Long story short, always wanted an original pre-Deer Field model Ruger .44 Mag Carbine semi model, finally bought one and traded into a second one last year. Two times at the range with each gun and I got rid of them as quick as I bought them. They are short, light, easy to carry, quick to shoulder but aren't very accurate past 50 yards, even after trying three different ammo types and bullet weights. The only ammo weight they shot somewhat well was 240 grain bullets, every other bullet weight and the guns had fail to feed and fail to extract issues. I heard the newer model "Deer Field" Ruger .44 Mag Carbine has fixed those issues and improved accuracy but I haven't found a gun less than $750, which is "Full Boat" in my opinion, and I don't pay "Full Boat" for anything. I have seen the "Deer Field" Rugers sell for over $1K, unreal....
I'd find someone who owns one and have them let you use it and shoot it for a few weeks before laying out any $$$$ for one. I own a Winchester Model 94 Pre-Saftey Saddle Ring Trapper Carbine in .44 Mag with the 16" barrel. I shot my 94 all four times I shot the two Rugers I owned, at 50 and 100 yards, with the same ammo in each, and the Winchester groups were three times as tight as the Ruger groups. At 100 yards I couldn't get the Rugers (with 240 grain bullets, the ones they seemed to like) to group less than 5-6 inches while the Winchester consistantly grouped at 2-3 inches at 100 yards. This was shooting the guns from the bench on sand bags.
Just some advice from my experience, others may have different opinions and experiences.
Appreciate the advice Chief, I'm looking for this specific rifle for my old man, he is hell bent on having one in his stable. Preferably in a Mannlicher stock, or as Ruger calls it, "International" stock.
No problem. The Mannlicher style are available, but you are going to have to do some looking to find one though....
Is it possible to change the regular carbine stock to the mannlicher style?
Is it possible to change the regular carbine stock to the mannlicher style?
I'm not sure if the forearm bolt is in the same location on guns with the different stocks, I'd guess the forearm bolt is in two different locations, but I can't confirm.
