RUGER Model 44 44R Carbine .44 Magnum Semi-Automatic Rifle, 1976 200th Year
SOLD FOR: $1125
LSB#: 220116GW016
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: Carbine
Serial Number: 102-26619
Year of Manufacture: 1976 (Ruger Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .44 Remington Magnum
Action Type: Tubular Magazine-Fed Semi Automatic Rifle
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “STURM, RUGER & CO. / SOUTHPORT, CONN. U.S.A.”. The left side of the barrel “MADE IN THE 200th YEAR OF AMERICAN LIBERTY”. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number, “102-26619”, “RUGER CARBINE / .44 MAGNUM CAL.”, the company’s phoenix logo, and “®”.
Barrel Length: 18 1/2”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed into a banded base that is integral to the barrel. The front sight is a flip-up u-notch leaf on a base dovetailed into the barrel. The top of the barrel and the receiver are drilled, tapped, and filled with bases that have mounted a pair of Ruger rings that have installed a Bushnell Banner 1.5-4.5x scope. The scope is free of any notable wear or damage.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth wood with semi pistol grip, straight comb, and black composite butt plate. There are sling swivels on the belly and the forend; the forward swivel does not stay in its port. There are light nicks, drag lines, and compressions all throughout the wood. There are more notable dings through the finish on the belly of the buttstock. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has light scuff wear at the heel and toe along with several minor nicks. Overall, the stock rates in Good-to-Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The barrel has intermittent minor scuffs, and several minor nicks that go through the finish dot the barrel. There is minor thinning on all edges of the receiver and the top has scattered light surface oxidation. The barrel band has several spots of finish loss. The screws have minor toolmarks with strong slots. Markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: The scope described above.
Our Assessment: The forbear of the 10/22, and frankly all subsequent Ruger rifles, the Carbine, or Model 44, formerly the Deerstalker, hasn’t been produced since 1984, but collectors desire this rifle even today. Unlike most Ruger firearms, this was not a product of investment casting, but rather was machined, making it a rarity even among other Ruger guns. The 44 Carbine is sharp looking, with classic lines and wonderful in-hand feel. This example includes a very useful scope. This gun will make a perfect hunting companion even today, as it is light enough to carry in the field for long periods of time and has the power to take down threats such as mountain lions. We have always wondered why Ruger stopped making these, but until they start production again, you’d do well to buy this one. Good luck and happy bidding!