Gentelmen,
I'm looking at a Ruger Semiauto rifle in 44 magnum the 99/44 model. It looks like the owner never shot it and is 99% clean.
You think $595 is an ok price or maybe to steep even though they are hard to find in like new cond?

How a bout some feed back and personal opinions, Thanks....


Vg

It depends if: FOUR SHOTS is all you need and how many magazines it has with it. Personally I think that it would have worked better as a semi-automatic with an under barrel ten shot tube magazine.

The original Ruger Deerfields did have a 4 shot tube in the forstock, and were fed like a semi auto shotgun through a loading gate. I have one and like it more than the newer version with the 4 round clip.

With the older style, youu shoot two and load two, with the newer version topping off is a longer process.

Very fair price. They have been discontinued for a few years now. They usually bring around 650 for a like new and as much as 800 new in box. They are a great rifle.

As far as capicity goes if you need more than 5 rounds of 44 mag you need a bigger gun. I prefer the magazine over the tube feed. Much easier to pop a mag in or out especially when your hands are cold. Beats dropping rounds in the snow, I speak from experience.

I own several Ruger 44 rifles including a couple examples of the original carbine. I like my 99/44 but I really hate the stock. I never liked the curved butt on the Ruger 44s. So if I hunt with one of my 44s it is either a 77/44 or a custom stocked 96/44 which has mannlicher style stock and a flat butt with a recoil pad.

As for advice specific to the 99/44 no lead bullets and do not take it apart unless you absolutely have to. The operating rod springs a real bitch to get back in place. One of those you need six thumbs type of job. The folding peep sight sucks. Williams makes an aftermarket peep and firesight combo that works great. Mine prefers 300 grain xtps over a full load of H110.

quote:

Originally posted by mike7mm08:
Mine prefers 300 grain xtps over a full load of H110.

I've found that my original (built circa 1980) Ruger .44 has the same preference.