini 14 platform. I agree I think it is perfect time for Ruger to reintroduce the Ruger Deerfield, especially since I really like the 44 magnum. I know I would buy one. Keep up the great work!
A friend, who I hunt with, has a Ruger 44 Carbine (not the Deerfield) that he inherited from his Grandpa. Cool gun! He shot a real nice 6 point last season with it. No accuracy there, and that buck didn't go but 30 yards before expiring.
Those are nice rifles. Back in the late 80’s and early 90’s there were a few guys who used them for hunting deer in thick New Zealand bush. When ones come up second hand here they fetch a great price. I would think it might be ok for Bear Defence as well? Thanks for sharing Dave 🇺🇸 🇳🇿
I have one. Bought itt from a local farmer who got it new and shot one boar with it and had less then 20 rounds through it. It has the original scope on it too.
Mine has a 100 prefixed serial number. Has the scope mounts but rear sight is buckhorn in front of forward mount. No stamping of Deerfield on receiver, Just Ruger Carbine .44 Mag. I believe this is one of the very early models and was nicknamed Deerslayer.
I'd love to see them resurrect the 44, but not like they did the Marlins. They need to be working man affordable since that'll be the buyers for such a firearm
I really enjoyed this video. The Deerfield is a well built and fine little semi-auto carbine. The only reason I didn't buy when they came out, was my previous experience with an old Deer Stalker. It seemed that accuracy was something that particular rifle had no concept of, even at 50 yards. However, the Deerfield you demonstrated performed very well at 100 yards. I'd definitely buy one if they brought it back, especially in 357 magnum. However, I've got my money, in my hot little hands, hoping to get them on their new 1894 in 357.
Ruger made the .44 Magnum carbine in Southport from 1959 to 1979 and in Manchester from 1969 to 1985. About 250,000 were made and it was still selling well when it was discontinued. One of the best woods hunting rifles ever made was thus denied to hunters. There has been nothing before or since to take its place. Except the updated version 2001 PCC Deerfield
I love my Deerfields. I have two. As soon as Gary at IQM finishes his coming batch production of 10 round mags and I get my hands on a few they will be fantastic all around carbines!
I have the original Deerstalker. I suggested to you a while back to try the Hornady 265 soft point in your handloads. My rifle loves them, 2 moa at 100 yds.. And the Mule deer I took with it hated it. Also the many hogs.
i had a Deerfield. it came with a soft scope cover that covered the scope to prevent nicking the scope. only THING is the 4 round capacity. i traded it for something or other cuz I wanted a 10rounder -SEVERAL LEVER ACTIONS HAVE 10 RND CAP.
I have very fond memories of the original model of gun. Quite a coincidence that you chose that particular gun in that caliber for this video. Thanks Brother! One day I'll have to tell you that story.
There was a time when IQ Munitions made extended magazines for the 77/44 and the Deerfield. It works in the 77/44 and I suspect it works perfectly in the Deerfield. Would be fun to watch that.
Another popular Aussie conversion was turning M1 carbines into firing 44 Automag made from cheap once fired military brass.. There was one gunsmith who specialised in the conversions
Judging by the amount of Hi-Point Carbines that have been sold, there is definitely a market for varying calibers of PCC's. I recently noticed that Hi-Point added a carbine in 30 SC. I would like to see Ruger put this back out, as well as chamberings in 9mm, 10mm, and 357 Mag. Especially considering that there is a growing demonization of AR style rifles, and black synthetic rifles in general. I feel like good old blued steel and wood stocks will always be acceptable to the masses, so this would be a great idea for Ruger at this time.
I just thought about more calibers as I was reading your pinned comment. With the newly growing interest in 5.7mm, it would be neat to see Ruger include that caliber as well if they were going to bring back the Deerfield. It would make a handy coyote gun for sure.
My uncle lived in the Cascade mountains. He claimed for that area. That ; that Ruger Deerfield was the best all round gun made. Great for deer, elk and bear at the ranges he found them in.. But his was different. It was tube fed.
Your uncle had the original Ruger carbine. I have one of those as well. It is an entirely different mechanism and it checks out the side. So it's perfect for a small scope or red dot. But that gun would be over the top expensive in today's world. Just my two cents. Thanks for the comment and thank you for watching!
great video thanks. If they came out with one again I would love to get one. my only thing is I wouldnt be able to hunt with it here in PA as it is a semiautomatic and we cant hunt with them here.
Woods deer thumper for sure!!! Good for black bear to! I’m sure the engineers could make a larger capacity magazines and a better mounting system for a hunting scope. Home defense, oh my goodness!!!
