Ruger 44 Carbine .44 Rem. mag 18 1/2″ Semi-Auto Rifle & Scope, MFD 1981
SOLD FOR: $1,675.00
LSB#: LSB260117DS091
Make: Sturm Ruger & Co.
Model: 44 Carbine
Serial Number: 102-97752
Year of Manufacture: 1981
Caliber: .44 Remington Magnum
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, fed by Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked with Ruger’s 2-line warning & address. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number and “RUGER CARBINE / .44 MAGNUM CAL.”, along with the Ruger logo.
Barrel Length: 18 1/2″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade, dovetailed to an integral barrel ring. The rear sight is an adjustable flip-up U-notch sight, dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Bushnell Sportsman 3-9×40 scope, with a duplex reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows no notable wear. Overall, the scope rates in Excellent condition. The scope is mounted to the receiver by a two-piece high-mount ring set, that allows for dual use of the iron sights.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth wood stock, with a semi-pistol grip, straight comb, plastic crescent buttplate, and a smooth banded forend. There is a sling ring in the belly, and a sling stud/ring mounted on the barrel. There is a nylon sling attached to the stock. 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 barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in 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, but there is some light fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with a few light scratches and dings scattered throughout the metal surfaces. There is some finish wear at the loading port, and on the barrel band. Otherwise, the bluing is largely intact. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are lightly tooled, but retain strong and serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Good to Very 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 sling and scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: Introduced in 1961, the Ruger .44 Carbine was one of the first successful semi-automatic rifles chambered for a revolver cartridge, blending fast follow-up capability with the hard-hitting performance of the .44 Remington Magnum. Built with lines reminiscent of the M1 Carbine and fed by a tubular magazine, it became a favorite in thick timber where quick shots on deer-sized game were the norm. By 1981, near the end of original production, these carbines had firmly established themselves as distinctive and highly recognizable American hunting rifles.
This 1981 example retains approximately 98 percent of its original blued finish, with only light handling marks and modest wear at the loading port and barrel band. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and rates 9.5 out of 10. The walnut stock shows honest use with scattered dings but remains solid and well-fitted. The included Bushnell Sportsman 3-9×40 scope is clear and mounted in high rings that allow continued use of the factory iron sights. The action functions correctly and the cross-bolt safety operates as intended, presenting a well-preserved example of Ruger’s classic semi-automatic .44. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.