The Ruger Model 44 was replaced by the Ruger Deerfield Carbine introduced in 2000 and produced until 2006.[5] The Deerfield is a brand new design and has little in common with the Model 44. While the Model 44 featured a solid-topped receiver, the modern Deerfield Carbine has an open-top design more resembling the M1 Carbine,[6] which offered increased strength and lower production costs.[7] The Deerfield uses a rotary magazine similar to that used on Ruger's .22 LR 10/22 rifle. (from Wiki)
Seems to me like the Deerfield is more like their Ranch Rifle but I am not familiar with it at all. In my neck of the woods the original Carbines are highly sought after. The one I owned was very adequate in Wisconsin wooded territory, good to 100 yards. Change of hunting area with more open country necessitated use of higher powered bolt guns. Now I have friends bringing me venison and I don't hunt any more.
HM