Very cool little carbines. If Ruger brought them back, I would definitely check it out. It looks like they could add a tubular magazine instead of the removable one and get the capacity up over 10 rounds I would think.
I'd like to see an LPVO scope mounted far forward on the DeerField rifle, something like a Scout style. I think it'd make a fantastic Scout Rifle. I'd also like to see Ruger start making these again. And yeah, at least a ten round mag.
I am a big fan of the Mini 14 syle action, but I think as far as the 44 carbines go, I'm a bigger fan of the original 44 carbine that was more like a 10/22 with the 4 round internal tube mag. Something about the internal tube mag just draws me in. It's just different than most other guns out there.
I've got the older model as well. It's topped with a night vision thermal scope and I use it to shoot pigs. An odd looking combination, but very effective.
100% Agree! I would definitely like the addition of a Scout mounted scope or Red Dot along with optional 10 round extended magazine. That seemed to shoot MAX loads better than the 1894, it would be interesting to try the MAX 180 gr. that seem to tumble out of my 1894 but work great in my S&W 629. Jeff
Bring it back with a long length picatinni rail for long eye relief scopes & red dots! Right eye not working correctly and can only shoot right handed and for left eye too work scope has to be as far away as possible. Wanted this rifle since the 80’s.
There is a reason these carbines were discontinued. The trigger pack/lower on these guns are much too fragile for the 44 magnum. The entire assembly aligns with a very small, very fragile tab. Before you buy one, if you can find one still working check the stock forward of the magazine well. If it has lateral cracks running toward the barrel band. Set it down and let some other sucker buy it. Now if you can find one made on the Mini 14 receiver buy that one.
As many others have mentioned, bring it back with a .357 offering, but I'd go even farther. Rework the mag well to accommodate a box magazine that resembles an M1 carbine that could hold 15 rounds or so. Maybe even offer a wood stock that resembles the M1 carbine stock too.
I have a 96/44 and love it. Improvements to both designs would be: 1. A flat butt plate. 2. A longer magazine, allowing longer bullets. Perhaps chambered in .445 supermag. 3. Could use a standard magazine by chambering it in .350 or .400 Legend.
There are a lot of reasons that seem to justify the reintroduction of the Deerfield, especially if you add some additional cartridge options. But I only called out four in the video, so I will be changing the title to reflect that ;-)
I might get one in 41 mag if it came to be. As it stands, a 1894 marlin might be in the future, unless ruger chambers the 336C in 360 buckhammer.
@@patrickhenry236 I’d be surprised if they didn’t. Speaking of .41 Mag, try lighter ammo if that does happen. my JM 1894FG does well with the 190gr Hornady Leverevolution. Try those or the 180gr Barnes hollow point
@@joeymurphy5617 for non handloads, I will probably stick with underwood loadings. It's already what I feed my 357 carry piece, or my Bisley 41 when factory ammo is called for.
For handloads in 41, I like heavy for caliber bullets and just acquired a stock of 240gr Keith pattern hard casts. Thanks for your input though.
No problem, I have a Ruger .44mag carbine also, it's the older one that looks like a 10/22. It has the 4 round tubular magazine in the stock. I have a 4x luepold scope on it and sling. It's my favorite deep woods hog and deer rifle. Shoots 1moa at hundred with my hand loads.
357, with a 10 round mag option
I would most definitely buy one. I would like to see a increased capacity magazine and make one in 357 mag.
Make it so in 357. 10 round box mag
Rim lock is why a box mag wouldn’t work well
Your absolutely right I've seen few of those in my life but I do remember seeing one in a pawn shop for 200 bucks I kick my self for not grabbing some more crap up when it was cheaper
A single stack detachable box magazine in .357 Mag with various capacity between 10 to 15 rounds and I would buy one as soon as it hit the market. More than 15 rounds might make it too ungainly unless they can figure out how Kel-Tec did their double stack magazine for the PMR30 in .22 Magnum. Ruger could also release it using the same Rotary Magazine they use in the Series 77 Bolt Rifle.
@@philipbrown3146 man I would have snatched that up. We ended up at my father-in-laws deer camp when I was a younger fella, and a really nice guy handed me his to carry while checking stands after a storm. At this point I had never shot it, but I was already in love.
He apparently noticed this, and the next day he let me use it in a blind, where I took a nice little 8 point.
I have only seen a couple at gun shows after that, and they wanted the gun show price for them.
Yes, please! Bring it back!!!!! I will buy one this time, I promise!
