I have a chance to buy one in .44 Mag and was wondering a few things about them. I've never handled one so I don't have a clue about the accuracy,smoothness of the action or the trigger,or if their are any aftermarket trigger options. I figgered that I'd dip into the Campfire knowledge base to see what y'all have to offer.Thanks much gang,I look forward to seeing anything that you have to offer. Bart
---------------------------------------- I'm a big fan of the courtesy flush.
I own a 17 hmr and love it. Both it and a 22 mag I've owned are exceptionally accurate. I handled my first 44 mag this last weekend. It was $699 at Cash Connection Pawn Shop in Bend Oregon if that helps you. I wondered about the twist and accuracy myself so will follow this thread.
They are a light firearm, the stock seems bulkier than necessary, but overall very handy. You could always slim down the wood.
_______________________________________________________ An 8 dollar driveway boy living in a T-111 shack
Accuracy if fine as long as you remember what you are shooting. Not a target rifle by any means. That said mine will average two inches at a 100 about an inch an 50. Have heard two to four inches is about the norm. Like anything find a load it likes and your accuracy can be very good. The best bullet I found are the now discontinued Nosler 250 grain partition handgun. Honest inch groups at a hundred
I forget the exact twist offhand but Ruger did twist these with heavy bullets in mind. I have run up to 300 grain hardcast with plenty of accuracy for a hunting rifle. Have to watch some bullets when it comes to the magazine length. The 300 hardcast are fine but the 275s are too long.
Trigger is heavy but short and crisp so it is not bad at all. Action is very smooth but a little accurate at first. The throw is so short compared to other levers feels as if your short stroking it until you get used to it. I don't know of any aftermarket options for the trigger. Don't see a need. Could the trigger be better yes, is it really bad no.
The stock sucks. As do all the Ruger curved butt stocks. I got lucky and picked up a second 96/44. This one was restocked. Someone spent a whole bunch of money on a mannlicher type stock, standard butt,nice recoil pad, fully bedded. Near exhibition grade walnut rounds out the package. Paid 650 for the gun. Similar figured stock blanks I have seen sell for more.
Overall the 96/44 is a great little hunting carbine. About the only downfall is the lack of magazine capacity compared to other lever actions.
I have one in 22 mag. and really like it,except for the trigger!! hard with a lot of creep, i took it apart to look at the trigger to see what was going on,and immeadiately put it back together,very complicated !!! i said live with it !
Thanks gang. I appreciate the time y'all took to respond. I think I'll jump on it if I can get him down a little bit. I cast a whole lot of 200gr. semi wad-cutters a few years ago so I have plenty of bullets. Hell, I've been toying with Trail Boss with some .45 Colt and .357 Mag loads. I'd hunt with the rifle out of a tree stand that the farthest shot is about 40 yards so I think I'm good. Thanks again y'all. Bart
---------------------------------------- I'm a big fan of the courtesy flush.
Trail Boss is good stuff. Just watch it with real hard bullets lead or jacketed. I tried it in my Ruger #1 in 475 linebaugh. Did not get enough pressure to engrave the bullets to the rifling. Accuracy was horrible recovered bullets with nearly no rifling marks. The 96/44 will make a great treestand gun for close range. If you can get the gun for 600 or less your doing good. Have brought some stupid prices on gunbroker, at times north of 800 bucks.
Mine has an adequate trigger but was disappointing in the accuracy department. Accuracy was much improved by glass bedding the lug on the barrel so it would no longer shift around. I suspect glass bedding the action will also help. when I get around to it.
One unerring mark of the love of the truth is not entertaining any proposition with greater assurance than the proofs it is built upon will warrant. John Locke, 1690
Have been using one for the past few years as my "back yard" deer rifle and it's performed very well. Not a target rifle but a lightweight quick handling carbine that's put deer on the ground from 10 to 100 yards very efficiently.
Charter Member Ancient order of the 1895 Winchester
"It's an insecure and petite man who demands all others like what he likes and dislike what he dislikes." szihn
I have a 96/44 that I use to follow up deer,pigs,and exotics in heavy to very heavy cover. In the past I have used Remington Golden Sabres with detestating effect. Shots are usually close and the short barrel,low powered scope,and quick handling are ideal when following up wounded game. I do agree that the stock is not perfect ,but over time I have gotten used to it and if it ain't broke don't fix it. Since due to age and mobility problems,I am considering selling my 96/44. Porsche73
I had a 96 in 22 wmr, liked the gun but gave it to a friend to teach his kids to shoot. Would love a 96 / 44 that would be an awesome brush gun for pig hunting!
