Ruger 44 Carbine “Deerstalker” .44 Rem Mag 18 1/2″ Semi-Auto Rifle 1973 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,185.00
LSB#: LSB251013LB004
Make: Sturm Ruger & Co.
Model: 44 Carbine
Serial Number: 100-45866
Year of Manufacture: 1973
Caliber: .44 Remington Magnum
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, fed by Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked with Ruger’s Southport address. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number, and “RUGER CARBINE / .44 MAGNUM CAL.”, with the Ruger logo.
Barrel Length: 18 1/2″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a fully adjustable aperture peep sight, screwed to the back of the receiver. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Bushnell 1.75-4x scope, with Bushnell’s Circle-X reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows light wear, with one heavy scratch on the bottom of the tube of the scope, just behind the rear scope ring. Overall, the scope rates in Good condition. The scope is mounted in 1″ high mount rings, that allow for use of the iron sights.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth walnut stock, with a semi-pistol grip, straight comb, metal crescent buttplate, and a banded forend with sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock shows light wear, with scattered scratches, dings, and compressions throughout. The stock’s finish is largely intact. The stock fits tightly to the frame, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Good to Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows minor thinning of the finish at the muzzle and thinning finish at the loading port, along with minor freckling of surface corrosion starting to form throughout the barrel and the receiver. There are some scattered light scratches and imperfections throughout the metal surfaces. The bluing is largely intact. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads range from tooled to sharp, but all retain strong and serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the cross-bolt safety. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: Ruger’s original 44 Carbine, first introduced in 1961 and marketed early on as the “Deerstalker”, was one of the most innovative American sporting rifles of its era. Lightweight, fast-handling, and chambered in the potent .44 Remington Magnum, it offered hunters a semi-automatic platform with excellent close-range authority and intuitive carbine ergonomics. By 1973, the year this rifle was produced, the design had already earned a fiercely loyal following among deer and hog hunters who valued its reliability, compact form, and hard-hitting performance in dense cover.
This example remains in solid, serviceable condition. The walnut stock shows honest field handling marks but no structural damage, and it retains tight inletting and good overall fit. The metal finish stands at about 95 percent, with light thinning at the muzzle and loading port, plus minor freckling beginning on the barrel and receiver, typical of a well-used but properly stored Ruger of this vintage. Mechanically, the rifle cycles correctly, and the bore is excellent; bright, sharp, and fully capable of delivering the accuracy the 44 Carbine is known for inside typical woods ranges.
The rifle is equipped with a Bushnell 1.75–4x scope in see-through rings, allowing continued use of the factory aperture rear sight. While the scope shows cosmetic wear, including one notable scratch on the underside of the tube, the glass remains clear and functional, giving the rifle practical field utility straight out of the box.
With its strong mechanical condition, excellent bore, and desirable early-1970s production date, this Ruger 44 Carbine remains a classic and highly effective hunting rifle. It offers both collectible appeal and real-world performance, a combination that keeps these rifles in high demand. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – J.D.