Suggestions for the new one: Make it in .357 Magnum also. Larger capacity magazines would be a plus, but I'm OK with the originals also. Myself, I can't imagine cobbling up such such a light, handy rifle with a scope.
Thanks, George. 👍
You are welcome. Of course the reason I put a scope on was just to verify the accuracy potential of that little gun. And it did its job. Thanks for your comment!
gary K .357 Magnum is a rimmed case and cannot be stacked or feed reliably in a box magazine. It would have to be in line tube fed.
@RB M, so is 44 Magnum. The Deerfield uses a rotary magazine, not a box magazine. Rimrock is not an issue.
Leopold 2.5x is a thing.
@@lightweight1974 Ah. That is different.
Concur! I'd even go so far as bringing back the original! And I agree it should be in 357 mag as well!
The original Ruger 44 Magnum Carbine was also an excellent gun. It was tube fed so you didn’t have to worry about dropping the magazine in the snow or mud. And you could top it off.
Yes, I have one.
Sidegate!
@@christinamoneyhan5688 I wish I had kept mine!
@@huskergator9479 no it was a loading gate on the bottom in front of the trigger guard. Ok .
Thats exactly why the original was a huge piece of crap. I dont have giant bratwurst fingers and rate very high on manual dexterity tests yet regularly fumbled the ammo trying to load it. Now youve got a pocket full of wet muddy ammo and your fingers are freezing from picking it up out of the snow because you certainly arent going to reload or top it off with gloves on because theres barely enough room without gloves. There was no excuse for the tube mag. The overall performance just couldnt make up for what a huge pain in the ass that thing was. I tried to hang on thinking someone over there would eventually fix the design and I could move to that one. The rotary abortion was just enough of an insult to move to a lever action instead. If they ever get serious about wanting to design one properly with a full capacity magazine people might buy it.
Oh please bring it back🙏 I live in a straight-wall hunting state and would love it
I believe the original Ruger Carbine and the Deerfield had 1"x38" rate of twist,maybe if the rate of twist was 1"x20" accuracy could be slightly better. Ruger should definitely bring back the 44 Remington Magnum PCC. Thanks for review.
The newer Ruger and Marlin guns are 1:20
I completely agree bring it back, please.
I would like to see it reintroduced with a larger capacity magazine and in both .357 mag and .44 mag. I would purchase one of each. Just subscribed to your channel. I like your laid back style of presenting. I look forward to more episodes. Cheers
I have one of the older models from 1976. With my 240 gr XTP and WW296 it has put a lot of venison in the freezer. Great Rifle
The Deerfield appears to have been intended for Eastern Woods Deer Hunting. Small, lightweight, yet packing a punch, with fast follow up shots. The Rotary Mag is genius and eliminates the problem of rim-lock with a rimmed cartridge like the 44 Magnum. The scope isn't really needed in those conditions. Just about Perfect. Personally, I don't understand the capacity issue if the purpose is Eastern Woods Deer Hunting, but it does definitely limit the carbine's versatility if someone wanted to tote it around the farm. Maybe release it in 10MM? That would solve that problem and not disturb its intended purpose...
I agree Henry should make that Homesteader in a better cartridge. .357 or .44 magnum or even the .30 Carbine. If the rimmed cartridges work well in the Ruger rotary magazine, I am sure they would work well in the Homesteader.
But I'd rather have the Ruger Deerfield. 😜
I would love for a modern rifle chambered in 30 carbine. That round has been pigeon holed to a particular rifle and completely under utilized based on a perceived lack of power.
The 30 carbine would be a great round for that rifle.
@@TargetSuite Dare I say it...also the .30 Super Carry? Maybe that's a little too wimpy.
Ruger has chambered guns in 30 Carbine several times. They're no stranger to it. It'd be sweet in that rifle.
I would love to see it in .30 Carbine but how different would it be from an M1 Carbine.
Owned two original deerstalkers , still have the best one , it shoots cloverleafs @100 with 240gr. JHP Rem. green box. Started my son on a 10/22 and later to the .44. He took his first few deer with it.
Hi George, I agree with you on that flyer. I would tell my kids when I was teaching them "always get a good shoulder snuggle" then squeeze the trigger! I would be interested in Ruger making that in 357/38 or even 9mm. And yes of course bigger magazine capability.
I feel like Ruger is missing the boat on the current straight wall hunting cartridge craze. The .44 mag fills the niche perfectly. Even in states like New Hampshire that allow high power rifle cartridges, the .44 is still perfect in the dense woods where most shots are under 50 yards. So there'd still be a market for it in states other than just those with straight wall cartridge rules. While I'm dreaming, .357 and a 10mm would also be nice.
It would be nice.
I think a box fed semi auto in traditional materials for the 350 & 400 Legends could also be a winner. Could have some of the charm of the old Remington Model 8 (while hopefully avoiding its mechanical complexity).
That’s a good concept. Something like the Ruger Mini-14, with a box magazine in .350 or .400 Legend. 5 round magazines for states or seasons with limited round count regulations, and 10 round magazines for other reasons.
I would have to have one. Flip up peep, love that. I always thought it was the 44 mag carbine with a metal plate on top. Appears to be a completely different carbine. That one is absolutely beautiful.
The deerfield is one of the most wanted rifles on my bucket list . I've had the other 44 carbine and let it slip out if my hands. I still have my Marlin 44 higher round count and a slicked up Ruger 44 super black hawk. Your right about the round count.
I got a early 60's 44 carbine and it's by far my favorite rifle, easy on the kids and wife to shoot also and will take down anything where I live, has a k2.5 weaver on top with weaver fold away mounts
I love PCC's although I did swap my original Ruger PC 9 for a M1 carbine. The original took the P85-89 magazines and was not a take down. I keep saying I'm going to get another one of the newer ones. I like that deerfield a lot, but would prefer, just as you mentioned, larger capacity as well as different caliber options. I kept thinking that a .357 would be awesome in that thing. Either way, I just like the PCC as they make awesome truck/farm guns. Thanks for showing this one again!
M1 carbine iw about ir more powerful then 357 if they were cheaper id have a bunch if m1s
If you traded even, you came out ahead, assuming the M1 carbine is in decent condition.
The factory mag is limited due to the fact a rotary magazine is far more reliable with rimmed cartridges than a single column magazine. I use the same ( or a very similar) mag in a 77/44. Works very well, all the time.
This gun is, in my mind, a great hunting rifle for those who hunt in a lot of brush and are going to encounter deer at closer range than I do out west. It's compact, easy to handle, and has more than enough power to do the job well.
It's the perfect gun for deer in the WI woods. Also, very useful in tight quarters on wild boar.
@@mopesrus7266 I can see it as being a nearly perfect hunting rifle in Appalachia as well.
My brother-in-law, who is sort of a city slicker but also the only serious deer hunter in the family, always used one of the original models with the tube magazine and had great success with it. I think it is perfect for Upper Michigan deer hunting.
@@Fuzzybeanerizer A good hunter matches the gun and caliber to the game, hunting terrain, and their laws. Your brother-in-law clearly did that and had great success!
@@trapdoorspringfieldmodel1888 Yeah... I think my dad gave him some good advice back about 1970, when he first got started hunting.
My brother has a Ruger 44 , almost the same rifle, I got it for him at Christmas way back in the 70s. He loves it .
HEADS UP RUGER!!! Please bring us the PCC Deerfield and when you do...we would love to have different cartridge options and maybe a higher capacity mag. (But it's not a deal breaker if you can't do those two things.😊)
Thanks for another great video and great shooting! Please keep them coming.
This would be the perfect rifle for me to carry around here in North georgia. Most of the shots ive taken on game on public land have been well within 100 yds. If they could bring it back somewhat like the pc carbine i would throw a handy little reddot on it and be done. Come on Ruger!
I'd love to see ruger bring back the deer stalker, but in more of like a homesteader version, with, like you said a higher capacity magazine. I've got the tube magazine model, and I've actually thought of buying another 4 round magazine tube, and have my gunsmith weld that on to the end of the original tube mag, and just put a longer spring in it. Sounds like it would work in theory. Another great video George! Keep up the great work! And hello from the northwoods of Wisconsin!
Maybe thread the barrel and add a muzzle break
That would be very cool to see a modern update to that tool in .44 mag. It would be very solid. How about an offering in .460 with the ability to fire .454 & 45 LC...
That would be hard to build since these are not gas operated and rely on recoil all three of those would need different springs to make it function
@@brandonmaas960 not sure which gun you are referring to because these are absolutely gas operated carbines. Both the original 1960s version, the Deerstalker/ Model 44, and the Deerfield use gas operated rotating bolt actions. You can easily make a rifle that could SHOOT all three of the rounds. Making one that would CYCLE all three rounds semiautomatically, especially mixed, would be extremely difficult. That has to do with the wide variance in overall length and chamber pressure between the three. A design optimized for the 2.3” long .460 Magnum operating at a chamber pressure of 60-65Kpsi, a pressure that is above that of most full size deer rifles, isn’t going to feed a .45 Colt that is .70” shorter and a standard chamber pressure of 14Kpsi. The .454 has a similarly high operating pressure to the .460 S&W but it’s still over half an inch shorter in OAL, meaning the bolt will have to have sufficient travel to pick up the next round whether it’s powered by another .454, a .460, or a .45 Colt, and a box magazine will have a ton of extra space for cartridges to move around during the firing cycle. The extremely high chamber pressure of the hotter rounds will make it tough to make a semi-auto action that doesn’t try to beat itself to death. The .460 is a very violent cartridge, one that required the Smith engineers to stiffen up the .500S&Ws X-frame to handle it. That’s a design that is a solid frame of steel with no parts moving at the instant of firing, not a semi-auto rifle that has to endure that pounding on much smaller locking surfaces over and over.
The older Ruger deerstalker with its tubular mag and design features that time the release of the cartridge to the travel of the bolt to prevent short striking or double feeding would probably have an easier time with such design parameters, but you have all the inherent issues with loading and unloading, capacity, magazine length, etc. and getting to work with the (comparatively) wimpy .45 Colt loads.
If I was to ask for anything it would be options. Of cartridge choice of .357, .41, .44 magnum, and .454 casull.
357 Mag and Sig are the PCC cartridges that make the most sense looking at ballistics, shootability, mag capacity and economics
I have to agree a 357 sig would be a sweet carbine
357 mag might be problematic in a box magazine. 357 SIG would be good, flatter shooting than 9mm.
@@charlesphillips5906 plus way more energy on target. Those 68 grain Underwood’s would be about 2600 ft/s. So above 1000 ft-lb.
@@charlesphillips5906 just use a rotary mag instead
Been shooting 45 plus years and a pistol cartridge in any type of rifle configuration has never interested me. If I'm going to carry a rifle, I'm going to use a rifle cartridge. However, I can see why others might like it, just not my style. Nice job on the video!
I have the older version from 1961 with under loading tube magazine that only shots non-lead 240 gr rounds or close to that due to the rifling twist. With open sites you can hit a target 8 inch across in the center at 100 meters. All models are good for areas that require straight walled cartridges for hunting or home defense.
Awesome rifle! I've always wantes one, but have never seen one in the wild. I agree that a larger capactiy magazine would be fantastic. 10 rounds would be outstanding.
44 and 357 mag would be awesome, great vid!!
Great vid and cool gun. I remember those coming out... I also remember people complaining that you can't shoot 300 grain loadings from it... I have a Rossi 45 Colt and I handload, so I have a handy 20" carbine that holds 10 rounds and I handload and the Rossi can handle +P 45 Colt loads making it the equal to a 44 Mag. So I'm happy with that. But I can see how folks might want a Deerfield.
Interesting idea to bring it back. Just wondering here if maybe the action could be stretched a little and the newer straight side case efforts of Remington and Winchester could be fit into it. A little more power and range???
I think most shooters were like me back when it was made and at that time we were not looking for that concept. Times have changed
Since I consider auto loading carbines to be defensive or battle weapons I agree that higher capacity would be a priority. For hunting I would choose an 1894. Of course with its higher capacity and ability to top up in battery I very well might choose the lever for defense too.
That said if Ruger could really come up with an affordable M1 carbine alternative in .357 or .44 mag with 10 and 20 round magazines well I might well be convinced.
Why not avoid the rim debate and make it in 357 Sig and 10mm (or 10mm Magnum if you think that round could be resurrected)? I think 44 Magnum generates too much recoil for the range it's designed for. I base this on my experience owning a M1 carbine converted to 45 Winchester Magnum. It was not pleasant to shoot.
20rds of .44 Mag would be a fun time.
@@Paladin1873 .44 mag, too much recoil…. ok. Here, shoot my 12 gauge slug gun once or twice
@@Paladin1873 I am not much of a rimless guy but I could have some fun with one chambered in 7.62x25 Tok. 🙂
A .44 could be useful in bear country if it were 100% reliable.
@@joeymurphy5617 I'm comparing rifles to rifles. The LeMag carbine kicked as hard or harder than a 30-30 or 35 Remington, so if I'm going to tote a handy light rifle, I prefer one with more range and striking power than a pistol caliber.
I love my 44 mag lever guns (Winchester 94 and Henry Big Boy) and my 4” S&W 629. The Deerfield has always interested me, and I recently saw one for sale at my local gun shop but did not buy for two reasons: Autoloaders tend to be rough on brass and they toss it into inconvenient and obscure places and I dislike the idea of a rotary magazine for this cartridge. As I type this, I realize that I am a finicky old fart and I just passed up the opportunity to pick up a rifle that I have coveted since about 1983…LOVE your videos.
I love to see this auto make a come back with a adjustable gas block so it could cycle different pressure loads down to subsonic speeds and a threaded barrel would nice too!
I’ve got the older Ruger .44 Mag carbine. The receiver is like the Ruger 10-22 so the brass is side ejecting, not top ejecting like the Deerfield so I don’t have the issue with hitting the scope. Unfortunately it’s magazine is a tube feed like a shotgun not a detachable magazine like the Deerfield. If my carbine had the detachable magazine I would say it is the best carbine ever made. I’m perfectly happy with the .44 mag cartridge in a light handy carbine. I too have an old Weaver scope on mine.
I always wanted one. Settled for the marlin 1894 in 44
Great video brother! I've really enjoyed it. Love this carbine and I'm a big fan of the .44 mag. anyway.
You created some lively and positive discussion.
God bless all here.
Absolutely I would buy one! One of the members of the deer camp I belong to in the Adirondacks had one, and another member--one of the original members--had a first-generation Deerfield with the tubular magazine in .44 Magnum. My cousin now has that particular Deerfield, and he hunts deer with it up there now. Plus, as a home defense carbine, it would definitely do the job. The box magazines would be critical.
My dad had a Ruger Model 44 when I was 12 years old in 1961. It uses a 4-round tubular magazine and was produced from 1961 to 1985. It was the first and I still have it and use it.
So happy you highlighted this awesome firearm. I searched for years to purchase one for my father. Unfortunately there hard to find and folks fortunate enough to own one seem unwilling to part with them..
I think with a pic rai, and maybe a larger capacity, this would be successful once again. I agree that .357 would be a nice option as well. I know manufacturing cost would probably make the whole idea prohibitive. These used to sell very reasonably by today's standard, but I'm afraid it couldn't be done today. Well, here's hoping I'm wrong. Bring it back.
🇦🇺😎👍What a koool little gun . Bit like a M1 carbine. All semiautomatic rifles were banned down here since 1997 for safety 😉.Unfortunately we will never see those types of classics again sad to say. . If I didn’t have family here I’d sell up and move to the US for a different life. Great video
Thanks. I appreciate that. And it's good to hear from my friends down under. I know you guys have different challenges. But it's good to know that you're getting to do some kinds of shooting.
Man, I haven't shot my Ruger 44 carbine in forever! Worked great on deer.
Always wanted one of original Deerstalker’s. (Showing my age here.) Would be great if they brought the carbine back but I wouldn’t hold my breath that Ruger will give up their rotary magazine.
I would be one willing to give this gun a try, because I owned one of the Ruger Deer Stalker .44 Magnum carbines (from the 1970s) which had an entirely different system design. The Deer Stalker had a closed top design that was more easily fitted with a scope, but it also was probably not as reliable a feeding system as the open top M1 style rotating-bolt action. I sold my old Ruger 44 but I always liked the short, lightweight design which was easy to carry and get into and out of vehicles. I agree that they should offer larger mags if they re-introduce this rifle.
As long as it's not chambered in 9mm
Amen!!
I wanted to get one of those, but was going through some turbulent years while they were in production. If the gun was re-introduced I'd sure buy one now. It is an ideal combination of nifty magazine, awesome mechanism, and a practical & fun cartridge.
From the look of the way the cases were ejecting they were hitting the horizontal turret. Turn the scope 90° so the horizontal turret is up top. This will mitigate the cases hitting the scope.
Perhaps taller bases will help too.
use a standard duplex reticle
I want mine in 454 cassull with 4 and 15 round mags also picatinny scope mounts ( mainly for a red dot) I also want a standard sporter stock, synthetic with spare mag capability.
Might as well add the 44, 357, 41 magnums + 327 federal, 30 carbine oh and it will need a self regulating gas system for low and high pressure cartridges.
Add a scout rail on the top to put a mini red dot. Under 7 lbs 44 mag carbine-nice!
If they can make BX22 mags in .44 and .357 it would be fantastic to bring back this rifle. Having a quick shooting.44 and .357 is quite a intriguing… however… seeing that this is similar to a Mini14, Mini’s are priced at 800-1000 depending on your gun store. Would be an expensive PCC. But man it would great. However, an 1894 cowboy isn’t to much slower to shoot fast when you learn to work the action.
I really liked your video on the Ruger Deerfield that is based on the mini 14 platform. I agree I think it is perfect time for Ruger to reintroduce the Ruger Deerfield, especially since I really like the 44 magnum. I know I would buy one. Keep up the great work!
I have the 44 Carbine that I’ve used for years taking whitetails and hogs in south Texas. So handy and fun to shoot.
A friend, who I hunt with, has a Ruger 44 Carbine (not the Deerfield) that he inherited from his Grandpa. Cool gun! He shot a real nice 6 point last season with it. No accuracy there, and that buck didn't go but 30 yards before expiring.
This Deerfield is a borrowed gun from a close friend. But, I also have that original Ruger 44 carbine. I love it!
Those are nice rifles. Back in the late 80’s and early 90’s there were a few guys who used them for hunting deer in thick New Zealand bush. When ones come up second hand here they fetch a great price. I would think it might be ok for Bear Defence as well? Thanks for sharing Dave 🇺🇸 🇳🇿
A very nice looking rifle and would be a good companion for my Ruger Super Blackhawk in 44 mag.
I have one. Bought itt from a local farmer who got it new and shot one boar with it and had less then 20 rounds through it. It has the original scope on it too.
I have the older Ruger .44 Carbine and love it! Sadly, I didn’t know about the Deer Field when it was available, or I’d bought two!
Mine has a 100 prefixed serial number. Has the scope mounts but rear sight is buckhorn in front of forward mount. No stamping of Deerfield on receiver, Just Ruger Carbine .44 Mag. I believe this is one of the very early models and was nicknamed Deerslayer.
I'd love to see them resurrect the
44, but not like they did the Marlins.
They need to be working man affordable since that'll be the
buyers for such a firearm
I got one in 2001 and it loves that winchester white box that you have on the table!!
Mine loves the old school Win, Rem, and Magtech all in 240gr. I've tried the Hornady Lever Evolution. Groups opened way up.
I really enjoyed this video. The Deerfield is a well built and fine little semi-auto carbine. The only reason I didn't buy when they came out, was my previous experience with an old Deer Stalker. It seemed that accuracy was something that particular rifle had no concept of, even at 50 yards. However, the Deerfield you demonstrated performed very well at 100 yards. I'd definitely buy one if they brought it back, especially in 357 magnum. However, I've got my money, in my hot little hands, hoping to get them on their new 1894 in 357.
Ruger made the .44 Magnum carbine in Southport from 1959 to 1979 and in Manchester from 1969 to 1985. About 250,000 were made and it was still selling well when it was discontinued. One of the best woods hunting rifles ever made was thus denied to hunters. There has been nothing before or since to take its place. Except the updated version 2001 PCC Deerfield
I love my Deerfields. I have two. As soon as Gary at IQM finishes his coming batch production of 10 round mags and I get my hands on a few they will be fantastic all around carbines!
I have the original Deerstalker. I suggested to you a while back to try the Hornady 265 soft point in your handloads. My rifle loves them, 2 moa at 100 yds.. And the Mule deer I took with it hated it. Also the many hogs.
i had a Deerfield. it came with a soft scope cover that covered the scope to prevent nicking the scope. only THING is the 4 round capacity. i traded it for something or other cuz
I wanted a 10rounder -SEVERAL LEVER ACTIONS HAVE 10 RND CAP.
I have very fond memories of the original model of gun. Quite a coincidence that you chose that particular gun in that caliber for this video. Thanks Brother! One day I'll have to tell you that story.
I'd love to hear it, Thomas. By the way, thanks again for the ammo.
You are the man George! Be safe!
There was a time when IQ Munitions made extended magazines for the 77/44 and the Deerfield. It works in the 77/44 and I suspect it works perfectly in the Deerfield. Would be fun to watch that.
They still make those magazines.
Another popular Aussie conversion was turning M1 carbines into firing 44 Automag made from cheap once fired military brass.. There was one gunsmith who specialised in the conversions
That .44 Vulcan was a nice little carbine also. I have only seen one. It was my uncle's. He let me use it for deer hunting at age 13.
Judging by the amount of Hi-Point Carbines that have been sold, there is definitely a market for varying calibers of PCC's. I recently noticed that Hi-Point added a carbine in 30 SC. I would like to see Ruger put this back out, as well as chamberings in 9mm, 10mm, and 357 Mag. Especially considering that there is a growing demonization of AR style rifles, and black synthetic rifles in general. I feel like good old blued steel and wood stocks will always be acceptable to the masses, so this would be a great idea for Ruger at this time.
I just thought about more calibers as I was reading your pinned comment. With the newly growing interest in 5.7mm, it would be neat to see Ruger include that caliber as well if they were going to bring back the Deerfield. It would make a handy coyote gun for sure.
I would love it. I wish they would add a .357 option.
My uncle lived in the Cascade mountains. He claimed for that area. That ; that Ruger Deerfield was the best all round gun made. Great for deer, elk and bear at the ranges he found them in.. But his was different. It was tube fed.
Your uncle had the original Ruger carbine. I have one of those as well. It is an entirely different mechanism and it checks out the side. So it's perfect for a small scope or red dot. But that gun would be over the top expensive in today's world. Just my two cents. Thanks for the comment and thank you for watching!
@@TargetSuite Would it be over the top expensive? Ruger's SFAR is $1200 right now. I'd pay $1000+ for a tube fed 44!
great video thanks. If they came out with one again I would love to get one. my only thing is I wouldnt be able to hunt with it here in PA as it is a semiautomatic and we cant hunt with them here.
This video brings back to many memories. Some good and some bad. Regardless, it's one of my favorites! Thanks, be safe!
Just love your rifle. Thank you for bringing it out again and sharing it.
Woods deer thumper for sure!!! Good for black bear to! I’m sure the engineers could make a larger capacity magazines and a better mounting system for a hunting scope. Home defense, oh my goodness!!!
Amen!
Very cool little carbines. If Ruger brought them back, I would definitely check it out. It looks like they could add a tubular magazine instead of the removable one and get the capacity up over 10 rounds I would think.
I'd like to see an LPVO scope mounted far forward on the DeerField rifle, something like a Scout style. I think it'd make a fantastic Scout Rifle. I'd also like to see Ruger start making these again. And yeah, at least a ten round mag.
I am a big fan of the Mini 14 syle action, but I think as far as the 44 carbines go, I'm a bigger fan of the original 44 carbine that was more like a 10/22 with the 4 round internal tube mag. Something about the internal tube mag just draws me in. It's just different than most other guns out there.
I've got the older model as well. It's topped with a night vision thermal scope and I use it to shoot pigs. An odd looking combination, but very effective.
I know that the 44 mag is more better but a 10 mm would be neat . Magazine's would be easier to design. As usual Great video thanks
Pluses the 10mm is much better suited for auto magazines . The rim on revolver case do not feed well in Simi autos.
100% Agree! I would definitely like the addition of a Scout mounted scope or Red Dot along with optional 10 round extended magazine. That seemed to shoot MAX loads better than the 1894, it would be interesting to try the MAX 180 gr. that seem to tumble out of my 1894 but work great in my S&W 629. Jeff
Bring it back with a long length picatinni rail for long eye relief scopes & red dots! Right eye not working correctly and can only shoot right handed and for left eye too work scope has to be as far away as possible. Wanted this rifle since the 80’s.
That would be awesome if Ruger would reintroduce and start producing the Deerfield 44 mag. I always wanted one since I was old enough to start hunting
I loom far and wide, with no luck
To this day still look for it.
Mostly pawn shops.
They are certainly scarce.
There is a reason these carbines were discontinued. The trigger pack/lower on these guns are much too fragile for the 44 magnum. The entire assembly aligns with a very small, very fragile tab. Before you buy one, if you can find one still working check the stock forward of the magazine well. If it has lateral cracks running toward the barrel band. Set it down and let some other sucker buy it.
Now if you can find one made on the Mini 14 receiver buy that one.
I'm in the market for a mini 14, but could definitely go for one of these too.
I have the lever action version. The 96/44 is one fun gun.
As many others have mentioned, bring it back with a .357 offering, but I'd go even farther. Rework the mag well to accommodate a box magazine that resembles an M1 carbine that could hold 15 rounds or so. Maybe even offer a wood stock that resembles the M1 carbine stock too.
Great suggestions. Maybe they're listening😉
The deer stalker years with the more flat top Ruger receiver is awesome.. Looks like a 10/22...
I had one of those when I was a kid in 44 Mag. for deer hunting in the brush.
My Dad has one from the 60's (Deerstalker) we hunted javaline with it in Arizona. Its still in the family.
Sweet!
I agree and should be produced with factory made higher capacity magazines as well.
You could get 'look through rings for the scope. It might help clear the cases better.
I have a 96/44 and love it. Improvements to both designs would be:
1. A flat butt plate.
2. A longer magazine, allowing longer bullets. Perhaps chambered in .445 supermag.
3. Could use a standard magazine by chambering it in .350 or .400 Legend.
That would be a sweet little rifle!
Bring it back!!! And, rather than that plastic cover or shroud include something to protect the weapon and user while mounting a red dot sight.